If I'm not mistaken, (and this is the rule of thumb I'm using as a guide) it's usually 3 but if you want more, try to use a quantity of odd number, 3 or 5? And use the colors repeatedly throughout the room.

I've read that the "rule" is 60/30/10 and with that every room needs something in black. Black is never counted as a color.

I have 3 consistent colors running through my entire first floor -- green, gold, and red. Not all in the same hue and not in the same "percentage" in each room, but all 3 colors are represented in all the rooms. I do have a bit of black in every room too, but that was coincidental (never heard that "rule"!) But I also have white trim in some rooms, brown wood floors, brown wood furniture, brown leather, etc... I don't count these as colors, though. I guess I count them as neutrals.

Black anchors a room and keeps it stabilized, especially where a lot of light color is present.

Green gives the room energy and every room should have green; it's the organicity that it brings to the room.

Every room should have something that is totally off the wall for drama, i.e., leopard throw in a very formal room. Of course, we have all come to expect the animal faux's nowadays but at one time that was sort of a rule about a surprise element.

In a room with all neutral tones such as my room with all beiges, browns, taupes, wheats, my accent color is blue and I have a big green armoire just to keep it surprising.

I also like a touch of red, in a very small amount, in every room. That is if one of your main colors is not already red.

Funny - I was just thinking about this same question yesterday afternoon as I walked through my fairly monochromatic LR & wondered why still after 1+ yr I still love it. I think it's because subconsciously I've applied the rule as stated above.

My main color in the LR is green w/ robins egg blue next & then all of my dark brown furniture & trim w/ accents of cream. It's pretty much like that throughout the entire downstairs but in different doses in different rms. & reversed in others.

Patricia is right on.

I don't have a rule for the number of colors I use. But there should always be a dominant color and a fabric to build around in each room. A little black can always be added to a room with a picture frame, trim, or any other accessory. You can bring green in to a room in many ways besides paint. Adding plants can give you green.

Dilly,

I think that the percentage you used was what she said.

Thank you everybody for your feedback. It is very helpful. So all my browns and beiges can be considered one color because it is all in the same family?

Joanne

Yes, Joanne, they are all one color family.
Our home is very colorful, but each room pretty much has three colors. Once I get to decorating our master bedroom and sewing it's bedding and drapery, it will be an exception. It will be all in jeweltones (emerald, amethist, saphire, topaz and ruby) with a hand made wiggly striped crazy quilt with a Morrocan/Bohemian feel to it. Very passionate yet upscale hippy feel.
~Becky

Becky,

Please post a pic of your bedroom once it is done. It will be so sharp. I envy people that can sew, good for you.

Joanne

Its funny that I found this topic today. I was watching David Bromstad on a special last night (not sure if it was a repeat.) On the Untimate color guide and I was checking out the website that he said to go to . It is the 60,30,10 rule. But I also feel like you all do and say that black doesn't count. I am putting the website in the link below. It gives you some pre-set up color palletes to look at and how it would be implemented in your choice of room. I am almost wished you could make your own as well as I was a combination of a few.

Hope you enjoy it as mch as I did.

Ruth

Here is a link that might be useful: HGTV Color Guide

Ruth,

Thanks so much for sharing that web page. I found it very useful.

Have a great week.
Joanne

Yes thanks that is a great site. Now if only I could put it to practice.

Joanne, I certainly will, but it may be awhile. I've five windows in the sunroom and four windows in the Ladie's Parlor to make WTs for. Although just talking about it again makes me want to hurry and get to it. I've been babysitting our grandson for awhile now so I've not had the time to do any sewing what so ever. They are looking for a babysitter to take over so I can catch up on things. I'll miss him, but Grammy really needs to get so much done around the house that I just can't watch him indefinitely. Though it breaks my heart to think of not seeing him as often. Very mixed feelings here. Pulled in two directions at least!