What is a color palette?
It’s a set of colors used for creating visually appealing art creations, including graphic design, web design, and interior design.
Creating a color palette depends on what color model you use. For example, RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) or HSL (Hue, Saturation, and Lightness) are models used for showing colors on screens, and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) for print. Using different color models will make the same color appear different.
Deciding on the color palette
Creating a whole house color palette involves selecting 4 to 8 paint colors for a harmonious look. Typically, this includes one color for white trim and ceilings, a foundational lighter neutral for common spaces and bathrooms (like white, cream, greige, or beige), and 1-2 additional accent colors for bedrooms and accessories. A versatile neutral, such as white, gray, or beige, often forms the foundation of the palette
Start with your inspiration
What colors do you love? What colors make you feel happy, calm, or at peace? What colors are in your favorite pictures, movies, or television shows? Once you have a few ideas, gather swatches of paint and textiles in those colours.
Consider your hard finishes and decor
When you pick paint colors, consider the colors that will work best with what you already have, especially the hard finishes—flooring and furniture.
Decide on the mood you want to create
Each colour can convey different emotions. Warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow evoke energy and excitement, while cool colors such as blue, green, and purple evoke calm and tranquility.
Choose a neutral base
You can use white, beige, and gray as a blank canvas to work with and make it easier to add pops of color here and there.
Think about the natural light in your home
Natural light levels can affect how colors look. For instance, a certain hue will appear brighter in a room with abundant daylight and darker in a room with scarce daylight.
Use the color wheel
This technique is very helpful for picking complementary colors. Opposite colors are called complementary, while neighboring ones are called analogous. Complementary colors can make a statement, while analogous colors can create a more balanced and soothing appearance.
Use a limited number of colors
Usually, you should stick to 3–5 colors. This will give you uniformity and avoid a messy, cluttered look.
Consider the size of your space
Light tones can visually expand a small room, while dark tones can create warmth and coziness in large rooms.
Don’t forget the accent colors
Accent colors are for adding pops of interest and personality to your space, on walls, furniture, accessories, or artwork. Introduce one bold color that reflects your personality, the mood you want to set, or an accent. This color can be used for decor items, textiles, and smaller furnishings.
Use your color palette throughout your home
Once you’ve selected a color palette, use it throughout your house to create a cohesive look. Your chosen colors can then be used in your paint, furniture, or accessories.
Practical Steps for Using the Color Palette
Start with the walls
The walls are the largest surface and have the biggest impact on the overall look and feel of the room.
Repeat Colors From Room to Room
You can use the dominant wall color in one room as an accent color in the other. For example, deep blue for the home office walls and deep blue for the chairs in the dining room or sofa in the living room. You can then use the color for the details in the kitchen.
Also, you can use hues of the same color instead of the exact same color repeated throughout.
Add accent colors with furniture and accessories
It is recommended to use the accent colors on furniture, such as a sofa or chairs, or on accessories, such as pillows, artwork, and rugs.
Entire House Color Palette Examples
Neutral and Simple: white base color with black, gray, and metallic accents.
Traditional and cozy: beige base color with navy blue, burgundy, and gold accents.
Coastal and breezy: white base color with light blue, aqua, and seafoam green accents.
Eclectic and bohemian: white base color with bright and bold colors like red, orange, and yellow.
