Vision Board Color Story Think of color as the mood of your environment. I suggest that you peruse multiple sources such as interior and fashion magazines, art magazines, nature, the internet and other sources of inspiration to see what inspires you in this domain. These sources can be anything that captures your attention and conveys the mood you want your space to convey. Clip these to a foam core board and begin to mix and match. The important part of this step is to see everything together so you can start to find a theme to guide you. This Color Board includes ideas, paint samples, and an orange, blue and grey color palette. Don't forget to include art. Choose Surfaces First Your color board will help you to recognize the style you want in your space to convey. Remember that color is a way of communicating your deeper sense of self and will influence the palette of primary design backdrops such as walls, flooring, kitchen and bathroom cabinets and counter tops. An Interior Designer starts with the overall backdrop of floors, cabinets, and carpets or rugs and then chooses wall colors last. Add these items to your color palette so that you are reminded of the overall sense of mood. Perhaps these are items that are existing pieces that you plan to keep. To create your color palette, you will want every finish color to harmonize with other rooms even if they are not adjacent. If possible, when shopping, bring along samples of your floor, counters, cabinets and finishes you plan on using. Soft Colors: Upholstery, Rugs and Drapes These are the most influential and recognizably forceful items in your palette. A neutral background can hold multiple color palettes and can afford you more adventuresome abilities. You may not have the budget or the desire to change your flooring every five years. But you can change the more decorative items like rugs, drapes, and pillows more often without a lot of disruption, so this is where you can have some fun. Color, pattern and texture can all influence your color palette. Pay attention to the reflective quality of fabrics and how light plays upon each surface and texture. What you start with may only inspire you to think outside the box, but that is a good thing! Think And Work Like A Designer Always lay everything out before you decide on your purchases. Bring swatches when you are planning to shop. Compare your color choices to your finishes that are on cabinets, floors, etc. to ensure the colors coordinate. Follow your instincts but check your work. This is a tricky job, but worth the extra work if you really want to make your home a beautiful example of your own creativity.
