Color affects mood and perceptions, and can make a statement or attract attention. Learning how to play-up undertones, blend colors, and where to place an accent wall are all things to consider when it comes to designing your home. It may seem overwhelming, but deciding on color doesn’t have to be. Inspiration can be found anywhere: within nature, food, and even everyday items. Follow this guide to color combinations to help you get started.
Mood/Atmosphere: Before heading to the hardware store to contemplate what colors to use, really hone in on what mood you want yourself and your guests to feel when in that space. Do you want a cheerful atmosphere that energizes, or something traditional and relaxing?
Deciding on the atmosphere that you want to provide is the first step to then pulling inspiration from various everyday items and surroundings. For example, if you want to transform your room into a relaxing oasis, find inspiration in nature. Spend some time on the beach or in the park and take notice of all of the colors that surround you. No matter what setting you choose for atmosphere inspiration, you’re guaranteed to discover a color palette or two.
Finding Inspiration In Nature: Simply looking out a window throughout the year can open your mind up to so many different color combinations. The easiest way to think about nature’s colors are to visualize each of the four seasons:
- Winter. Consider words that come to mind when thinking about winter, like cold, icy, snow, and of course the holidays. Color tones that have icy blues, snowy whites, and jewel tones are ideal for creating a room with a winter ambiance. Choose two or three shades to combine, like a winter white, navy blue, and a light, icy blue. Winter inspired paint colors include Dorian Gray (SW 7017) paired with Anonymous (SW 7046).
- When you think of spring, your mind turns to blooming flowers and fresh air. If you want to evoke the sense of spring in your home, use pastel colors in shades of pink, blue, purple, and green. Paint colors ideal for creating a springtime ambiance include Blue Nile (SW 6776), Holiday Turquoise (SW 0075), and Gardenia (SW 6665). When gaining inspiration from the spring season, remember that moderation is vital to having a painting project be a success. Don’t go overboard with color! Choose two or three shades to go with and always balance with a neutral accent wall or accessories.
- Summer. Summer is a season that many people love, and using it’s vibrant color schemes in your home decor can create a fun and enticing atmosphere perfect for living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. Typically, the colors that remind us of summer have a beach-like, nautical vibe. For a bright and fun look, opt for shades of pink, orange, and tan using colors like Heartfelt (SW 6586) and Surprise Amber (SW 6654). If you’re more into the nautical theme, go with shades of navy, beige, and white. Colors like Sea Serpent (SW 7615), Natural tan (SW 7567), and Alabaster (SW 7008) are ideal for this theme. Sprinkle with a pop of red for the finishing touches!
- Fall. The autumn season draws the mind to crisp leaves, pumpkin patches, and the Thanksgiving harvest. If you love this season, incorporate gold, rust, orange, cranberry, and burgundy into your home decorating. Sherwin Williams has a lot of great autumnal shades to choose from. Pair a Burgundy (SW 6300) or a Deep Mauve (SW 0005)with a lilac or tan like Colony Buff (SW 7723).This is a great way to play with undertones and create a stunning bedroom, basement, or bathroom.
Finding Inspiration In Food: As with nature, you can find color inspiration in the foods that you enjoy. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices feature a lot of vibrant colors that are great for home design. Take note of the foods that you’re eating – you never know what dish could inspire you!
- Tropical Fruit. Take notice of all of the bright, cheerful colors in the fresh fruit you find at your local grocer. Vibrant greens, yellows, oranges, and reds you find in limes, lemons, bananas, and apples are all excellent colors for kitchen design. To create a kitchen that feels inviting to your friends and family, combine citrus shades with a khaki shade or muted gray. Bright color recommendations from Sherwin Williams include Lime Impetuous (SW 6916), Rhumba Orange (SW 6642), and Quite Coral (SW 6614).
- Spices. You don’t only have to examine the finish product for color. The spices you use in recipes and top your meals with can also provide you with plenty of color inspiration. Cinnamon, cream, caramel, and cayenne pepper are all spices that are rich in color. Combine light browns like Creamy (SW 7012) with red hues in rooms like the kitchen or dining room to excite your guests’ appetite!
- Chocolate. Luscious, decadent chocolate is loved by many, and is the perfect shade to use in master bedrooms and bathrooms to create a lavish environment. Similar to spices, chocolate combines variations of brown with red and violet tones. Use these shades in your home decor for a simple look of luxury!
Giving your everyday space a new look is an exciting time to put your creative side to work. Follow this guide to color combinations to ensure that your next painting project is a success. For more paint color suggestions, contact the professionals at Kennewick painters.