Whether you’re moving into a new home, redesigning a room, or just purchasing a new sofa, choosing furniture colors or patterns is often one of the most challenging tasks. We all love color, but when it comes to pairing multiple colors together to create a flowy, cohesive space, color selection can be a little intimidating, to say the least.
The good news is that there is no reason to be afraid of color! In fact, color is one of the single most useful tools in interior design. It has the power to elicit certain emotions, make you feel more comfortable, and turn a drab, boring room into an exciting one.
All you have to do to be confident in your color selection is to employ a few simple interior design rules for choosing colors, and you’re all set. At Bowden & Carr we’re confident that, with these rules in mind, we can help you browse the colorful furniture in our inventory and pair you with the perfect piece to complete your new design.
1. Understand the 60/30/10 rule.
One of the most important things you can learn about interior design is the 60/30/10 rule. This tenant of design states that you start by choosing three colors. The first color, typically a neutral, is used on 60% of the room and is the dominant color. This is usually the color you’ll use for things like paint, flooring, rugs, etc, although you could absolutely choose to purchase some of your furniture in this neutral color.
The second color should be used in 30% of the room and is typically a brighter color that compliments your neutral. This is the color you’ll probably use to help you choose things like furniture and curtains. This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio to choose one of the many custom chairs, sofas, or sectionals available in a variety of colors and patterns.
The final color should be used in 10% of the room and is usually something that will compliment your other two colors while providing a bright “pop” that attracts the eye. This color is usually perfect for small accents like vases, picture frames, throw pillows/blankets, etc. Depending on what kind of color scheme you choose, you might want to consider taking this final 10% and splitting it amongst two colors. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your preferences.
2. Choose your neutral color first.
Unless you’re going for a rainbow type of color scheme, you’ll want to pick a neutral color to use alongside your other colors. White is a classic choice, but shades of beige, gray, and black work well too, as do darker blues and greens, such as sage or navy. Remember, this is the shade you should use on approximately 60% of your room, so make sure it’s a color you love and one that will compliment your additional color choices.
3. Select the rest of your color scheme.
Now that you know what your neutral is, it’s time to select the rest of your colors, which can be easily done by using a color scheme generator. In general, you should balance cool and warm colors, and choose a scheme that suits the purpose of the room. You must also consider, however, that certain colors can make you feel different ways. For instance, reds and yellows can make you feel more energetic and lively. They can even make you feel hungry! By contrast, blues and greens tend to have a calming effect that can help you feel relaxed and even sleepy.
In interior design, there are countless types of color schemes to choose from, but three of the most popular are monochromatic, analogous, and complimentary. Monochromatic color schemes use several shades of the same color. For example, you might pair a sage green with hunter green and seafoam green. Analogous color schemes make use of several colors that are physically located next to each other on the color wheel, like green, blue, and yellow. Finally, complementary color schemes are just made up of several colors that naturally complement each other. Remember, the colors you choose here could be used on not only your furniture but things like curtains and rugs as well.
4. Pick a focal point.
Even the best color scheme can look a little drab if it’s not used in the right way. Remember, your 10% and 30% colors are there to highlight certain portions of your room. An accent wall can make a fine focal point, but furniture can too. In fact, couches make the perfect focal point and are a great place to add your pop of color, since they are often what people look at first upon entering a room.
5. Pick the perfect pattern.
While you certainly don’t have to use a pattern when selecting your furniture, it’s a great way to add some additional color and texture to your room as a whole. Patterns are an especially good way to bring some of your minor colors into the room as an accent. Plus, choosing one of the many patterned La-Z-Boy recliners and sofas that Bowden & Carr has available in every style is a great way to make your new furniture the focal point of your room.
6. Don’t be afraid to bring some nature into the room.
Nature often gives us some of the best examples of colors and patterns that work well together. Plus, it’s no secret that flowers and plants can have a positive effect on physical and mental health. You can absolutely accomplish this by using potted plants or flowers, but you can also use your furniture to do this. Floral prints are the perfect way to bring nature and patterns into your room!
7. Add color to unexpected places.
Have you ever been in a room that had an awkward, empty space? Corners and nooks can be especially hard to work with when decorating. Fortunately, you can bring in some fun colors by using a classic armchair to fill an empty space and provide functional seating. Our inventory includes a wide variety of La-Z-Boy armchairs, swivel chairs, recliners, lift chairs, and ottomans that are perfect for rounding out an empty spot in a room.
Bowden & Carr has everything you need for a colorful redesign. Plus, as we head into summer, now is the perfect time to spruce up your beach house or vacation rental by adding some colorful new furniture and giving it a fresh look before vacationers begin to arrive. Our furniture consultants are here to save you money and time. Give us a call at 252-447-3648, contact us online, or stop into our Havelock, NC furniture showroom, and we’ll help you find just what you’re looking for!
