So, How Exactly Do I Do Color?

So you read my Stamp out Sameness (or maybe you didn’t but somehow you wound up here anyway), and you’ve decided that “uniquely you” means you would like to bring in some color. Or maybe, even in a “go bold or go home” move, you’ve decided do bring in a lot of color. Fearless? Yes. Awesome. I’m psyched for you. We can do this, beautifully. 

Let’s stick to two basic color schemes: either monochromatic (all one color) or a three color scheme. Today, we are going to start with monochromatic. Next time, we can chat about combo’ing three colors. Here we are starting with monochrome, which does not mean “no” color; it means one color. Since blue is popular and easy on the eye, let’s practice with that. Start by picking any object that you really like that has that color. Carry it with you everywhere (I hope it’s not big and heavy). Let’s say that object is a soft gray blue. Try mixing in some more saturated blues, and play with light and darkness of these blues. Bring in a bit of periwinkle, and a few small accents of a dark blue, the color of the sky just before night.

I suggest sticking with three shades of blue, one that’s soft and subtle, one that’s reasonably intense in saturation, but not over the top, and a few accents of something either really saturated in color or a really dark, bold blue.

One of the easiest ways to choose a color palette is to visit a fabric store. As a designer, I often go to my designer fabric houses and bring home a ton of swatches. I throw them all on the table during sunlit hours. I play and play until I have found my favorite combos. You can do the same, and you can keep those swatches in a folder that you carry everywhere so you can find just the right area rugs, wall paint, etc. 

Try the subtle blues on the items you get to live with for a long time, like the sofa, and the items that are en masse, like the wall paint. The mid-saturation colors can be used on items that can be changed but that still have plenty of impact: a duvet cover, a painting, a chair cushion. The dark or truly saturated blues can be used as accents: accessories, or even lighting. If you are feeling bold, shake up that formula and use the saturated or darker blues in a larger format. 

There will be plenty more posts on use of color and even pattern. I’m proud of you for thinking outside the “what everyone is doing” box, and creating your own uniquely you palette!