A Complete Guide: How to Choose a Color Palette for Your Home’s Interior Design
Here’s a complete guide on how to choose interior color schemes for your home to get that cohesive and striking look that reflects your personal style.
Choosing a home color palette is like crafting a recipe – you wouldn’t toss in random ingredients and hope for a gourmet meal, right? The same goes for your home’s design. Your color choices set the vibe, guide your furniture decisions, and create the overall mood.
While neutrals might feel like a safe bet, don’t shy away from adding some bold hues! A little splash of color can bring life to your space and tie together even the most mismatched decor. Don’t know where to start? Let this blog guide you on how to choose a color palette for interior design to make your home feel cohesive and uniquely yours.
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Let’s Start With Some Design Definitions First…
- Color Theory: How colors interact (whether they harmonize, clash, or complement each other) and how we perceive them.
- 60-30-10 Rule: A design principle suggesting that your main color should cover about 60% of a space, with a secondary color taking up 30%, and the remaining 10% reserved for an accent color to add visual interest.
- Tone: The depth or brightness of a color. You can adjust a color’s tone by mixing it with gray.
- Tint: How light or soft a color becomes when white is added to it.
- Shade: How dark or light a color is, often altered by mixing black into it. It can also be used more broadly to describe variations of a color, like “shades of blue.”
- Warm Colors: Include hues from one side of the color wheel (reds, oranges, and yellows) that bring a sense of comfort and warmth to a space.
- Cool Colors: Purples, blues, and greens sit on the cooler side of the color wheel, providing a more calming, serene effect.
How to Choose a Whole House Color Palette That Flows Seamlessly
Picking one color can feel like a big enough task, but imagine selecting a palette for your entire home! While it sounds daunting, creating a cohesive whole house color scheme ensures that your rooms flow beautifully, and you won’t end up with jarring clashes between your walls and furniture.
A whole house palette isn’t just about paint. It’s about everything! Think accent colors, furniture finishes, flooring, and even metal fixtures. Consider it your decorating GPS, guiding you toward a harmonious home without any pit stops.
Why Is It Important to Create a Color Scheme for Your Home as a Whole?
Choosing a color scheme for your entire home simplifies future decisions about furniture and decor. Less guesswork means less time stressing over fifty shades of beige.
Working room by room sounds easier, right? But treating your home as a cohesive unit creates continuity and flow. Imagine walking through a serene, neutral-toned house, only to step into a neon pink kitchen. Talk about a plot twist no one asked for!
A consistent palette connects each space, making your home feel balanced and harmonious. The right color scheme will not only enhance the mood but also serve as your go-to guide for choosing everything from rugs to curtain rods. Just think of it as the magic formula that stops your house from turning into a rainbow explosion… unless that’s your thing!
Step-By-Step Guide: 21 Tips on How to Choose Interior Color Schemes
Choosing the right color scheme for your home can be daunting. But fear not! With a sprinkle of color theory and a dash of design principles, you’ll be picking palettes like a pro in no time.
Below is an overview of the steps/tips:
- Start with Your Favorite Room
- Consider Your Favorite Color
- Envision the Vibe You Want to Create
- Consider Color Psychology
- Think About Each Room’s Purpose
- Identify the Colors You Already Have
- Consider What Stays and What Goes
- Draw Inspiration from Items You Love
- Start with Neutrals
- Choose Your Key Colors
- Use a Color Wheel
- Consider Color Value
- Consider the 60-30-10 Rule
- Consider the Size & Scale of Each Room
- Consider Lighting & Windows
- Assess Sight Lines in Different Rooms
- Don’t Overlook the Exterior
- Seek Out Inspiration & Create a Mood Board
- Visualize Your Interior Desing Using Color Palette Generators
- Consult Interior Design Specialists
- Create a Thread
Helpful Tip: You may feel uncertain about your design instincts, but remember: color is personal! Your home should reflect you, not a paint store’s display. So, while it’s great to consider expert suggestions, let your heart (and maybe your closet) lead the way.
#1. Start with Your Favorite Room
Kickstart your design journey where your energy thrives by picking a room you love hanging out in, like the cozy kitchen or lively living room. Who wouldn’t want to tackle color choices in their happy place?
#2. Consider Your Favorite Color
Your favorite color can be your palette’s starting line! It’s your home, after all. No color is off-limits!
Not sure what you love? Check your closet for clues. While I’m not saying you should paint your entire house neon green, knowing your favorite color can give you a great starting point. For example, you can use your favorite hue as a bold accent, a soft background, or in your upholstery.
#3. Envision the Vibe You Want to Create
Before selecting colors, imagine the atmosphere you to create for yourself, your family, and, of course, your guests (who will judge your decor skills). A serene bedroom? A vibrant kitchen? A space that screams “party time”? Your mood dictates your palette, so think about how you want to feel when you enter each room.
#4. Consider Color Psychology
Color is a sneaky little thing that can evoke subconscious emotions, so it’s wise to decide whether you want tranquility, brightness, or something a bit more adventurous. Here’s where color psychology comes into play.
To make it easier to understand, below are the basics of color psychology and how you can apply it to create a color scheme for your home:
- Bright, Warm Colors: Warmth, energy, happiness, and comfort – ideal for areas meant for socializing and entertaining like kitchens and dining rooms
- Cool, Subdued Colors: Calming, soothing, and relaxed vibe – excellent for tranquil spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms
If articulating your vision feels like trying to describe a dream, create a mood board! It’s a fantastic way to visualize what you want and may even spark inspiration (and it’s a lot more fun than writing a to-do list).
#5. Think About Each Room’s Purpose
When choosing colors, consider what you want each room to do for you. Is it a space for entertaining guests, or is it where you go to escape and work in peace?
Understanding the function of a room helps dictate whether you should go all out with vibrant colors or stick with a more subdued palette. Remember, each room can have its own mood based on its function.
Using shades from the same color family throughout your home unifies the spaces without turning your place into a snooze-fest. For instance, the accent color in your living room could take center stage in your powder room, making your decor cohesive but never boring.
#6. Identify the Colors You Already Have
Before you paint your walls a vibrant fuchsia, look around at what you already have. Most of us aren’t swimming in cash, so it’s smart to start with less flexible elements like your current furniture, fabrics, and fixtures.
Paint is cheaper and you can easily match it with any color, so it’s best to match it to your existing decor rather than starting from scratch.
Helpful Tip: When you’re out shopping, bring along paint swatches. They’re your best friend for avoiding a color clash that could send your decor into therapy.
#7. Consider What Stays and What Goes
Your choices should complement these elements rather than clash with them.
Let’s face it, some things in your home are just too stubborn to leave. Before diving into paint samples, think about what elements you’re keeping, like flooring, cabinetry, big pieces of furniture, bathroom fittings, or character features like fireplaces.
If you have a show-stopping green marble fireplace or a stunning herringbone floor, let those be your palette’s foundation. Take photos of what you want to keep to ensure you don’t end up with a color disaster.
Also Read: A Buyer’s Guide: 27 Tips on How to Choose Bathroom Tiles
#8. Draw Inspiration from Items You Love
Look for inspiration in things you cherish, like a favorite piece of artwork or even a funky vintage shirt.
Finding your color scheme doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It can actually be a joyful experience! Pull two or three colors from these beloved items to create a harmonious palette. You’ll be amazed at how many color schemes are hiding in your treasures. Who knew your old rug could inspire a whole room redesign?
#9. Start with Neutrals & Build Your Color Palette
Neutral colors are the unsung heroes of interior design. They serve as a blank canvas, allowing your furniture and decor to shine without stealing the spotlight.
Classic choices like creams and whites are versatile and work well with just about anything. Want a statement piece? A neutral backdrop lets that bold accent chair take center stage without feeling overshadowed. It’s like the dependable friend who makes sure the life of the party doesn’t overshadow your quiet charm!
#10. Choose Your Key Colors
To create a harmonious flow throughout your home, start by selecting your hero colors – the foundation of your palette.
Interior designers often suggest starting with a versatile neutral, like cream or white, as your base color which can also make adding an accent color easier. While it’s tempting to stick with the same colors in every room (because consistency is key, right?), remember to consider the purpose of each space and how light plays a role. Some rooms might need a splash of warmth or a touch of dimension to keep things interesting.
More Tips on How to Choose a Whole House Color Palette
- Select 3 to 5 Colors: Aim for three to five colors for a cohesive palette. This magic number keeps things interesting. Too few can feel matchy, while too many can resemble a circus. Make sure to follow the 60-30-10 rule when implementing your home’s color palette throughout each room.
- Find a Balance: Create a mix of dominant, secondary, and accent colors. Too many colors lead to chaos, and too few make it bland!
- Choose 2 Key Colors: After choosing your 3-5 colors, select two key colors that will shine in your design from these. Neutrals are popular, but bold shades can make a statement. For minimalists who love airy spaces, go for shades of white, beige, or gray. Feeling adventurous? Try bold dark greens, warm oranges, or cool blues
- Pick Accent Colors: Use your remaining colors as accents in accessories and textiles. This is your chance to add fun pops of color and avoid any dull spaces.
#11. Use a Color Wheel to Create a Color Palette
Familiarize yourself with the color wheel, your secret weapon for the perfect palette! Get to know how hues interact, especially if you are using more than one color, because some colors clash while others harmonize.
NOTE: There are simple color wheels featuring just primary colors (red, blue, and yellow), along with the basic secondary shades like green, orange, and purple. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use more complex versions with an endless array of tints and shades.
Here are ways you can use the color wheel for interior design:
Analogous Color Scheme
- Choose colors next to each other on the wheel (like blue and green) to create harmony and a soothing vibe.
Complementary Color Scheme
- Pair colors opposite each other (think red and green) for a vibrant look and creating bold contrasts that gives a delightful energy boost.
- One color should be dominant, while the other adds fun pops of interest. Think of it as giving your room a double espresso shot!
- Incorporate neutral undertones like a warm cream with yellow undertones to complement blue. This balance creates an energized yet stable environment.
Monochromatic Color Scheme
- Stick to one color in various shades and tints for a cohesive look. Imagine a room where dark blue walls pair perfectly with soft blue sofas and sky-blue art – calming and chic!
- Choose one color with a gradient from light to dark. It’s an easy way to add depth and elegance without breaking a sweat!
Another Helpful Tip: Try pairing lighter and/or darker versions of complementary or analogous colors with neutrals.
#12. Consider Color Value in Your Home Color Palette Selection
When you create a color palette for your home, remember color value (how light or dark a hue is). Mixing values can prevent your palette from looking chaotic. Aim for one dark, one light, and one bright color in each room based on your comfort level. Experimenting with varying shades of the same color can add depth.
Another Helpful Tip: Include Both Warm & Cool Tones to Find a Good Balance
Combine warm tones (e.g. reds, yellows, and browns) for a cozy vibe with cool tones (e.g. greens, blues, and purples) for a calming effect. If your space is bursting with warm colors, consider adding cooler shades to maintain harmony. Mix these tones through your walls, textiles, or decor to transform your home into an inviting retreat
#13. Consider the 60-30-10 Rule: The Golden Ratio of Interior Color Palettes
The 60-30-10 rule is your go-to for a balanced interior color palette. Here’s the breakdown:
- Dominant Color (60%): This is your main color, covering walls and large furniture. It sets the mood of the room!
- Secondary Color (30%): This supports the dominant color, adding depth through upholstery, curtains, smaller furniture pieces, and rugs.
- Accent Color (10%): The fun part! This color adds visual excitement through accessories like cushions and artwork. It should contrast with the other two.
#14. Consider the Size & Scale of Each Room
Lighter hues can open up small spaces, making them feel like they’re expanding into another dimension. On the flip side, dark shades can make large rooms feel more intimate and inviting.
Warmer Colors
- Effect: These hues tend to pull walls in, creating a snug and intimate atmosphere.
- Ideal Use: Perfect for making a space feel cozy.
- Reminder: Use in moderation to avoid transforming your space into a seemingly small sauna rather than a sanctuary.
Cooler Colors
- Effect: These shades can create the illusion of receding walls, making a room appear larger and more open.
- Ideal Use: Great for achieving a spacious feel, reminiscent of a beach house or an enchanted forest.
- Reminder: While cooler colors can enhance space, they can be harder to maintain because dirt will be more visible.
#15. Consider How Your Lighting & Windows Affect Your Color Choices
Lighting is important in interior design. Before you choose a whole house color palette, take a good look at your room’s lighting.
Seriously, it’s like checking the weather before deciding to wear flip-flops in winter! Here are tips you can follow:
Understand Your Lighting
Lighting significantly affects how colors appear. As natural light changes throughout the day, so will your color choices. Test swatches on every wall and observe them at different times.
Experiment with Room Orientation
South-facing rooms can handle cooler whites with blue or green undertones. For darker spaces, opt for lighter shades like whites or taupes to brighten things up. Warm colors can soften shadows and make the room feel cozier.
Consider Your Windows
Want to showcase your beautiful view? Choose a contrasting color to make your windows pop. If not, go for shades similar to your wall color to keep the attention where you want it.
Choose Colors Under Real Lighting
For rooms used mainly at night, pick colors under the actual lighting. Incandescent bulbs give off warm, reddish light, while fluorescent bulbs create a cooler blue tone. Make sure your colors work well under the light they’ll be in.
Also Read: Best Bathroom Plants for Low Light, Humid Environments & Small or Large Bathrooms
#16. Assess Sight Lines in Different Rooms
Before you settle on a color palette, think about how the colors will look from different rooms. Instead of just staring at tiny paint swatches, buy some sample cans and paint them on poster boards.
Place these boards where you can see them as you walk through your home. Then, take a step back and see how the colors look together from different angles. This way, you can decide if the colors blend nicely or clash like a bad couple at a party!
Helpful Read: What Are Sight Lines And Why Are They Important When Designing A Home?
#17. Don’t Overlook the Exterior
Let’s not forget about your home’s exterior! It deserves a color palette that plays nicely with the neighbors. After all, you don’t want your house to be the odd one out, looking like it wandered into the wrong block party.
Consider the dominant hues of your siding and roof, then select colors that complement them. And hey, don’t skip the front door! It’s the first impression your house makes.
#18. Seek Out Inspiration & Create a Mood Board
Now, it’s time to channel your inner artist! Mood boards are fantastic for piecing together your vision. Whether you’re flipping through magazines, scrolling Instagram, or raiding Pinterest, gather inspiration.
Keep track of colors you love and those you definitely don’t. Create a mood board, either digitally or physically, to see how everything ties together. This is like matchmaking for your home’s decor – find your aesthetic soulmate!
#19. Visualize Your Interior Design Using Color Palette Generators
Since this is the age of technology, why not let apps do some of the heavy lifting? Check out tools like Canva. They can help you whip up a color palette quicker. Snap a picture, and these apps will do their magic, serving up beautiful color combinations like a personal stylist for your walls.
#20. Consult Interior Design Specialists
When all else fails, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals. Interior design specialists can help you nail that dream aesthetic without leaving you feeling lost in a sea of hues. If you’re struggling to pick out paint colors, a quick visit to a store with color specialists can also turn your color chaos into coherent beauty. Your walls will thank you for it!
#21. Create a Thread
When mapping out the color palette for your home, consider how to weave that color story throughout your home even if you can’t tackle all the rooms at once. Think of it as a colorful thread connecting your spaces.
You don’t have to paint every wall to create that cohesive look. Instead, sprinkle in colors with accessories, soft furnishings, and even woodwork like vibrant vases, cozy cushions, and chic accent furniture.
Extra Tips to Make the Color Flow Seamlessly From Room to Room
To ensure colors flow smoothly from one room to the next, add hints of the same color throughout your home, whether through paint or materials by following one or more of these tips:
- Use the same trim color in every room for a cohesive look.
- Apply your base color in hallways, entryways, and other connected spaces to keep the flow.
- Keep color undertones consistent for smooth transitions.
- Use the same woodwork shade throughout for a polished finish, even if colors vary.
- Have your mood board nearby as you decorate.
Other Important Things to Know on How to Choose a Color Palette for Interior Design
Tips for Homeowners Who Prefer a Neutral Background
Prefer neutrals? You can easily add color with small touches! Use rugs, pillows, and throws to introduce vibrant shades and cozy textures. Window treatments can also brighten your space. Artwork adds personality—who doesn’t love a good chat about an abstract piece? Fresh flowers and fruit are great for cheerful pops of color, too.
Tips for Choosing a Color Scheme for Open Floor Plans
- Keep a cohesive look without sticking to one color. Use architectural features to guide color transitions (transition areas and corners to stop and start paint colors naturally) and create accent walls for added flair.
- Define spaces with moldings and break up walls with bookcases or shelving.
- Use rugs to distinguish spaces. You can also group pieces of furniture around an area rug.
- Feeling bold? Opt for a monochromatic scheme with varying shades or choose three colors: one for the walls, one for the trim, and one for the ceiling.
Transform your bathroom into a stylish and practical space with Nero Tapware’s wide range of bathroom mixer taps, accessories, and fittings. Our extensive collection are available in various finishes perfectly designed to complement your home’s color palette. Reach out to our expert team today!
FAQs
How do you decide on a color palette for your home?
Start by identifying your favorite room and color as a base. Consider the desired vibe and purpose of each space, and use color psychology for emotional impact. Look for inspiration in cherished items and begin with neutral tones. Aim for a cohesive flow with the 60-30-10 rule for balancing dominant, secondary, and accent colors.
How do I choose interior colors for my house?
Define the atmosphere you want in each room, and ensure new colors complement existing furniture and decor. Use mood boards or color palette generators to visualize ideas, and consult design specialists for guidance if needed.
What is the 60-30-10 rule?
This design principle recommends allocating 60% of a space to a dominant color (walls/furniture), 30% to a secondary color (upholstery/curtains), and 10% to an accent color (accessories). It helps maintain harmony while adding visual interest.
How many colors should be in a home color palette?
A cohesive home color palette typically consists of 3 to 5 colors. This range keeps things interesting without feeling chaotic or overly simplistic. Aim for a mix of dominant, secondary, and accent colors to ensure balance. You can use the 60-30-10 rule to distribute these colors effectively throughout your home, creating a harmonious flow from room to room.
How do I find my color palette style?
To find your color palette style, reflect on your personal preferences and the emotions you want to evoke in your home. Start by identifying your favorite colors and consider how they relate to items you love, like art or textiles.