Although it may be easier to paint your entire home in one colour – it is not the ONLY option to achieve harmony. Changing colours from room to room can be a very effective way to define space, draw attention to focal points and to add personality and style to your home. So, how do you create a colour scheme that transitions smoothly from room to room? Here are 5 tips to help you build a colour scheme that flows.
Tips to Build a Colour Scheme that Flows
1. Limit your palette. Although harmony can be somewhat subjective, a good rule of thumb is to choose 3-5 colours with a similar tonal value. Choosing paint colours from ONE collection is a great way to start. My suggestion is always Benjamin Moore’s Affinity Collection since the colours were designed from the get-go to work harmoniously.
2. Every element counts. Your palette should include the colours of all fixed elements as well. Fixed elements are all of the items and finishes that will remain in the room. For instance, flooring, kitchen cabinets, furniture etc.
3. Let the architecture lead. Use the architecture as your cue for changing from one colour to the next. Always end and begin at a natural break. For example, an inside corner, a recessed ceiling or a door opening.
4. Accent strategically. Use walls, recessed ceilings and niches as punctuation points by adding an accent colour. This allows you to bring stronger colours into the space in small doses. This is especially helpful when you want to add personality to an otherwise neutral space.
5. Balance and repeat. Whether you use 3 or 5 hues throughout your home, it’s important to repeat them in varying proportions, especially the boldest one, in the adjacent rooms through key accessories and artwork.
Above Image Paint Colour Details:
- NEAR WALL: Palladian Blue HC-144, Natura, Eggshell
- ALCOVE: Sag Harbor Gray HC-95, Natura, Eggshell
- TRIM: Swiss Coffee OC-45, Natura, Semi-Gloss
By Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore Colour and Design Expert and regular guest on CityTV’s Cityline.
Benjamin Moore’s vision is to inspire and transform our homes, our communities, and our lives one brushstroke at a time.
