Pulling Colors Together Like A Design Expert
A pinch of basic color theory and a dash of science should send you well on your way today! A color wheel and something called the '60-30-10 Rule' will have you combining colors like an interior design pro in no time!
But, before you can successfully apply color theory to interior design, you have to understand how it works. Selecting color has been one of my favorite and also my most challenging when working with a client or my own family. Color in paint, material, and cabinetry HAS to have balance in order to work.
I hope I did not lose you in the opening of our blog! First, I am going to share a little trade secret, which is the BEST fast-track knowledge to being on trend with color. Learn the Color of the Year! 2021's Color of the Year for Sherwin Williams: URBANE BRONZE SW7048 and Benjamin Moore: AEGEAN TEAL BM2136-40.
YOU, yes YOU are going to pop this color throughout your space starting NOW! And when you start using these colors, it will infuse a little street cred with those that happen to walk through your front door or enter your cubicle. Also very trendy is the white, gray and more gray shades. Turn up the color combinations to infuse a little interest.
The total beauty of a complementary color scheme is a science. The colors are opposite of each other on the color wheel. There is true balance with combinations of a warm hue with a cool hue. This adds a true sophistication when you walk into a room that is done well. I think the perception of color is truly fascinating! When someone says that person has an ‘eye for color’ it is a true statement! Roy G. Biv is NOT the only name when we talk about what colors truly exist. In 1790, researcher Thomas Young said the human eye sees only three primary colors of red, blue and yellow and all colors are a combination of these. Almost a century later, Ewald Hering introduced a “four unique hues theory” which held that humans process all the possible colors when red, green, yellow, and blue colors are mixed with white or black. There are many more researchers that have moved history along in this amazing world of color.
Decorating is simplified for those who know and understand the “60/30/10 Rule”. Even people who don’t know how to decorate can pull together a fantastic indoor space if they know a few design and composition basics. Everyone knows when something looks unbalanced and awkward. The 60/30/10 Rule is as simple as it sounds. When selecting colors for decorating purposes, the dominant color should comprise 60 percent of the overall scheme, with the secondary and accent colors following accordingly. The human brain seems to incorporate this pattern more easily than others. In a typical room setting, the 60 percent portion of the color scheme should be the walls, 30 percent should be the upholstery and the remaining 10 percent should be the accent color. Accents can be great accessories staged in a room that snaps everything together. So, picking three colors randomly is not going to have a working color scheme. The colors will have to compliment or contrast (based on their position on the color wheel).
So, if you’re looking to update your space or have a fresh, new space to work with, get things moving along by painting a color that works! Follow the rules and theories that have been shared and you are truly on your way! Don’t forget the items in the room can be a part of your color palate. Trending right now is furniture with pops of color. How yummy to add a blue velvet chair?! Perhaps, consider bringing the outdoors in by displaying artwork that features florals! Metal is also fashionable and on trend in accent pieces. Start by adding a side table that is functional to the area and features ONE of your colors.
For more ideas, furniture, artwork, and accessories, check out TheHiveExperience.com! There you’ll find an endless collection of unique items that will add sophisticated color to all your rooms.
Sweetly Yours,
Jeanette
