Choosing your color palette: Tips and tricks to get it just right
Picking the right color palette for your home can feel overwhelming, but it's also one of the most personal and fun parts of designing your space. Your home is an extension of you, so choose colors that evoke the vibe and feeling you want to bring to life. Need help getting started? With thousands of color options out there, we've gathered out best tips and tricks to help you find the palette that's perfect for you!
Find your inspiration
When deciding on a color palette, start by looking to the things that naturally draw your eye. Nature, fashion, art, or even your favorite food can all serve as great inspiration. Think about what catches your attention and what colors make you feel like you. Are you drawn to contrasting or complementary colors? Do you prefer light, airy tones or deeper, moodier shades? Are you gravitating towards colors that feel bright and happy or more subtle colors that feel calm and soothing?
One of our favorite ways to help clients find their palette is to look at their wardrobe. If you consistently wear a certain color, chances are you'll love it in your home too. Keep an eye out for color combinations that feel balanced and make you smile. You'll be
amazed at how much inspiration you can pull from things you already love. Print out pics of your favorite pieces or create a digital mood board to help you see how different colors will go together. This will also help you decide if you really love that color combo enough to commit.
amazed at how much inspiration you can pull from things you already love. Print out pics of your favorite pieces or create a digital mood board to help you see how different colors will go together. This will also help you decide if you really love that color combo enough to commit.Consider the natural light
Natural light can completely change how colors appear, so it's essential to think about how much light your room gets throughout the day. Rooms with plenty of sunlight naturally feel bright and open. If you love that fresh, airy look, lean into it with light and crisp colors. On the other hand, contrasting that natural brightness with bolder, deeper tones can help ground the space and add depth and intrigue.
For rooms that are naturally darker, embrace that cozy, moody vibe by choosing darker colors that enhance the room's natural ambiance. If you'd rather brighten up a dim space, opt for lighter hues to help bounce what light there is around the room.
*Pro Tip from our design team: Always sample your chosen colors on a wall or in the room to observe how they look throughout the day, as changing light can dramatically impact the final result.
Follow the 60-30-10 rule
A tried-and-true method for balancing your color palette is the 60-30-10 rule. Here's how it breaks down:
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60% of the room: this should be your dominant color, usually a neutral or soft shade that sets the overall tone. The majority of your room will be shades and tones of this color so make sure it's something you really love and are ready to commit to. If you're ready to be bold, dive all in on a unique color. If you want to keep your options open, opt for a neutral color that you can make work with a variety of colors.
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30% of the room: Use a secondary color to add depth and contrast. This is your opportunity to bring in a bolder hue or a deeper shade. The secondary color is where you can start playing with your layering of the palette. If you want something more eclectic and unique, pick a contrasting color to your dominant color or something in the opposite shade. For example, if your dominant color is a tan, picking something like a bold green or a deep mocha will create a more dynamic room. If you'd like to keep your room more comforting and subtle, pick a secondary color that is the same tone as your dominant color or just a few shades different. For example, if your dominant color is tan, pick a light blue or a light beige for your calm room.
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10% of the room: This is your accent color and it's where you can have the most fun and really bring your personality to your room. Whether it's vibrant throw pillows, eye-catching artwork, or a bold statement chair, this is the place to bring in that pop. Don't be afraid to try something here that pushing your comfort zone. It's a small percentage of the room and easy to change if you want to mix it up down the road.
Our design teams loves helping clients balance these proportions while staying true to their unique style. We always recommend choosing shades that work harmoniously with each other rather than competing for attention. If you feel like your colors are competing, consider switching one out that will connect the other 2 better or changing to a more similar tone to add cohesion.
Design Tip:
We know that changing to a new color palette can feel like a big commitment, especially when investing in larger pieces. Unsure if you'll love the color palette you've picked? One of the easiest ways to experiment with color or bold shades is to start small. Incorporate new shades through throw pillows, vases, or artwork. These items are budget-friendly and easy to swap out if you change your mind.
Once you feel more confident in your color choice, start integrating it through more significant elements like rugs, chairs, or drapery. Taking this gradual approach allows you to ease into your new palette without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
At the end of the day, your home should reflect your personal style and make you feel good every time you walk through the door. So trust your instincts, have fun, and don't overthink it! Go with what you love and what brings you joy! The most important thing to remember is it's your home, and if you love it, it was the right choice!
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