Fear of Color?

 Find Your Style With This Easy Color Guide!

by DINA BURKE

One of the trickiest aspect of a DIY design makeover is COLOR.  Many people really fret over this one --and for good reason! They ask themselves, "Will it be what I like? Will it go with everything? Will it match? Does it have to match? What if I get one piece of furniture here and another one there- how will I know if it will look good?" 

If you have had any of these thoughts rattling in your brain you are not alone!

Color is a Part of Style

The best way to overcome 'Fear of Color' is to have a system for identifying colors that play well together.  Colors do not live in a void all by themselves.  Color is very much a part of style.  One way of  finding your color preferences is by identifying style categories that resonate with you.  Think of an English Country Cottage and it is very doubtful the colors that come to mind would be black leather and stainless steel, right?  OK technically those are surfaces or textures and not just a color, but you get the idea

Color Analysis, not Color Paralysis!

 With this color guide, you will be able to find different style categories, and with that find one that is your favorite or pretty close to it.  Check out the style categories below to find your favorite style!

 Here's How:

·      Each style category offers you a color guide with 5  main color combinations. Pick your style category.

·      Pick the main color you like best

·      The secondary colors will be sure to coordinate

·      All of these paint colors are Benjamin Moore paints

·      These paint swatches are also useful in coordinating colors for fabrics furnishings rugs and wall-covering

 

 

 

 

STYLE CATEGORY 1: MID- CENTURY MODERN SOPHISTICATE TM

This style embraces clean lines and whimsy using  hard surfaces and neutral colors.  So If you like simplicity, clean lines, not a lot of fuss, this is a good choice for you.  The browns could be in the texture of leather, herringbone, paired with the camels and flinty grays and blues as the background.

 

IMG_3956.JPG

photo from Dina Burke Interior Design LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

STYLE CATEGORY 1: MID- CENTURY MODERN SOPHISTICATE TM

This style embraces clean lines and whimsy using  hard surfaces and neutral colors.  So If you like simplicity, clean lines, not a lot of fuss, this is a good choice for you. Another color combination in this style category is the rich tandoori and carriage red colors which are a good contrast to some of the lighter neutrals.

 

 

COLOR ANALYSIS BUTTON 1.jpg

photo from Dina Burke Interior Design LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STYLE CATEGORY 2: COSMOPOLITAN GLAMOR TM

This style embraces minimal embellishment in cool glassy materials using  reflection  for a splash of glamor  punctuated with small hits of bright colors on a neutral canvas.  It's a bit high style and dramatic and if that is the look you are seeking this is another color interpretation of this style category.

 

IMG_3974.JPG

photo from House Beautiful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STYLE CATEGORY 2: COSMOPOLITAN GLAMOR TM

This style embraces  minimal embellishment in cool glassy materials using  reflection  for a splash of glamor  punctuated with small hits of bright colors on a neutral canvas.

 

IMG_3984.JPG

photo from Dina Burke Interior Design LLC

 

 

 

STYLE CATEGORY 3: CASUAL CHARM TM 

This style is similar to shabby chic, retro, or country cottage, and uses comfortable furnishings, cheerful easygoing colors and bright patterns.  Here is one color combination for this popular style category.

IMG_3977.JPG

photo from BH&G

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STYLE CATEGORY 3: CASUAL CHARM TM 

This style is similar to shabby chic, retro, or country cottage, and uses comfortable furnishings, cheerful easygoing colors and bright patterns.  Here is another color combination for this popular style category using a dark wall.

 

IMG_3975.JPG

photo from BH&G

 

 

 

 

 

 

STYLE CATEGORY 4: WORLDLY  TRADITIONAL TM 

This style embraces clean lines contrasted with earthy antiques,  unique travel collections. Intricate  tribal rug patterns embrace activity through traditional colors on a canvas of neutral colors.

IMG_3951.JPG

photo from Dina Burke Interior Design LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STYLE CATEGORY 4: WORLDLY  TRADITIONAL TM 

This style embraces clean lines contrasted with earthy antiques, unique travel collections. Intricate tribal rug patterns embrace activity through traditional colors on a canvas of neutral colors.  These are classic blue and tan color combinations that will work just about anywhere.

IMG_3970.JPG

photo from Dina Burke Interior Design LLC

You Are Now On Your Way!

You can use any of these style categories or colors to get you over your fear of color! Terrific--you can get started now!  First though, a little conversation, ok?  Which of these color combinations speak to you? Which style is your favorite? What has worked for you?  Is there one you will be using right away?  Leave a comment below and join in…I'd love to hear from you!


About the Author: Dina Burke is an author, interior design professional, entrepreneurial visual strategist and problem solver, and founder of Dina Burke's DIY Room Makeover TM. Visit her site today  at http://dinaburkeinteriors.com  or just click on the link below for her *free* 'Top Designer Tools Guide'that she uses to design beautiful rooms. http://dinaburkeinteriors.com/my-top-5-designer-secrets-revealed