Colour rules

A few simple rules.

When decorating a space , divide the colours in the space into components of 60% of a dominant colour,30% of a secondary colour and 10% of an accent colour. The walls will most likely be the majority , the upholstery would represent the secondary colour and accessories such as a vase or cushions would make up the rest.

If you think about a formal outfit when we break this down it would be as follows:

60% of the outfit's colour is the trousers and jacket

30% of the outfits colour is the shirt

10% of the outfits colour is the scarf or tie

Use the colour wheel.

Trying to decide on the right colour scheme for a room or an entire house can be difficult. You can simplify the process by using your colour wheel and narrowing down your choices to two colour schemes.

Complimentary colour Scheme

Complimentary  colours are OPPOSITE each other on the colour wheel , such as red and green ,  blue and yellow or purple and orange. Rooms decorated with a complimentary colour scheme tend to provide a clear separation of colours and often are more formal and more visually challenging. Complimentary colour schemes should be used in the more formal areas of the home , for example the living room or dining room.

Analogous Colour Scheme

Analogous colours are next to each other on the colour wheel, such as yellow and green , blue and violet or red and orange. Rooms using an analogous colour scheme typically are more casual, restful and muted in terms of colouration. This colour scheme is best used in the more informal area of the home . Family rooms , dens and bedrooms, places appropriate for rest and recovery from the business of the day. 

Choose a colour scheme from the largest pattern in the space.

If you have patterned upholstery,an oriental rug or large feature artwork, use the colours you like from the pattern. For a neutral wall paint colour look to the patterns white of beiges.

Decorate your space from dark to light , vertically 

A " by the book" way to make any space look good without much risk , is to use darker colour values for the floor , medium colour values for the walls and light values for the ceiling.

Any interior space replicated the outside world . The exterior environment is generally darker below or feet ( the earth ) , medium valued as you look straight ahead ( buildings , trees etc ) and lighter values to the sky.

Study the colour of your clothes.

Most people buy clothes in the colours they like to wear and think they look good in. Similarly , you should decorate your rooms in the colours you look good in. If you don't wear yellow , don't buy a yellow sofa ! You will look sickly on it !

Get Inspired 

It's your home , NOT your neighbours ! Your home is your retreat and should reflect who YOU are and what interests , hobbies and styles make you and your family happy!