Several Proven Methods To Help You Choose Paint Colors For Your Home or Office

Ever wonder how interior designers do what they do with seemingly little effort?  Although there is a high level of artistic talent needed to be a professional designer there are also several “formulas” that can help.  Read on to learn about several proven methods to choose a paint color scheme that works!

For examples of monochromatic and other color schemes visit our portfolio!  For some other information regarding putting your colors together you can follow this link.

One of the most commonly known methods to choose colors (other than just winging it!) is called monochromatic.  A monochromatic color scheme involves using different shades, tones, and tints of a single color.

In this scheme, variations of the same hue are employed to create a harmonious and unified look. Typically, a monochromatic palette consists of a base color and its lighter and darker shades, achieved by adding white or black respectively, as well as various tones created by mixing the color with gray.

This approach creates a cohesive and visually pleasing design while allowing for subtle variation and contrast within the chosen color family. Monochromatic color schemes are often used in design to evoke a sense of simplicity, elegance, and sophistication.

Just like monochromatic design, there are several other design methods that focus on specific color schemes or elements. Here are a few examples:

1. **Analogous Color Scheme**: This method involves using colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. For example, combining shades of blue, blue-green, and green can create a harmonious and visually appealing palette.

2. **Complementary Color Scheme**: In this method, colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are used together. For instance, pairing blue with orange or purple with yellow creates a high-contrast and vibrant look.

3. **Triadic Color Scheme**: This involves using three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. For example, combining red, yellow, and blue creates a balanced and dynamic palette.

4. **Split-Complementary Color Scheme**: Similar to the complementary scheme, this method involves using a base color and two colors adjacent to its complementary color. For example, pairing blue with yellow-orange and red-orange creates a visually appealing and balanced palette.

5. **Warm and Cool Colors**: Using a combination of warm colors (such as reds, oranges, and yellows) and cool colors (such as blues, greens, and purples) can create contrast and visual interest in a design.

6. **Monochromatic with Accents**: Similar to monochromatic design, but with the addition of one or two accent colors to add visual interest and contrast. For example, a predominantly blue design with pops of yellow or orange accents.

7. **Texture and Pattern Mixing**: Incorporating different textures and patterns within a single color scheme can add depth and dimension to a design. For example, combining smooth and rough textures or mixing geometric and organic patterns in the same color family.

8. **Value Contrast**: Using variations in lightness and darkness (value) within a single color scheme can create contrast and visual interest. For example, combining light and dark shades of blue or gray to create depth in a design. These design methods, like monochromatic design, offer various ways to create visually appealing and cohesive compositions by focusing on specific color schemes or elements.