Our Five Tips for Creating an Interior Color Scheme

06 Jan Our Five Tips for Creating an Interior Color Scheme

1. 1. 1. Start with public/formal rooms: When selecting colors for a home’s interiors, you should start with your home’s formal, public spaces. Those are the living room, dining room, and entryway. Choose the main color for those rooms, followed by a secondary and a third color.
      2. Take inspiration from the space:  If there is a rug or curtains in the living room, use them for inspiration. You can also pull colors from other large items (like artwork) in the room.
      3. The 60-30-10 rule: Once you have selected your three colors, consider using the 60-30-10 rule. It divides the colors in a room. Sixty percent is the dominant or primary color, 30 percent a secondary color, and 10 percent as an accent color. Usually, walls are 60 percent, upholstery (sofa, armchairs, etc.) would have the secondary color, and accessories such as throw pillows are the ten percent.
      4. Dark to light: Designers often recommend thinking of color layered vertically in a room. The darker colors ground the space at the lowest level (floors). Medium colors would be about eye level for the next level up, such as walls and seating. The lightest colors would be above eye level, such as the ceiling. Of course, this is not a hard and fast rule. There are times when breaking the rules is fine!
      5. Favorite colors: When someone has difficulty selecting colors, an idea is to check their clothes closet. If it’s filled with bright colors, then they’re probably going to feel better in a room that contains at least a few bright colors. If their closet is filled with earth-toned or muted-colored clothing, that is probably a good starting point for their home’s color scheme.

FAQ

1. How do I choose the right color palette for my interior?

Start by considering the mood and atmosphere you want to create in each room. Think about the room’s purpose—calming colors like blues and greens are great for bedrooms, while energetic hues like yellows or reds work well in social spaces. Use the color wheel to explore complementary, analogous, or monochromatic schemes, and let existing elements such as a rug or artwork inspire your choices.

2. What is the 60-30-10 rule, and why is it important?

The 60-30-10 rule helps create balance and harmony in a room by dividing the color scheme into three parts: 60% dominant color (walls or large furnishings), 30% secondary color (upholstery, curtains, or accent walls), and 10% accent color (decor, pillows, or artwork). This approach ensures your palette is visually appealing and not overwhelming.

3. How many colors should I use in a single room?

Designers recommend sticking to three to five colors in a room. Fewer than three can feel monotonous, while more than five may look chaotic. You can use different shades and tones of your chosen colors to add depth and interest without overcrowding the space.

4. How does lighting affect my color choices?

Lighting dramatically impacts how colors appear. Natural light shows the truest color, while artificial lighting can warm up or cool down a shade. Always test paint samples in the actual room at different times of day to see how they look under various lighting conditions.

5. What’s the best way to balance bold and neutral colors?

Use neutral tones as a base for large surfaces like walls and floors, then add pops of bold color through accessories or accent pieces. This creates a cohesive look while allowing you to introduce personality and vibrancy without overwhelming the space. Mixing warm and cool tones, or using neutrals with distinct undertones, can also help bridge the gap and keep the design inviting.

Mike Katounas

Mike Katounas is the owner of Home Works Painting, a painting business in Northern Virginia. He has over 15 years of experience in residential interior and exterior painting, drywall installation/repair, carpentry, wallpaper removal, power washing, commercial painting, color consultation, and staining/sealing. Their service areas include Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Oakton, Reston. Mike takes pride in his work, and he always follows a strict code of conduct that includes the use of quality paint, a clean workspace, and an honest, respectful approach to his customers.