Posted by Rainey Richardson on Tue, Apr 12, 2011 @ 11:24 AM
I've been hired by many clients who complained that their homes seem to lack a cohesive, completed feel and they just can't seem to figure out why. The problem is usually in the colors. A carefully chosen color palette is the secret to making your home look "put together." The first step is to choose five colors that can "live together" in your common areas (entry way, living room, kitchen, etc.). One way to do this is to go to your local paint store (Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Home Depot) and use the paint strips to mix and match a color pallet that you love. You will notice that the strips have several shades of the same color - that's a bonus! Keep your paint strips with you at all times as you begin to decorate your home. These strips will help you choose fabrics, accessories and art to complete your space.
Choose a wall color from your strips - it's usually safest to go with the 3rd or 4th shade. All of your common areas do not have to have the same wall color, but a good rule is to stay in the same shade if you do use a different color. For example, if you choose to paint your entry and living room in a wheat color, the 3rd shade on your Khaki color strip, and then choose a green for your kitchen, use the 3rd shade of your green strip.
As you shop for art and accessories and choose furniture, have the color strips with you. Following these color rules will help you achieve that "put together", finished look that you have always wanted.