Building a Colour Scheme That Flows

Changing colours from room to room can be a very effective way to define space, draw attention to focal points and to add personality and style to your home. Here are some tips to help you create a colour scheme that transitions smoothly from room to room.

• Limit your palette:  A good rule of thumb is to choose 3-5 colours with a similar tonal value.  Choosing paint colours from ONE collection is a great way to start.  My go-to is Benjamin Moore’s Affinity Collection since all 144 colours were designed to work harmoniously.
• Every element counts: Your palette should include the colours of all fixed elements as well. Fixed elements are all the items and finishes that will remain in the room, like flooring, kitchen cabinets, furniture etc.
• Let the architecture lead: Use the architecture as your cue for changing from one colour to the next.  Always end and begin at a natural break, like an inside corner, a recessed ceiling or a door opening.

• Accent strategically: Use walls, recessed ceilings and niches as punctuation points by adding an accent colour.  This allows you to bring stronger colours into the space in small doses, especially helpful when you want to add personality to an otherwise neutral space. 
• Balance and repeat:  Whether you use 3 or 5 hues throughout your home, it’s important to repeat them in varying proportions, in the adjacent rooms through key accessories and artwork.