How to create a color palette you won’t get bored of

We’re working to crack the code to clean spaces that stand the test of time. Here’s what I’ve learned so far: While design styles come and go, color palette rules remain the same.

We consulted with trusted interior designers to create the ultimate beginner’s guide to creating a color palette you won’t tire of. This guide applies to any scenario and any room, whether you want to design a bedroom your child can grow up with or a living room you’ll never want to repaint.

Follow these easy-to-implement rules to choose a color palette you’ll always love.

Establish a neutral base

Justin Williams, an interior designer, urges his clients to “start with a neutral wall color.” This allows the space to function as a blank canvas: ready to be filled, dressed and accessorized. Regardless of whether you’re a color lover or prefer peace of mind, this is a route worth taking.

“This gives you endless options for adding color to furniture and accents,” says Williams.

To create a palette that can evolve effortlessly over time, try “a balance of warm and cool tones, anchored by neutrals,” says Kelsey Haywood, principal designer and owner of Haywoodmade.

In keeping with the theme, designer Sallie Lord suggests starting with “a primary color that is generally a lighter neutral.”

Choosing furniture, pillows, artwork and decorations is where the fun really begins. If you or your style changes over time, as they almost always do, you can easily replace accessories and transform the space to reflect your style without a major redesign project.

Start with a base shade

According to interior designer Danielle Chiprut, it’s important to start with a base shade that you love.

“When it comes to creating a color palette you’ll love, we believe in the magic of creating a tonal space, full of texture and a pop of vibrant color,” she says.

Once you’ve chosen a shade, “weave in the lighter and darker tones of that color for depth,” says Cyprus. You can do this in the form of rugs, furniture, and accent pieces. If you want to add extra sparkle or vibrancy, add a complementary color to the mix.

This base shade might be neutral, but it doesn’t have to be. If blue is your favorite color, layer the light blue with navy blue to achieve a sense of coherence.

Add a pop of color

Designer Meg Lavalette prefers when spaces mimic the outside world. The outside world is not completely neutral, figuratively or spiritually. He believes that a camera should force the eye to travel and that it should look natural but interesting at the same time.

Lavalette echoes other designers’ basic advice to start with a neutral base, but also encourages pops of color to add visual interest and show off your personality.

“If you want to create a color palette that has longevity, put a little color in small doses of different hues and shades around the room,” says Lavalette. “A little blue here and a little yellow there. Using a little of everything helps the eye travel and feel natural because everyday life has a little of everything.”

fan-shaped wooden interior

The Lord advocates incorporating color in unique ways: painting the ceiling a shocking color or playing with wallpaper. Consider contrasting patterns with textures and play around until it’s perfect.

Williams, on the other hand, prefers to incorporate color as a quiet, subtle “whisper.”

“[Adaugati] one or two pieces with a little color,” he says. “This technique creates a warm space with color that isn’t overwhelming.”

Where and how you incorporate the colored dash is entirely up to you. Regardless of how much, experts agree that color should be incorporated somewhere and somehow.

Evoke a mood or feeling

How do you want to feel in space? How can you weave that vibe into all the decor elements? Maybe you want the room to be full of energy or maybe you want the room to evoke a sense of peace. Maybe you’re looking to design a dream living room, a whimsical office, or a cozy guest bedroom.

Michelle Gage, creative director, is familiar with decorating for a mood.

“Think about the tone or mood you want to evoke in the room,” she says. “I like to darken small spaces. For the guest bedroom, you might want to create a cozy feel, so lean on darker shades to bring that vibe to life.”

The Lord also designs the rooms according to how she wants to feel.

“From there, I play with the colors on the walls,” he says. “For example, you can create a sexy or cozy living room by taking the deepest tone of your palette and painting it on the walls, adding pops of contrasting color with artwork, pillows and decor.”

Associate an emotion, mood or energy with each room in your home. From there, feel and weave those feelings throughout the space and, above all, trust your instincts.