Colorful Living Rooms: The Basics of Color Relationships

Color does not limit decorating choices. The color wheel is not complete without all colors and notice how they all fit neatly together.  Rather you choose to use contrasting colors, adjacent colors, or mix of all the above, color is something to rejoice and not something to fear.  Decorating Tip: Here is a quick lesson on color relationships. All of these color terms simply refer to the locations of colors on the color wheel and their relationships to one another. 

Contrasting colors, also known as complementary colors, are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. These combinations are Red and Green, Blue and Orange, Purple and Yellow. 

Adjacent colors, also called analogous colors, refers to the use of compatible color combinations that blend well together and are near each other on the color wheel. Such as Orange and Red, Green and Blue, Yellow and Orange, and so on. 

Now, let's view some colors in action. Here is an Idea Book on Colorful Living Rooms. 
 

photos by Traditional Home

Adding Color To Your Home

There are many ways you can introduce color into your home.  You can add an ottoman that introduces a new color.  Another way is by adding an area rug.  These bold colored pieces are by Dash and Albert.  Multicolored pieces like these are great for introducing color.  Simply choose a couple of colors (to match or compliment) from the new piece and let that inspire your next selection for the room.  See more rugs and furniture at Lewis Lighting and Home.

Color Trends: Sea Foam

The color "Sea Foam" is a softer, lighter variant of the color "Spring Green" which is exactly half way between the colors cyan and green on the color wheel.  The lighter variants of this color continue to climb in popularity.  So, if you are looking for that "it" color, try shades like "Sea Foam", "Mint", "Honeydew", "Aquamarine", "Persian Green", and/or "Washed Teal".  This hue of color goes great with vintage decor, anything old, tarnished, tea stained, rusty orange or brown, as well as other cool tones of blue.  This Idea Book is on the color Sea Foam.

Designer Tested Colors

If you are looking for color inspiration but are tentative about making a decision, these Designer Tested Colors have been tried and vetted.  Here are five color staples that are Design Tested.  Check out more color ideas and tips at House Beautiful.

Primavera C2-164, C2 Paint

 Charlotte's Locks 268, Farrow & Ball

Soothing Green 535, Benjamin Moore

Casava 15-10, Pratt & Lambert

 South Beach 2043-50, Benjamin Moore

via House Beautiful

Psychology of Color

Colors truly have an influence over our thoughts.  Companies and advertisers alike are aware of the impressions color makes on our perceptions, feelings, and attitudes.  Learn some principles on the psychology of color.

via Now Sourcing

Choosing Color: Find your Inspiration

Decorating Tip:  When starting a decorating project and choosing a color palette,  find your inspiration, find an object that may have colors that inspire you.  For example:  The colors from this rug were repeated through out this bedroom. (rug by Aimee Wilde from Surya) 

Anything can become inspiration. So, keep you mind open.  If there is something that you really adore - an article of clothing, accessory, anything - think about why you like that item and make it your inspiration.

via Pinterest