Step 1) Pick a Pattern
Almost every room has a pattern in it somewhere. It might be in a picture, a rug, the bedspread or on an upholstered piece of furniture. It is much easier to start with the pattern, than to try to find a pattern to fit into a given color scheme later on. From the colors in your pattern, we will create the palette for the room.
Step 2) Choose Three Colors
From within your pattern select three colors; a light color, a medium tone and a darker color. These three colors will form the foundation of your color scheme.
Step 3) Use Your Light Color As The Background
Color your walls and floor with a soft version of your light color. You may choose to “knock it down” with a touch of white or gray if it seems too vivid for use as a background color. It is pleasing to the eye to have your floor color a bit darker than your walls and ceiling. This helps to “ground” the room.
Step 4) Put Your Medium Tone On The Largest Pieces
Window coverings and large furniture pieces will take the mid-tone color – especially if it has a tinge of the wall/floor color mixed into it.
Step 5) Add The Darker Color As An Accent
Now sprinkle in the darker color on the accessories and small furniture pieces. Use these for punch and distribute them evenly throughout the room.
By rotating the three colors you can place a greater emphasis on the background or furniture. Your eye typically will gravitate towards the darker, brighter colors.
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