Monday's Method

This Monday's Method will focus on selecting a color palette. I have received several emails asking how I select a color palette. One reader in particular is loving the turquoise and blue/greens that she is seeing in the marketplace but is struggling to select other hues to compliment it.

Well, I usually start with some type of inspiration piece. Most often it is a piece of art, a fabric, or color found in nature. This is actually a very good way to develop a palette since an artist has already selected colors that work together or a fabric company has put their stamp of approval on it or Mother Nature has crafted beautiful scenery.

I get questions a lot on paint colors. My first question is always "What are we basing the colors on?" Usually after this question, people stare me with a blank expression. I smile and say "First we need to find something that can animate that blank expression ~ something that you love." First find a piece of art, a fabric, and place that you love. Let's take the fabric above as an example. This fabric is from Beacon Hill ~ Verlander in Tourmaline. You can see there are four colors in the palette of this fabric. These colors may begin a palette especially if a blue/green is one of the colors you are enjoying these days.

I must admit, I tend to shy away from placing a great amount of a trend color in a room. I like to develop a 'canvas' of neutrals and then add color in smaller doses. First, I love neutrals; second, if one would like to change out the pop color, it is easier if it is in a pillow versus a sofa. Unless you absolutely love the color and have for years uninfluenced by trends, then I would place a color on a large piece of furniture or on the walls. Accents though is where I place the majority of color.

Here is a piece of art entitled As One by Victor Klauss represented by Art and Frame Source. I love Victor Klauss's work. I have him in several places in my home. The one above, I have in my bedroom (of course!). The palette of the room came from this painting.

It is a simple palette of neutrals (yum!) and red (vavoom!) Hey, it's a bedroom ~ remember ;)

Recall the tweens rooms I am doing... one of them was completely influenced by wonderful scenes in nature. If you don't have a place that can draw from ~ look at great photos captured by a great photographer's artistic eye...

Byron Jorjorian's fantastic work above.

Art, fabric, combinations found in nature are all great places to be inspired for color palettes.

Hey, let's help each other ~ do you have a favorite palette? Share for those looking for inspiration!

I am linking with these fabulous blogs. Each deserves a nice, long visit...

Monday ~
Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
Little Red House Mosaic Monday

Thursday ~
The Shabby Chic Cottage Transformation Thursday

Saturday ~
Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Nite Special

See you tomorrow for the Timeless Tuesday link party!