Choosing a colour scheme for a room is a matter of personal taste; it is not necessarily important to select from tried and tested colour combinations or follow a colour wheel. Instead, the most important thing is to find a colour scheme that suits an individual’s style, as our decorators at Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd would suggest from years of experience.
Having decided to redecorate a space, choosing the right colour can seem daunting as there are so many available. However, there are some useful tips DIYers can follow to make the process easier.
First and foremost, we think it’s important to consider the position of the room in the house. The amount of natural light entering the space means that some rooms lend themselves to some shades more than others. A south-facing room can carry darker colours. By contrast, a north-facing room can benefit from warmer colours such as pinks and yellows.
Finding Inspiration
When searching for the ideal colour palette for a room, it can be helpful to think of a much-loved piece of artwork or a piece of patterned fabric such as a rug. Using these colours in a well-balanced colour scheme can work wonders and speak to the homeowner’s tastes.
DIYers may also wish to consider their overall home and how one colour flows into the next, room by room. For a simpler approach, choosing one colour and using it in different proportions in each room can provide a sense of continuity and calm.
It also isn’t necessary to choose a bold colour for the walls. Neutral tones can provide an excellent base for pops of colour; a neutral shade on the walls can be elevated with colour in soft furnishings such as rugs, curtains and cushions. Artwork, vases and lamps can also be incorporated into the overall colour scheme.
Using Light and Accessories
Light has a significant impact on how any colour could work in a given space. Natural light changes throughout the day, so DIYers should use tester pots to paint a patch of wall and observe the differences in its appearance. When the room becomes darker, it’s important to study how synthetic light changes the look. It can also be helpful to base a colour scheme on the furniture in a space. Choosing the ideal sofa, chairs and tables and matching the colour scheme to them is a good starting point.
While trends can be helpful as a source of inspiration, they can date quickly. So, it’s not wise to follow them just because they’re in fashion.
