Choosing a Color Scheme

Many people find it difficult or intimidating to select a color scheme.  One thing I tell my clients when they ask: "Can we do this "?  My answer is usually yes, we won't be breaking any laws, but there are those things called the Principles and Elements of Design.  Much of interior design, fine art, landscaping etc. are the result of the subjective preferences and choices we make. 
In selecting colors and color schemes, most of us are leery of how to start.  There are many methods and opinions, but here is one suggestion I have used.
Go to a paint store and collect the free fold outs that paint companies offer showing their colors in various schemes.  Find one or two that appeal to you, and then modify it.  For example, if some colors are too strong, take that one out and substitute it with something you can live with.  Starting with these pre established schemes can get you started and give you ideas.  This is by no means the only way, but I have used it when clients have no strong ideas or opinions in regards to colors.  Of course, looking at interior pictures can also give you a feeling for what you like and don't like.
Remember that dark / strong / saturated colors usually advance - making a space seem smaller.  Lighter / muted / pastel colors recede - making a space seem larger or longer.
There's been a trend in the last few years to use very strong colors on accent walls.  Very dark colors are hard to cover and not good if you're selling your home. 



Benjamin Moore Affinity Colors



 

salsa dancing AF-280 citrine AF-370 flora AF-470 masada AF-220