Be colour confident in the home

Follow our expert advice and achieve a beautiful decorating scheme every time

 
‘Whether you like pale, calming palettes, rich, warm tones or bright, uplifting shades, we can help you create the perfect room,' says House Beautiful Style Editor Charlotte Boyd. Here, using three different looks as examples, Charlotte, together with top colour consultants, shows you how to work out a scheme to suit your home.

 
Before you start

Consider the colours that inspire you, which seasons you prefer and the colour of clothes you feel most comfortable in. Then take a good look at your room, as different light conditions have an effect on how colours appear. If it's a naturally light, sunny room it'll suit fresh, cooler shades; if it's north-facing, a warmer, richer scheme will work better.

 
Create a mood board

Gather inspiring photographs, fabric and paint swatches along with pictures from magazines, and stick them on a piece of paper to give you a clearer idea of how you want your room to look. This makes it easier to see which colours work together and the proportions you need to create a balanced scheme. Take your board with you when you go shopping.

 
Try it out

Paint and fabrics aren't cheap so it's worth getting them right. Buy tester pots of paint, and cover an A4 piece of paper that you can move around to see how the colour works on different walls. Do the same with the fabrics and flooring. You'll be amazed how different colours and textures look in your living room compared to in the shop.

 

Take the plunge

Don't panic if your new paint colour doesn't look quite right at first, as the depth and tone will change as it dries. Also, as you add accessories and furnishings, the scheme will come together, blending the wall shade into the complete look.

 

Click here to find out how to add colour for a natural look...

 

Click here to find out how to add colour for a rich and dramatic look...

 

Click here to find out how to add colour for a vibrant look... 

 

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