Color: We love it, we live it, we want it in our living rooms. But there are right ways to use it and there are very, very wrong ways. Here, the cardinal do’s and don’ts.
The 12 Rules of Decorating with Color
To avoid 50 shades of visual chaos
Do Use Neutrals Generously
Think of them as the rice in your paella; they create a warm and totally versatile canvas to build upon.
Don't Assume Neutral = Beige
Remember--grays, whites, creams, browns and even soft, dusty pastels all fall under the neutral umbrella. (This all-beige bedroom is a total snooze-fest.)
Do Play Favorites
Partial to blue? Nothing wrong with using a lot of it in one space. (Hey, it’s your pad after all.)
Don't Be Exclusive
That said, using too much of one hue is a big no-no. Stick to the design principle of 60-30-10 (60 percent of your favorite, and 30 and 10 percent of two other colors, respectively).
Do Consider A Super-bright Accent Wall Or Ceiling
Pop goes the beadboard.
But Don't Paint All Four Walls
Unless your goal is to live inside a tangerine.
Do Mix Masculine And Feminine Hues
Opposites attract, and mixing the girly with the boyish leads to visually dynamic results.
Don't Be Gender-discriminatory
There aren’t too many dudes who would feel comfortable in an all-pink living room.
Do Decorate With Black
A very dark element or two provides visual depth and contrast.
Don't Go Heavy On It
Hey, queen of darkness.
Do Pull Colors From Patterns
We love the way the throw pillows and rugs incorporate the blues and browns from that gorgeous ottoman.
Don't Be Matchy-matchy About It
We get it: You like coral and sea-foam green.