A Guide to Harmonizing Hues in Every Room

Whether you’re looking for something bold and playful like this, or a zen neutral space, consistency throughout is key to creating a comfortable space!

Hey there, Waldron Designs fam! Today, let's talk about the magic of color—the brushstrokes that turn your house into a home. If you're ready to infuse your space with personality, join us on this colorful journey.

1. The Canvas: Start with a Neutral Base

Think of your walls as a canvas. Neutral tones like whites, grays, or beiges provide a versatile backdrop. This doesn’t mean that every wall in your home must be neutral. It just means that we need to create some “white space” in the home.

This allows you to play with colors in furnishings, decor, and art without overwhelming the space.

2. Picking a Palette: Find Your Inspiration

Your inspiration may be from something you love—a piece of art, a favorite rug, or even a vibrant flower in your garden. We tend to focus on views and regional conditions combined with your personality! Use these hues as a starting point for your color palette.

3. The Rule of Three: Balancing Boldness

Don't be afraid of bold colors! A good rule of thumb is to choose three main colors—one dominant, one secondary, and one accent for each room. This creates visual interest without chaos.

We’ve chosen up to 13 colors and more for a home though, the trick is ensuring that they all live in the same family (see tip 4)

4. Flowing Through Spaces: Create Cohesion

Maintain a sense of cohesion as you move from room to room. This doesn't mean every room must be the same color, but there should be a harmonious flow. Consider using different shades of the same color family.

5. Contrast for Drama

Introduce a contrasting color to add drama, and don’t be afraid of this color. When you choose bold, go big!

6. Natural Elements: Nature's Palette

Bring the outdoors in! Consider the colors of nature— and while greens, blues, and browns are dominant, don’t feel restricted by these. We can find most any color in nature! Adding natural elements not only enhances your color scheme but also promotes a sense of tranquility.

7. Play with Patterns: Mixing and Matching

Don't shy away from mixing patterns, but keep a sense of balance. If you have a bold pattern, balance it with solid colors. This adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.

8. Lighting Matters: Illuminate Your Colors

Lighting can transform how we perceive color. If you don’t believe us, pop over to Benjamin Moore’s site where they show each color in different lighting conditions and boy do they NAIL IT. Make sure your lighting enhances the colors you've chosen. Consider warm-toned bulbs for cozy spaces and cooler tones for areas where you want a fresh, bright feel.

Remember, choosing colors is a personal journey. It's about creating a space that resonates with you and tells your unique story. So, splash those hues, mix those tones, and let your home be a canvas of your vibrant life.

The most common mistake we find homeowners run into is overthinking it! Staring at 50 different whites that have a nearly invisible difference trying to isolate undertones will be the death of us all. Give it a test and see how you feel ;)

Here's to a home that's as colorful as you are!


Rachel Waldron

Waldron Designs was founded by Rachel Waldron (that’s me!). in 2013.

I am so happy designing that it is not unusual to catch me in a giggle as I rev up to do my work. I think of my designs the way that I think of my children- each is unique and has their own personality. It is my job to nurture them and help them grow, not define them.

I got my bachelor's degree in interior design from Washington State University - a CIDA-accredited school - in 2005, immediately moved into a leadership position and have continued designing with passion.

I received my MBA in Marketing in 2012 and launched Waldron Designs in 2013. When I am not designing, you will find me enjoying my precious time with my husband and two spectacular children.

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