Color Schemes

In beginning any decorating project one of the first decisions to make is what color schemes you are going to go with.  There are multitudes of ways to use color within a room.  The important thing to keep in mind is that the colors should coordinate and complement each other.

The first major hurdle in establishing your color schemes is choosing the paint color.  There are a number of painting techniques that not only combine color schemes but textures as well.  Most major do-it-yourself stores have written directions as well as demonstrations that show you how to do the techniques.  Many of the decorating shows on cable television also outline how to use various colors in your painting techniques.

Once you have decided on the paint color and technique the next area involving color schemes is your furniture.  In most cases it is best to pick out neutral or solid colors for your largest pieces of furniture.  This will help to insure that they will have a long life span within your home.  For occasional chairs or less expensive pieces you may want to go with one of the more trendy colors or patterns.  This will keep your room in the current styles without costing a great deal.  When the style goes out you do not have to replace the larger price items.  Your more neutral color larger pieces can be tied into the color schemes through the use of pillows and throws.  Pillows are a fun project to make.  By custom making your own pillows you insure that they will fit the colors of the room as well as adding a very personal touch to your room.  Pillows are easy to do.  There are several techniques for creating a new look pillow that does not involve the use of a sewing machine.  You can purchase pillows that fit into the decor of the room and hand sew embellishments on them.  The embellishments can be as simple as adding accent tassels or as complicated as sewing beads onto the pillows that follow the design of the fabric.  This technique is tricky and time consuming but the end product is very special.  By using glass beads that complement the color schemes in the fabric of the pillow you can create a true work of art.

Another way to complement the color schemes within a room is the use of colored glass.  Glass vases and decorative bottles are beautiful especially when placed by a source of light.  These also come in a wide range of prices so the use of them fits most budgets.  Colored glass bottles and vases can often be picked up at second hand stores.

In decorating remember the simple rule of less is more.  By keeping things simple the color schemes in your rooms will not only complement each other, but will be inviting for you and your guests.