Selecting colors that will be incorporated into your home is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of room, the products and furniture within the space, and the personal preference of those who own and reside in the home. “It is important to remember in addition to the primary color used in the room, a secondary color or two, accent colors, will not only complement the main color, but enhance the overall color scheme while adding personality, drama, interest, and harmony,” said Kelly Shanahan, Selections Coordinator for Balsitis Contracting.
A general rule to follow regarding accent colors is 60/30/10 – 60% of the room should be the main color, 30% in the main accent color, and 10% in a secondary accent color. “While this is typically a good starting point, as each space is designed with the individual in mind, playing around with these ratios is appropriate,” Kelly said.
To begin the process of determining the accent colors to utilize, consider the furnishings that will be in the room, such as curtains, blinds, upholstery, paintings, and pillows. “The central goal of accent colors is to underscore and emphasize the principal color, which can be done through contrast to or complementing of the dominant color,” she said. “Dark colors and neutrals can even function as accent colors.”
When deciding on the accent colors to use, it is important to have an understanding of the colors that work favorably with one another. The following are accent color combinations that are typically used together:
- Beige: as a neutral, beige provides many options. With its yellow undertones, pairing beige with purple or blue offers an attractive contrast, while matching it with a crisp white or a warm coral produces a light and airy environment.
- Blue: to achieve serenity combine different shades of blue with purple or green, or if the goal is to be daring, consider a high-contrast option such as orange, red, or yellow.
- Brown: use it in conjunction with gold or rose to bring life to the space, or complement a taupe brown with blues and greens for a trendy look.
- Gray: when paired with blue, gray is calming, ideal for a bedroom, living room, or another area of the home where there is a desire to relax.
- Green: pairing well with blue, red, or yellow, green’s undertones offer appealing combinations, such as yellow-green with a shade of violet and blue-green with orange.
- Purple: to achieve a dramatic impact, pair purple with yellow, while combining it with blue or red offers a calmer ambiance.
- Red: coupling well with purple accents produces a stately look, while orange provides additional warmth. To achieve a romantic mood, combine with black, while creamy white or beige suggests a gentler atmosphere.
- Yellow: pairing with orange, soft gray, or bright white evokes brightness within the space.
It is recommended that only a few accent colors be used throughout the home, as it is not necessary to use a variety of colors to make the home appear vibrant. “I suggest that once one or two accent colors are chosen, use them throughout the house, as this will produce flow,” Kelly said. “In addition, the chief accent color should be used at least three times in a room to highlight particular areas of the space. Keep in mind that in addition to small pieces within the room, the main accent color can be used on painted surfaces, in upholstery, and within artwork.”
When using accent colors, contemplate highlighting architectural details, including paneling, stair rails, and trim. For example, when considering a bathroom, working off the primary color on the walls, accent colors can be incorporated into the vanity, window trim, and possibly the ceilings, allowing the accent color to serve as a focal point.
An accepted way to use an accent color in a room is to create an accent wall. All walls in the room but one feature the dominant color, with one wall, typically behind a piece of furniture, featuring the accent color. “This immediately draws the eye to that part of the room,” she said. “As a custom home builder, we usually use wallpaper, which has made a huge comeback, in the accent color, providing a textural component to the space as well.”
As more homeowners create a specific area to serve as an office or a place to homeschool, the addition of an accent color can stimulate the mind and enhance the productivity of those who work within the space.
Kelly said accent colors are important because they provide rooms with character. “Remember decorating is meant to be fun and utilizing color, particularly in parts of the home where the family regularly gathers, provides an increased positivity and happiness,” she said.
Let the Balsitis Contracting designers assist you in selecting the colors that will best work in the various spaces that comprise your home. Call 262-203-3952, e-mail info@balsitiscontracting.com, or complete our online form to see how the team can assist you in picking the accent colors that will make your home shine.