An Unforgettable Tool to Make Great Color Choices
Color is a love-hate thing. I know this from many years of helping people with their home’s interior. Although people love how color enhances their home and their life, many hate choosing colors due to fear. What if I pick the wrong color? What if the color in the store doesn’t look good in my home? What if the color looks weird next to other colors in the room? The fears are many, and the struggle is real. So, if you want more color in your home and life, but you struggle—even a bit—with selection, then read on. Let me share an unforgettable tool. A simple mnemonic device to make choosing colors much easier.
COLOR as a Tool
As a lifelong lover of color, I didn’t need another reason to love it more. But then along came “color” as a mnemonic device, a simple memory enhancing tool. Use it to move past the fear and you’ll be well on your way to choosing colors with confidence. I describe the tool as unforgettable, but if your brain needs a kickstart every now and then, make sure to save this blog for future reference – and be a hero to those you care about by sharing it with them.
C = Change
O = Occupants
L = Lighting
O = Outside
R = Room
The Questions Behind the Tool
Underlying each letter/word pairing is an important question to help you avoid color chooser’s remorse.
C = Change
How often do you like to change your décor?
Are you someone who remodels a space just how you like it and you’re happy for years to come? Or are you like me and you absolutely love the space initially, but before long your “over it” alarm goes off and you’re compelled to make a change? If that’s the case, I recommend using neutrals for the base colors found in your largest objects, such as walls, floors, and major furniture pieces. That allows you to bring in supporting and accent colors through throw pillows, window treatments, vases, throws and other relatively easy and inexpensive-to-change items. It’s a great way to achieve maximum flexibility with the least effort and expense.
O = Occupants
Who will be occupying the space and what will they be doing?
This question is critically important because color affects us both physically and mentally. Consider red. It’s an energizing color that has been proven to increase appetite and even elevate heart rates and blood pressure. So let’s say you’re converting a room to a home office, an area where you need to feel relaxed, calm, and focused to have a successful workday. Red might work against your goals. A shade of blue would likely be a better choice since blues are known to increase focus and elicit a sense of calm. This is a good example of when your favorite color might not be the best choice for your purpose. You can learn about the various attributes of color by searching online.
L: Lighting
What’s the lighting situation?
Most of us know lighting affects color. So considering the lighting in your space is essential as you attempt to select the best colors for the space. Does the room get a lot of natural light? Or is it located on the side of your home that’s not regularly kissed by the sun. If you’re addressing a room that is “light challenged,” you’ll be better served by choosing lighter colors that reflect light and make a room feel larger. Darker colors tend to make a space feel smaller and more cave-like. Now if you embrace a “my home is my cave” approach, I won’t judge. Especially when it comes to home interiors, I believe in “you do you.”
O: Outside
From the room you’re designing, what do you see outside the space?
Are you in a bedroom where you don’t see much beyond the four walls? Or are you working on a living room with an open floor plan with sightlines to the kitchen and dining room. Perhaps your family room looks out to a finished patio space you love to view? Regardless of what you see, taking into account that view of adjoining spaces is key. Whatever color choices you make should play nicely with the existing, surrounding colors, which will create a harmonious flow. To help you see how colors play together, you can create a simple idea board using representative paint samples, fabric swatches, or simply pictures of the various spaces to help you create a balanced color palette.
R: Room
What do you see looking around the room itself?
Similar to the previous “outside” considerations, don’t forget to assess existing colors in your room, especially those you don’t plan to alter as part of the remodel (e.g., flooring, large furniture). For everything new you’re bringing into the space, consider how that color will blend with existing items. You may have dark wooden floors with rich, dark furnishings. If those items are not being replaced, to create balance you’ll want to consider bringing in lighter colors. Following this advice not only creates balance, but it also adds to the visual contrast and interest of a space.
A Quick Unforgettable COLOR Recap
C = Change: How often do you like to change your décor?
O = Occupants: Who will be occupying the space and what will they be doing?
L = Lighting: What’s the lighting situation?
O = Outside: From the room you’re designing, what do you see outside the space?
R = Room: What do you see looking around the room itself?
If you have let fear of choosing color prevent you from enjoying a more colorful home and life, don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. Millions of people share the same fear. I hope this tool and the accompanying information help you move forward into a more colorful future. Please consider me your color sherpa and reach out if I can help you further.
Now, what will you do next to love where you live?
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