Color. We see it every day at every turn we take. We know what we like and what we don’t like, yet choosing colors for our home seems nearly impossible at times. Understandably so, considering there are a number of factors to keep in mind when making a decision. Let’s take a look at what some of those factors are and try to simplify the process of choosing your colors.

Your favorite color might not be the right color for your space

Keep in mind that the colors you love aren’t necessarily ideal for your decorating project. Ultimately, your goal is to create a certain mood. Do you want the space to be bright and cheery, or dark and cozy? If your favorite colors don’t convey that mood you should save them for another space or use them in small doses. 

It’s also important to factor in your location as well as how much natural light you receive. That might seem like a silly thing to consider, but take this for example–colors that are bright and hot work better warm and sunny climates simply because the abundance of sunlight controls their intensity. In grayer, northern climates, where there isn’t as much sunshine, not so much. 

Find inspiration in everything around you

For inspiration, look around you. Does the landscape outside your window inspire you? How about the colors on the clothes in your closet? Do you have a favorite vacation spot you really enjoy the beauty of? Is there something you already own, such as a rug, that can serve as a jumping-off point? If you have a binder of magazine clippings or a Pinterest board of decorating ideas, is there a common color scheme? Observe your surroundings and take note of what speaks to you most.

Use trends wisely

Once you have chosen some colors, it’s time to start thinking about where to use them. In this stage of the process, you need to take your comfort level, as well as your budget, into consideration. Why your budget exactly? Well, because putting color on certain items means you’re going to be stuck with it for quite a while unless you have the funds to replace it. Therefore, beware of trends. If you really like the color and have no qualms about it going out of style, by all means, go for it. Or if you don’t care for a trendy color, it’s okay to go with something classic because it won’t go out of style (and there are plenty of classic color options).  A safe move is keeping those trendy colors reserved for small items like accent pillows, throws, and other accessories that are less costly to replace when a new trendy color comes along. 

Be creative but smart with your color selection

Don’t limit yourself to a single color palette for the whole house. There’s no harm in changing colors from room to room as long as you maintain a consistent feeling throughout the home. For example, you shouldn’t really use primary colors in one room and pastel colors in another. While both categories have beautiful colors, they aren’t harmonious to one another, which can really make your interior feel disconnected. 

When it comes to paint colors, save it for last. It is much easier to mix up some paint to match your fabrics and rugs than it is to decorate around a paint color. Some no-fail paint colors you might want to consider include: 

• Blue–especially great in rooms reserved for relaxation, such as the bedroom.
• Green–it can add warmth and rejuvenate the senses with its outdoorsy feel. 
• Red–not for the faint of heart, but can make a huge statement if that’s what you like.
• Yellow–bright and cheery (and much brighter on a wall than on a paint chip).
• Brown–a classic neutral that comes in a plethora of shades that pairs well with other colors.
• Greige–soft gray with beige undertones that’s perfect for anyone who feels as though gray alone is too cold.
• Beige–another classic neutral that makes a great backdrop for bold colors and other neutrals.
• Lavender–really! 
• Pink–the right shade of pink can make your space look quite sophisticated. 
• Gray–a very popular color among modern and transitional design styles. 
• White–this crisp and clean color is an oldie but a goodie. 
• Black–a color that oozes elegance when used in just the right way. 

If all else fails, ask for help. Picking colors can be an exciting and invigorating experience.  There are so many “right” ways to pick colors. As long as you start with a plan and find a fabric store near you, like Cutting Corners (shameless plug!), you’ll find what you’re looking for.