8 Design Basics

Are you afraid to use color in your home? Well, here are some design basics that should help calm your fears.

Determine Your Color Scheme

Colors located next to or across from each other on the color wheel usually make the best matches.

Pick from the Pattern
Use colors from the largest pattern in the room to develop your color scheme.

The 60-30-10 Rule
When decorating a particular room, divide the colors into percentages:
60% of a dominant color
30% of a secondary color
10% of an accent color

Paint it Black
By adding a black element into the room you enhance the other colors in the space.

Let it Flow

Create flow from room to room by choosing a color in one and using it in a different way in an adjoining room.

Create Contrast
Use high contrast to formalize a room or low contrast to create a soothing space.

Embrace Your Emotions
Choose reds and yellows for a lively feel or blues and greens for more tranquility.

Let Nature be Your Guide
Decorating vertically, floor to ceiling, from dark to light reflects the techniques of mother nature - the ultimate designer!

For more great decorating ideas, walk through one of our professionally decorated model homes today!