Planning colour schemes

Inspiration would be the first step, and the source could be drawn from a magazine, or a certain decorating style like rustic, which is inspired by the wild, or nautical if you love the seaside. You can even make a collection of little inspiring objects that tickle your decorating senses and please your eye. Inspiration could even come from the combination of colours on a cushion, a flower bouquet or a painting. One of the most important sources is nature itself where the colour and texture combinations are limitless.

Once you analysed the source of your inspiration, you will discover which colours are right to create the mood that you’re looking for. Decide upon the main colours for the room, the walls, the ceiling, the floors are the main areas; and think ahead if you need to use colour to create certain illusions, such as high or low ceilings. You don’t have to be inventive, if you’re not sure of yourself use colour schemes that you're certain of their success.

Decide if you want to use one or more colours on walls, but keep in mind that lighter and darker versions of the same colour would be a better option than using several different ones. Be bold and go for patterned wallpaper to emphasise a wall and to add texture to the room; but choose one preferably in the same tones as the rest of the room. Take into account that large patterns work best in large areas and small patterns are best appreciated in small areas.

There are a number of options for flooring as well, a new wooden floor will give a room a contemporary and clean look or if the current flooring is in good condition, it can be painted or striped and stained. Any of these possibilities will provide a good base for colourful rugs. Another option is carpeting, if a new one is not optional, than you have to plan your colour scheme around the existing one.