12/12/2024

Inner Design: Picking the Right Color Palette for Your Remodeled Space

When embarking on a remodeling project, selecting the perfect color palette can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The right colors can transform a space, reflecting your personality and creating the atmosphere you’ve always envisioned. At Dreamworx Renovations in Boise, Idaho, we know that choosing colors isn’t just about what looks good; it’s about what feels right for your home. Here are some tips to help you navigate this important decision.

Start with the Purpose of the Room

Every space serves a purpose, and your color choices should align with that. For example:

Living Rooms: Warm, neutral tones like beige, taupe, or soft gray create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Kitchens: Whites and light blues evoke cleanliness, while bold colors like red or yellow can add energy.
Bedrooms: Soft, muted tones such as pastel blues, greens, or lavenders promote tranquility and rest.

To get started, consider how you use the room on a daily basis. Is it a space for entertaining guests, unwinding after a long day, or staying productive? For multifunctional areas, you might opt for a versatile palette that balances vibrancy and calmness. For instance, a home office could feature a combination of energizing colors like green or yellow with neutral tones to maintain focus.

It’s also important to think about who will use the room. A playroom for kids might benefit from fun and bold hues, while a guest room could lean toward neutral, universally appealing shades. Personal preferences matter too—your favorite colors can serve as inspiration, ensuring the space feels uniquely yours.

Ask yourself: What mood or feeling do I want this room to evoke? How will it complement my lifestyle and needs?

Need some help with picking the right colors? Here is a great site, Coolors, for help with color picking.

Consider Natural Light

Lighting plays a huge role in how colors appear. Rooms with ample natural light can handle darker, richer colors, while those with limited light benefit from lighter, reflective tones. Don’t forget to observe your chosen colors at different times of the day to see how they change with the light.

Use the 60-30-10 Rule

A tried-and-true design principle, the 60-30-10 rule creates balance:

60%: Dominant color (walls, large furniture)
30%: Secondary color (upholstery, area rugs)
10%: Accent color (decor, throw pillows)

This method ensures your space feels cohesive without being monotonous. By allocating colors in this proportion, you create a visual hierarchy that guides the eye naturally through the room.

For instance, in a living room, you might use a soft gray for the walls (60%), a deeper blue for the sofa and curtains (30%), and pops of mustard yellow in pillows and artwork (10%). This creates a harmonious blend that’s both stylish and functional.

When choosing the 10% accent color, go bold. This is your chance to add personality and flair to the space. Whether it’s a vibrant red vase or an intricately patterned throw, the accent color should stand out without overwhelming the other elements.

Keep in mind that the 60-30-10 rule is flexible and can be adapted based on your preferences. If you want a more neutral space, your accent color can be subtle, such as metallics or lighter shades. For a bolder approach, experiment with contrasting hues that add drama and energy to the design.

Pull Inspiration from Existing Elements

If you’re keeping some features of the room, like flooring, countertops, or furniture, use these as a foundation for your color palette. Coordinating with existing elements can simplify your choices and ensure harmony in the design.

For instance, if you have a richly patterned rug or a unique backsplash in the kitchen, draw colors from those elements to inform your palette. A rug with shades of navy, cream, and gold might inspire navy walls, cream furniture, and gold accents. Similarly, a marble countertop with subtle veining could guide you toward complementary neutrals and metallic tones.
Textures and materials can also inspire your color choices. Warm wood floors might pair well with earthy tones like terracotta or olive green, while sleek, modern fixtures could call for cooler shades like gray or icy blue.

Don’t overlook the architectural details of the space. Elements like exposed beams, brick walls, or decorative molding can guide your palette by suggesting complementary or contrasting colors. For example, white trim can pop beautifully against a bold wall color, while exposed brick pairs effortlessly with warm neutrals or industrial-inspired hues.

If you’re integrating heirloom or statement furniture pieces, use them as an anchor for your design. A vibrant sofa or an antique armoire can dictate the overall direction of your palette, ensuring a cohesive and personalized look.

Taking cues from existing elements not only streamlines the process but also ties the new design seamlessly into the existing character of your home.

Test Before You Commit

Paint samples and swatches are your best friends. Purchase small samples of your top color choices and apply them to the walls. Live with them for a few days to see how they feel in the space and under different lighting conditions. This step can save you from costly mistakes.

Draw from Nature

Nature offers an endless source of inspiration. Whether it’s the earthy tones of a forest, the calming blues of the ocean, or the vibrant hues of a sunset, nature-inspired palettes can bring life and serenity to your remodeled space.

Another website is look at is Design Seed – which can help you pick colors that match natural elements.

Don’t Be Afraid of Contrast

Contrast adds depth and visual interest. Pair light walls with dark furniture or mix bold accent colors with a neutral base. A high-contrast palette can make a space feel dynamic and modern.

For example, a room with crisp white walls and deep black furniture creates a timeless and striking monochrome effect. Alternatively, you can incorporate complementary colors—such as pairing navy blue with warm orange accents—to create a bold, energetic vibe. Another approach is to use contrast in textures, like glossy finishes against matte surfaces or natural wood paired with sleek metals.

Layering contrast throughout the room can also help define different zones. In an open-plan space, you might use contrasting colors or patterns to delineate the dining area from the living area. The key is to find balance; too much contrast can overwhelm, while too little might leave the room feeling flat.

If you’re nervous about using contrast, start small. Introduce a single contrasting element, such as a brightly colored chair in an otherwise neutral room, and build from there. Experimenting with contrast allows you to create a dynamic and personalized design that stands out.

Consult a Professional

Still unsure about your color palette? Our team at Dreamworx Renovations can help guide you. With years of experience in remodeling and design, we can recommend colors that complement your vision and bring your remodeled space to life.

Conclusion

Choosing the right color palette for your remodeled space is an art and a science, but with the right approach, it can be a fun and rewarding process. Remember to consider the room’s purpose, lighting, and existing elements, and don’t hesitate to experiment. At Dreamworx Renovations, we’re here to make your remodeling journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Ready to bring your dream space to life? Contact Dreamworx Renovations in Boise, Idaho, and let’s get started!