1. WHERE TO START?
Dream in color, starting in a smaller space such as a Bathroom, Hallway, or Accent Wall. Begin where you are most comfortable. Select a favorite color, drawn from artwork, rug, china, accessory or furniture, as main color or accent.

2. THINK MOOD
Listen to the space
Choose your color according to the purpose of the space, for example:
Bedroom:  restful, soothing, dramatic or intimateDining area:  sociable, stimulatingLibrary/study:  quiet, peaceful concentration

3. HOW ABOUT A COMPLEMENT?
Make sure it has value
Check out a color wheel, and enhance your main color choice with contrast in color and value:
Complementary, Split, or Triad…Light, Mid-tone, Deep… “pure color” or toned in a shade or tint.

4. MONOCHROMATIC, MAYBE?
Emphasize the architecture
Achieve bold or subtle variations within one color group. Contrast use of paint finishes
to make an elegant statement.  For example: use closely related colors, or even a single
color in different finishes, for walls and trim—and maybe even the ceiling.

5. MAKE WHITE the ACCENT COLOR
Create variety with elegant neutrals as the main color.

6. LOOKING UP, TINT YOUR CEILING!
Add drama with a stronger color, or make the ceiling the same color as the walls, for the
feeling of a more expansive space.

7. TESTING, 1…2…3…
TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Consider strong colors or soft, deep earthy hues like chocolate brown or olive green
as main or accent colors. Be sure to test colors on primed poster board or large areas of actual wall.

8. What’s MISSING?
Add depth of color
Flat, dull walls become interesting and personal with subtle or dramatic “Visual Texture” and “Broken Color.”
Burnished mineral/metal finishes and colored glazes add depth and interest.
For example: Mica, Copper, Pewter, Bronze, and of course Silver and Gold. Venetian Plaster is a beautiful option.

9. STILL WONDERING?
Review your comfort zone and expand it, taking note of your response to your favorite colors.

10. AVOID CONFUSION
Keep others’ opinions to a minimum. REMEMBER, It’s YOUR home!
Note: image courtesy of Farrow & Ball Paints. Shown: Try Farrow & Ball’s Rare Earth 64, in a kitchen.

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