Interior Design & Decor

If you are planning to decorate the interiors of your home, there are many places to start with, the first being obviously the wall.

Choosing an appropriate color is really a daunting task. Mainly because there are so many options to choose from, literally an infinite array of colors and shades. This is the most versatile element of your room decoration, the easiest to change and the least expensive. Start by collecting paint chips and sample cards, but do not make the final decision until after the design and colors of rugs, carpet, tile, wallpaper and fabrics are finalized. So when you actually go to buy the painting it is very essential to carry small trim samples of all the above.

Always choose coordinated fabrics and wallpapers. Keep the background colors the same when designing patterns, for example all white or all ivory. Suppose there is a pattern in the design, it is better you repeat colors in each pattern after a certain number of times. Include a mix of different pattern sizes like large, medium, and small, rather all of them being of the same size. Add plain or textured fabrics for more appealing look.

First choose a theme for your room such as American country, English garden or techno modern. Then choose an anchor fabric that has 3 or more colors. Use the background color of the fabric as the wall color. Pick a mid-toned color from the fabric for flooring and large pieces of furniture which could be a simple solid or patterned design.

Upholstery can also be done in the same color of your anchor fabric or coordinating fabric. Use the brightest colors in the fabric for accessories and accents like welting, picture mats, and decorative pillows. Place your anchor fabric in at least three places in the room like upholstery, pillows, curtains etc. Use coordinating fabrics in other scales as accent fabrics, in tune with the anchor fabric, on chairs, pillows, cording, and tablecloths.

The general rule of thumb is to divide color use, with approximately 60percent of the room in a light color, 30percent in the mid-tone color and the rest 10percent in the brightest accent colors. In order for the ceiling color match the wall color, buy ceiling paint 1-2 shades lighter than the wall color.

Consider which paint finish to use. Matte or flat finishes hide wall imperfections, wall bumps or cracks as this finish does not reflect light. Flat Enamel and Eggshell Finish are a few examples. Glossier finishes like Satin Finish and Semi-Gloss will reflect more light.

Colors are often grouped as ‘warm’ and ‘cool.’ Orange, red, and pink are considered ‘warm’ colors, whereas blues, greens, and violet are thought to be ‘cool.’