VegNews Article by LivingBeingDesign
In September 2020 Vegnews published an article I authored entitled “7 Easy Ways to Transform Your Space Into a Chic Vegan Home.” The listicle reveals simple ways a home can be more earth-friendly and cruelty-free. For the full article go to; https://vegnews.com/2020/9/7-easy-ways-to-transform-your-space-into-a-chic-vegan-home
New Year New Look: Shortcut to Developing a New Color Scheme
Professional designers recognize the power of color and its ability to alter appearance, perception and ambiance within the built environment. The easiest way to change a room is to apply a new paint color on walls and then add other colors into the space by order of magnitude. For instance, after selecting a color for walls then do the same for upholstered furniture, followed by window treatments and last accessories.
By adopting a master color scheme for the entire dwelling, cohesion and harmony is promoted throughout the interior. It is also a useful way to guide decision-making for future purchases of furnishings and decorative objects. This seemingly simplistic approach of using color as a connecting element is particularly effective when furnishings vary in style or form. A quick review of photos of interiors that incorporate dissimilar pieces will reveal that color is very often utilized in this way. An interior design that fits this description is sometimes described as ‘eclectic style’.
There are many methods to create color palettes or schemes that are helpful to professionals and do-it-yourselfers. While collecting photos of attractive interiors can be helpful, it is more meaningful to take a look at favorite colors from one’s own collection of cherished items such as artwork, dish ware and clothing.
Once there is an awareness of which colors are appealing, one can employ a simple trick to establish a master palette: select a fabric with a colorway of 4 to 7 colors that incorporates favorite hues. Essentially by doing this one is utilizing the knowledge and creativity of the textile’s designer for a group of compatible colors.
Search online resources such as fabric.com for textiles. Don’t be concerned about the style or type of fabric so much as the colors that make up the background and motif or pattern.
With the chosen fabric swatch in hand, begin in the room one arrives from the outside and then proceed through each space or room following the normal circulation route selecting colors from the fabric along the way. Designate at least two hues for each room. The first will be for walls and the second will be for the next largest element that needs a color. For example, a bedroom will have one wall color and an additional hue or two for the bed covering and window treatments, while a small bathroom has a designated hue for walls and a second for the shower curtain. Two rooms with the same assigned hues can appear completely different based on the surface size and placement of each color. For spaces with several unique upholstered pieces, it is useful to choose three or four colors to allow for a variety of upholstery fabrics. At the end of this exercise all of the colors within the fabric should be assigned at least once for the primary or secondary role.
Keep in mind this method is just a way to jump start a master scheme and therefore, there may be reasons to make some adjustments to the selected hues. Particularly for walls, expect that a color’s brightness and intensity may need to be altered slightly to compensate for the quality and quantity of available light. Always before painting a room be sure to try it by either placing a large paint swatch or painting a poster-size area on at least one of the room’s walls. It is far better to spend money on samples than to have to prep and paint a room twice!
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Have questions about a project or need some quick advice? During the pandemic Zoom has made it possible to continue to offer tips and help owners complete interior projects. Email livingbeingdesign@gmail.com to schedule an appointment!