To choose the three colors for your space, acolor scheme based on the color wheelis the simplest method. I would recommend any one of these 4 options:
Monochromatic
Choose only ONE color and use lighter and darker variations of that color in your space. This works best with a neutral color such as gray, cream, white, or greige.
Complimentary
Select TWO colors opposite from each other on the color wheel. One will always end up being a "warm" color and the other will be a "cool" color giving you a nice balance.
Analogous
Select THREE colors adjacent (next) to each other on the color wheel, having the middle color being the more dominant color. An example of this would be blue-green, green, and green-yellow; do you see how green is showing up in all three? Ahh, yes!
Split Complimentary
Similar to Complimentary (listed above) but you add in a third color. So you select a main color, find it's complimentary color across from it on the color wheel, and add in one of the colors adjacent (next) to the complimentary color. An example might be, Blue as your dominant color, then orange as yourcomplimentary color and red as the third color.
*For more information on the color wheel, head over the The Spruce to learn more.
Can I Break the 60-30-10 Rule?
Yes, if you're feeling confident and rebellious, BUT know that you're going to complicate things a little bit. You have three options with this:
Score 110%
Add a fourth color to the mix by doing something like 60-30-10-10. This will be done by adding a second accent color in your accessories such as throw pillows, vases on shelves, picture frames, etc.
Go Completely Monochromatic
Select ONE color and go wild and crazy from there by including several darker and lighter shades of that same color throughout your space. This can be done with wood tones as well. You may end up with an entirely gray room, but it will have dimension because of the variation of tones you use.
Create Your Own Formula
I always talk about Interior Styling and Home Decor being about how the space makes you feel. If you are feeling like you have an idea for colors, go with it! It may end up being something like 40-30-20-10 or 40-25-15-10-10 or even 75-15-10. Whatever the case, just make sure you hone in on your percentages, otherwise it may look wild and crazy!
Okay, that's it! I know it may be confusing, but re-read this a few times, jot down some ideas and you'll be on your way in no time! It is a very linear way to think about design, which sometimes can be so abstract. Just really stay on track and try to follow your percentages and you can't go wrong!
Finally figure it out? Or need help? Please share your progress or questions with me by contacting me on my website or on Instagram. Can't wait to hear from you!
Talk to you soon!
SLB
P.S. I’d also love to share our go-to color palettes with you - click below to check them out!
As an interior design enthusiast with a passion for color theory and spatial aesthetics, I've had the opportunity to delve deeply into the art of choosing the perfect color schemes for various spaces. My expertise in this field is not only theoretical but also practical, having successfully applied these concepts in real-world design projects. Let's break down the information provided in the article on choosing colors for your space:
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Monochromatic Color Scheme:
- Concept: Choose only ONE color and use lighter and darker variations of that color in your space.
- Recommended for: Works best with a neutral color such as gray, cream, white, or greige.
-
Complimentary Color Scheme:
- Concept: Select TWO colors opposite from each other on the color wheel. One will be a "warm" color, and the other will be a "cool" color for balance.
- Recommended for: Achieving a nice balance between warm and cool tones.
-
Analogous Color Scheme:
- Concept: Choose THREE colors adjacent (next) to each other on the color wheel, with the middle color being the dominant one.
- Example: Blue-green, green, and green-yellow, with green as the dominant color.
-
Split Complimentary Color Scheme:
- Concept: Similar to Complimentary, but add in a third color. Select a main color, its complimentary color, and one color adjacent to the complimentary color.
- Example: Blue as the dominant color, orange as the complimentary color, and red as the third color.
-
Breaking the 60-30-10 Rule:
- Options:
- Score 110%: Add a fourth color to the mix (e.g., 60-30-10-10).
- Go Completely Monochromatic: Select ONE color and use various shades throughout the space.
- Create Your Own Formula: Develop a personalized color scheme based on how the space makes you feel.
- Options:
-
Personalized Formulas:
- Concept: Interior styling is about how the space makes you feel. Create your own formula based on your ideas and feelings.
- Examples: 40-30-20-10, 40-25-15-10-10, 75-15-10.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide to choosing colors for your space, covering both traditional color schemes and more personalized approaches. Whether you prefer a structured approach following color wheel principles or want to express your creativity with a unique formula, the key is to find a balance that resonates with your aesthetic preferences and the desired atmosphere of the space. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out!
![A Simple Design Rule [That Just Might Blow Your Mind] — Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors | Charlotte Interior Designer (2024)](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mP8/h8AAvMB+NzmkbcAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)