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Color 101 with David Bromstad: How to Choose the Right Colors for Your Home

by on Nov 6, 2012


This month, Curbly is excited to team up with designer and TV host David Bromstad, of HGTV’s Design Star and The White Room Challenge. David is offering his professional tips about one his biggest passions: using color to transform everyday rooms into something extraordinary. 

Whenever people ask me where to start with finding the right colors for their home; I always recommend learning the basics.
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First of all, it is important to think about the psychological effects of the color you are choosing!  For instance, blues, greys and greens have a calm soothing effect; they also help you concentrate and keep you focused. This is great for bedrooms, offices and kids rooms.   Darker, moodier colors are a great choice when creating a more dramatic space.  And the darker the room the more rest you will be getting, and we all need rest!

Before choosing your colors, consider the function of your space. Then use the magic of Google to find which colors help promote the psychological effect you want the room to have!   Color possesses a lot of power and when used properly can harness a magical effect.
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The second most challenging issue when choosing colors, is how to combine colors and create a color palette.  I always like to go back to basics and refer to the good old fashion, always reliable, the Color Wheel:

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If you want to put together a look that has more impact or “drama” try paring colors that are on opposite ends of the color wheel.  Red and green, yellow and purple and orange and blue are all complementary colors and will automatically create visual drama in any space.
created at: 11/06/2012If you are looking for a color palette that has a subtle touch, try doing a combination of colors that are directly next to each other on the wheel.  These are called analogous colors and are fabulous cause they will always match beautifully.  That’s why blues and greens are such a popular color combination.

Large living room with lots of places to sit, it has a neutral color theme.

Stay tuned for more. On Thursday, David will be sharing his tricks for using extra bright and bold colors in everyday decor.

 

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