Get comfortable with color

Want to give your home a splash of color but afraid it will be too brash? Davis Remignanti, lead design consultant at http://www.Furniture.com offers some step-by-step advice on making good color choices.

“Start with the walls,” Davis advises. “Unless you live in an apartment and can’t paint, avoid white walls.” Incorporating color into your home doesn’t have to be intimidating – if you put it into perspective.

“Reflect on your own fashion tastes when choosing colors for your home. Many people know what colors look good on them. Those same colors can be incorporated into your personal space, because they are familiar, flattering and comforting.” Davis suggests:

First things rirst: Identify any major room features that you can’t (or don’t want) to change – the color of woodwork, the brick in the hearth – then decorate with and around them.

Work your way up: If starting with an empty room, select a rug or floor covering first. You’re more likely to match walls and furniture to the rug than vice versa. The colors in your rug will provide good choices for wall and accent colors.

Create your color palette: Good room design should incorporate a palette of at least five colors: two main colors, one supporting color and two accent colors. For hints on combining colors, see http://www.furniture.com/color.

Create a flow: For rooms connected by an open archway or large doorway, choose harmonious color palettes. You’ll create a color link between the two spaces and avoid a jarring transition from one room to the next.

Use patterns sparingly: For beginners, it’s better to use only a single pattern per room. If the rug carries a pattern, avoid “competition” by keeping window treatments, upholstery and accents simple.

Don’t overindulge: Too much of the same color in a room can be a mistake. Even if it’s your favorite color, maintain a good balance of main colors and accent colors around your room.

Light it up: Generate an elegant room-wide glow by using gold or peach hued light bulbs in table lamps. Bright enough for daily tasks, they can add a beautiful warm tone to a room.

Embrace change: Be brave with your accent colors, because they can be changed easily. Candles can be burned, picture frames repainted, pillows recovered. Go with your instincts, but don’t be discouraged if you’re not happy with your choice – it’s all part of the process of getting comfortable with color.

“Whatever the decorating challenge, it’s important to remember, no rules are written in stone.”

Still not confident about making color choices? Many manufacturers now offer paint samples and fabric swatches – take advantage and test your color combining skills on a small scale first. “In the end,” Davis advises, “take your time and enjoy the experience.”

“Your color confidence will grow with each project. And before long, you’ll have created a stylish, inviting home, and your friends will start asking you for color advice.”