Color Sense

Before you consider the color choices for a room, look at it closely in terms of space and light. What are the room's dimensions? Is it large or small? What is its shape? Is the room angular, L-shaped, or boxy? Are there any irregularities to take into account, such as deep jogs in the walls, or an alcove? How high are the ceilings? Do you want one color to dominate, or would you prefer an equal blend of various colors? Do you want the room to feel warm and cozy, or tranquil and airy? What will serve as the main focus of the room -- the furniture arrangement or a single object, such as a work of art, entertainment center, or fireplace? These are all factors that will affect not only the colors you choose, but how the room elements play off those colors.

There are many resources you can consult to see how color works in a room. Home decorating books and magazines are one good source, because you can clip the pages you favor. Visit designer showhouses or room settings in department stores. The new home superstores use room vignettes to show how merchandise will look in various color schemes; mail-order catalogs do, too. Check them out. If you find a friend's home appealing, take photographs for future reference. Collect paint chips and fabric swatches to go with your clippings. Then sit down with all your clips and chips. Are you drawn to certain colors and not others? Go with your instinct. Although neutrals like white (in more than 200 variations), beige, sage, and peach are said to be the safest colors to live with, you may find another color suits you best.