Create an attractive room with the right arrangement of color and pattern.
Turn a simple swatch of fabric or favorite pattern into a complete color scheme for your room or house. While you can't go wrong with classic color schemes like blue with white or gold with green, don't be afraid to mix it up. Properly arranging bolder brighter colors and less predictable color schemes can add big personality to your room. Arrange a complete color design scheme with fabrics, paint and a little creativity.
Instructions
1. Pick a fabric or an object with colors that you like. "Decorating" magazine recommends that you pick patterned curtains and use them to anchor your room's color scheme.
2. Select a companion color. If the patterned curtains are dark, pick one of the lighter shades in the fabric as your companion color. If the curtains are neutral in color, invigorate the room by adding a jolt of bright color. Consider keeping larger, more expensive pieces of furniture, such as sofas, neutral and adding bold color with less expensive pieces like smaller chairs, lamp shades and pillows. This gives you the freedom to rearrange your color scheme inexpensively.
3. Add texture with a third color. If your curtain panels are highly patterned, wooden or bamboo blinds in a neutral color that complements the curtains will add texture and contrast without overwhelming the room. A rug made from a natural material like sisal or jute can also add texture.
4. Add layers of pattern and color with accents. Use accent pillows in coordinating shades but with a variety of patterns, shapes and sizes. Vases, lampshades and artwork can also add pattern and color to a room. Don't be afraid to take a risk with the accents as they are the easiest part of a room to change.
5. Pick paint colors. Although you can't go wrong with a neutral shade, consider using paint in some of the bolder colors from your accessories. Try painting an accent wall or a niche in a bold color and keeping the rest of the room neutral.
