Choosing a House Color Scheme

New colors for your home can be exciting. But does choosing the right scheme have you panicking? You’re not alone. Picking too bland is boring and choosing too bright, tacky. Here’s how to go about choosing a house color scheme from the experts.

The colors can not only affect your mood and mojo, but your home value. Picking colors that are off trend or other than neutral, are a turn off to buyers you may encounter before you repaint. Pick the right colors, and you’re going to be in the green.

Inspiration

Avoid the boxes of colors at the home repair store. Rather look at what you wear and surround yourself. Do you have a piece of art or particular color you like to wear? Is there a throw pillow that makes you happy? Start with that.

Maybe the beginning stages are not so easy. Pick a feeling you’d like to give your room. A cozy blue, cheery pink or bright yellow. If it feels right to you, there is no wrong answer.

Neutrals

A palette should start with three colors. It gives you choices and variances without being overwhelming. Pick a neutral to start with. It should be something you like as it should be included in all of the rooms that are part of the palette and make your house seem pulled together.

Accents

This is where you get more creative. Choose the bright throw blanket shade you like or the color from the flowers outside your window. The three colors should be complimentary, but not necessarily matchy-matchy.

Test

Do not commit to a palette unless you have checked on two items: lighting and sight lines. Once you think you have colors chosen, go to the store and get small cans of each to test in your home. Paint poster sized samples on the walls you think you will be painting of the color you want to put up. Make note of how each color flows together from room to room. Have a look at how hues look from other rooms and how they play together.

Repeat

To create the whole-house palette, you must incorporate the colors you have chosen from room to room. Repetition is key.

Experts recommend that each color get used at least twice. Use one color as the room color in one room and potentially an accent wall in another. It can be used in a wall paper, trim, wall or other area of the room.

60-30-10

This is a rule designers have come up with to help you distribute the color throughout your home. The main color you pick should be on 60% of room surfaces, the secondary should be on 30% and the accent color on the remaining 10%.

You’re house color scheme is ready. Get your paint, and remember, be bold!

If you are interested in professional assistance with color selection, we offer color consulting services. Contact us today for a free estimate.