Creating a Color Palette+
Hi There Design Aficionado!
Go ahead and grab a cuppa (forgive me, I’ve been watching Call the Midwife, ALOT) and have a seat. I’ve got some unpacking of this issue to do today.
I’m so glad to have color trending again. 15 years ago the gray trend emerged. Every where you looked you saw gray. Light gray, mid-tone gray and lets not forget charcoal. In the last 5 years, we have an extreme contrast of the black and white trend. We are now warming up the black and white trend with warmer tones of caramel leather sofas and dark evergreen bookcases are all over Instagram. Knowing how to create color palettes can be confusing. I’d like to unpack a bit of this for you.
I have a belief, one that is little known. Conventional thinking is a color palette that has 3 colors in total. Traditionally interior designers use the 60-30-10 rule. A dominant color at 60% of the design, a secondary color at 30 %, and an accent color at 10 %. I found this type of explanation all over the web.
Actually, I found this conventional thinking very frustrating. I kept thinking that "isn't there more? That seems too simplistic. Just too incomplete. Like they are keeping the rest of the information from us. But they really aren’t. I don't think that is all there is. Just three colors. I disagree.
I firmly believe that a great color palette is much more complex. Interior designers are taught in school about the rule of threes. Most visually pleasing things come in threes as a base. That is merely a building block to the foundation of design. But I prefer complex palettes that are much more interesting. I know you will agree once I lay out my system. I have tested and proven this system in my own home design as well as with many clients over the years. As long as you use an odd number you can create a beautiful palette. The 60-30-10 rule doesn't account for any natural elements such as flooring color or metallic elements. And what about any neutrals or whites? Light, airy, and neutral wall colors with “white” trim dominate today’s homes. My classic, timeless and elegant palette formula is more complete using 7 elements. Introducing:
Most people believe that to create a color palette you need to have three colors. Yes, that is true, however, I know that thru my experience as a color consultant for over 20 years, it takes more than that. But first let’s go over the three color palette.
60% Dominant color —Hue, Tint and Shade in large foundation pieces. For example, wall color, Area Rug or carpet or sofa.
30% Secondary color —Hue, Tint, and Shade in smaller pieces, such as, drapery, painted case goods, side chairs.
10% Accent color — Hue, Tint and Shade in the Accessories such as wall art, throw pillows, and the like. Some designers will actually use 2 accent colors at 5% and 5%. This does create a more exciting palette, but still not complete.
I believe that it takes seven elements to be complete. This creates a more thoughtful palette.
The Palette +--
These are the supporting players your palette:
Metallic--The reflective, shiny eye catching element. Gold, brass, pewter, silver, bronze, crystal or acrylic. Crystal creates a “wet look” that adds interest to a space. Its a great finish that adds a sense of elegance to any interior.
Neutral--This is the grey, beige, or taupe and white that every palette needs. Every palette needs a place to rest and the neutral creates this space.
Natural--As the organic element that brings warmth, it is often the wood tone, as well as the stone or brick, often seen in hardwood floors, and fireplaces and built-in cabinetry.
White--true white, blue white, off- white and cream.
Let’s test this out.
I’ve selected a beautiful inspiration fabric to create this color palette. Every palette must have some type of inspiration.
Nymphus Linen by Baker Furniture
As soon as I saw this fabric from Baker, I fell in love with it. It has a few of Benjamin Moore’s COTY 2023 colors from their palette which brings a freshness to this traditional style fabric. It would be gorgeous in a Coastal Grandmother style home, don’t you think?
Now I’m going to touch on another concept. It will help you narrow down your choices when choosing the paint swatches. Ask the following questions—Is it light or dark? Is the color warm or cool? Is the color crisp or muted? This color story is mid-to dark, warm and muted.
Dominant ( Benjamin Moore Old Blue Jeans)
Secondary (BM Herb Garden)
Accent (BM Herb Garden)
The pattern rests on a linen background (a pink beige, BM Muslin)
Restful off-white (BM White Dove)
Brown bird determines the tone of the wood flooring
Green gold (BM Savannah Green) inspired the gold metallic accents.
Here is the Color Palette + with all the colors placed.
See what I mean?!
Creating a great design starts with building a firm foundation with color and style elements that will bring harmony with the life we dream of living. Begin with a Color Palette + and you won’t be disappointed.
It is my hope that you begin to see your color palette for your home more completely. Find your inspiration.
