How to Choose a Color Scheme

So you've decided to redecorate a room in your home. You start your search for new decor, excited and eager to freshen things up...until you see all of your choices. With so many colors and ideas out there starting a new project can be overwhelming. Where to start? Choose a color scheme. Here are some easy tips to help you narrow down that growing pile of options.

Choose a color scheme from the largest pattern in the room. When redocorating a room chances are you have a few pieces that you are planning on keeping in that room. Use these pieces as your starting point and plan the rest of the decor around them. If you have patterned upholstrey, a statement rug or a large piece of artwork, pick colors you like from these pieces. Look to the piece's whites and beiges for neutrals to add to the space, such as wall color, a throw blanket, etc.

Starting from scratch? Choosing a color scheme can be tough, you have to chose colors that you can live with seeing and being surrounded by everyday. The best way to get an idea of the colors you enjoy is to take a look at the color of your clothes. When it comes to clothes shopping, most people know what colors they like and what colors they look good in. Similarly, you should decorate your rooms with colors you prefer. If you love to wear blue, you'll probably love your living room with shades of blue. If you don't wear red, don't buy a red couch. Surround yourself with colors you like and your home will instantly feel more comfortable.

Start with the formal areas of your home. These include the living room, dining room and entry way. Choose your color scheme for these areas first, then pull one color from the space to inspire other spaces. For example, after a look in your closet you notcied you loved the color blue and decided to go with a blue color scheme in your living room. Take this color scheme and mute it for other spaces in your home. Say, a bedroom or office, and chose navy blues or grays with blue undertones to decorate these areas. This will ensure your home flows from room to room.