Pops of color!

Hi Everyone!

Color is an amazing design tool, but can also be the most challenging part of design. What colors should I use? How many should I put together? How much is too much? There isn't necessarily a "color rule" as to how many or how little color you should use in a space. In my designs, I tend to stick with threes (3 really is my favorite number). I like to pick one base color, something more neutral like gray, cream, or taupe and build off that with two richer colors as accents. It varies from space to space, client to client, but threes are a good way to design for yourself.

Gray is a very popular neutral. There are so many grays out there and it is a great grounding color for a room. It creates a nice even and balanced space to work with. Just be careful about undertones of other colors in grays (they are sneaky!).

Once you pick your solid base color, add some pops!

Here is an example of a gray base color with blue and green pops of color.

http://www.decoist.com/2013-05-23/decorating-with-green-inspiration/

Here is an example of cream with purple and yellow.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/manja-swanson/a-colorful-living-room-de_b_4032991.html

It is also okay to add more neutrals. Gray and white are paired all the time because they work well together. You can have two or more neutrals with one pop of color or even one neutral with one pop of color. I would't suggest going with more than two pops of color because the room starts to look busy. There are bends to this rule though. For instance, a patterned rug with 3+ colors in it with a gray sofa and white walls is fine. Pull out one or two of those colors in the rug to use as your pops of color. Just don't overdo it by putting 4 accent colors in your room based on the rug pattern. 

Here is an example of two neutrals with a pop of color.

http://www.pinterest.com/raelynnok/gray-white-yellow/

Here is an example of a colorful rug and pulling out those colors as accents.

http://icoupie.com/compact-waterfront-house-to-withstanding-tsunamis-and-wave-actions/energetic-living-room-contains-soft-gray-sofa-two-gliders-white-coffee-tables-orange-stools-on-colorful-rug-a-fireplace-wall-mounted-tv-and-wooden-book-shelves/

**Michelle's Post Wrap-Up** - Don't be afraid to use color. Grays, creams, and browns may seem boring, but they are wonderful colors. They are the base to your room, grounding your space and design. Start with these neutrals and add your pops. 

Thanks for reading!

- Michelle -