How to Pick a Color Scheme

Take Colors from a Rug

A rug is the foundation for a room. Draw from colors featured in a pattern rug to create a cohesive look.

Be Inspired by Art

Art adds personality to a room. Using it as a foundation creates a great color scheme as seen in this European-inspired bedroom.

Pick Your Favorite Color 

You are sure to love your room if you choose your favorite color to be the base of the scheme as in this orange and blue bedroom.

Dress Your Windows

Use window treatment fabric to set a color scheme in your room. Draw from the fabric's main hues, then distribute those hues throughout the room with pieces of furniture and accessories.

Use Hues of a Collectible

Be inspired by colors featured in your collection, such as the pair of green glass jugs in this display, that complements the beach theme throughout the home.

Draw from a Pillow

Pick shades from a color-filled pillow just like this one. To make the pillow the feature piece in the room, choose a light tone for the wall color, such as soft salmon pink in this case.

Consider a Theme

Decorating themes often incorporate a color theme such as this beach-inspired bedroom, which features classic blue and white.

Draw from an Accessory 

Charming vases, frames, and other accessories offer inspiration in their lively hues -- such as this display of green picture frames. The pretty Kelly green of the frames inspired the rest of the home's color scheme.

Set the Atmosphere

Serene, cozy, vibrant ... Pick hues based on the way you want to feel when you walk into the room. For example, the relaxing white and linen beige tones used in this bedroom present a cozy atmosphere.

Base It on a Piece of Furniture 

When starting fresh in a room, choose a piece of furniture you want to center the room around. This living room's color palette was based on colors that work with the orange velvet sofa.

Start with Wallpaper 

As wallpaper continues to make its comeback, consider it as the foundation of your color scheme. The whimsical white and gold pattern on the wallpaper in this room inspired the use of yellows throughout the bedroom.