Creating a color palette for your home can feel daunting, but understanding the basics of color can transform the process into an exciting and creative journey. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating an existing space, the key is to gather your inspiration and let your personal tastes guide you. In this guide, we'll explore how to develop a color palette that suits your unique space, taking into account fixed elements, natural light, and the 60/20/10 rule. By the end, you'll have the confidence to create a beautiful and cohesive color scheme that reflects your style and enhances your home.

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Gather Your Inspiration

Before you begin, start to pull together all of the things you love into one place and then see what themes are present. Perhaps you are thinking of going for a neutral space but all of your inspiration is filled with maximal color. Let what you’re drawn to inform where to begin, learning to follow your gut and your own personal tastes is the hardest part of the whole process.

What is unique about the space?

Next, consider what cannot be changed about the space. Are you working with an existing wall color? Does your flooring color need to be considered? How much natural light does the space get? Are you creating a plan for a specific room or for an entire open concept floor? Color palettes will vary by room type so just think through how you will use the space and what you are working with. 


The 60/20/10 Rule

When we’re planning a color palette we use ratios for the room to give us a place to start. 60% of the room should be your base color meaning this color will feel the most prominent, this would be considered your “neutral” color range. When speaking to neutral colors, a lot of people think of gray or white but neutral can be shades of greens, pinks, blues, etc it’s all just dependent on the tone of that base color.

 20% will be your accent color meaning a color that compliments the base color for contrast. 

10% will be your wildcard colors which will be the smallest amount in the room and may only surface through a few small accent pieces. Wildcard colors don’t have to be bold, they could be colors like brown or black that help ground the space.

A note on tonality 

Lastly, remember that rules are meant to be broken and one look we do really love is a completely tonal room with all of the pieces being the same color but varied tones.

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