Decorate With Intention: Picking Colors That Flatter
If room colors based on your skin and hair tones could speak, they'd say, 'You look gorgeous'
In decorating, how do you decide which colors to use? Do you look to your favorite designers, read magazines and pore over decorating websites and blogs? If you are anything like me, you may find that the wealth of choices out there can become a bit too much. If you are ready to home in on the colors that suit you best, try looking to your own closet (and reflection) as your personal color guide. This simple, fun method of color picking will help you choose colors for your home that flatter you; now who wouldn't want that? Read on for 12 examples that will help bring your personal color palette to life in your home.
Getting started:
Getting started:
- Determine your undertones. The old trick of using silver and gold jewelry (or fabric) to determine if you have "warm" or "cool" skin undertones still works. To try this, hold up one piece of silver jewelry and one of gold against your skin. Look for the one that makes you look more awake, alive, and glowing. If it is gold, you have warm undertones; if silver looks best, you have cool undertones.
- Check out your closet. If there is a predominant color in your wardrobe, or one that you always receive compliments on when you wear it, take note.
You have: Vibrant red hair; green eyes.
Try these colors: Striking emerald green will make a major statement (and make you feel screen-star glamorous). Keep the details simple and streamlined with clear Lucite and glass accents.
Try these colors: Striking emerald green will make a major statement (and make you feel screen-star glamorous). Keep the details simple and streamlined with clear Lucite and glass accents.
You have: Skin with warm undertones.
Try these colors: Rich coral is amazingly flattering for warm skin tones. Try it on the walls or add just a touch in apricot-hued throw pillows.
Try these colors: Rich coral is amazingly flattering for warm skin tones. Try it on the walls or add just a touch in apricot-hued throw pillows.
You have: Brown eyes and hair; skin with warm undertones.
Try these colors: Create a plush and cozy atmosphere with a range of chocolatey shades, from mocha to bitter cocoa. Animal prints and coral hues are statement-making accents.
Try these colors: Create a plush and cozy atmosphere with a range of chocolatey shades, from mocha to bitter cocoa. Animal prints and coral hues are statement-making accents.
You have: Black hair and eyes; ebony skin.
Try these colors: Shades of bitter chocolate and black in paint and woodwork repeat your hair and skin tones, and are enhanced by richly saturated red and burgundy accents. A bit of crisp white keeps this opulent look fresh.
Try these colors: Shades of bitter chocolate and black in paint and woodwork repeat your hair and skin tones, and are enhanced by richly saturated red and burgundy accents. A bit of crisp white keeps this opulent look fresh.
You have: Brown hair; blue-green eyes.
Try these colors: Rich sea green emphasizes the color of turquoise eyes and provides striking contrast for brown hair. This saturated hue is bold but highly livable, so don't be afraid to use it in a large area; try it as a wall color or in a rug.
Try these colors: Rich sea green emphasizes the color of turquoise eyes and provides striking contrast for brown hair. This saturated hue is bold but highly livable, so don't be afraid to use it in a large area; try it as a wall color or in a rug.
You have: Silver or white hair; blue eyes.
Try these colors: Watery shades of blue bring out your eyes, while soft, chalky grays, cream and white repeat the shades in your hair. For a glamorous touch, add sparkling crystal, antique glass or lustrous ceramics.
Try these colors: Watery shades of blue bring out your eyes, while soft, chalky grays, cream and white repeat the shades in your hair. For a glamorous touch, add sparkling crystal, antique glass or lustrous ceramics.
You have: Cool-tone or pale skin; jet black hair.
Try these colors: Glossy black paint may not be for everyone, but you can handle it! If you have black hair and green or blue eyes, consider going with an almost-black shade containing one of those hues for a dramatic look that also happens to make you look amazing. For a subtler take, paint an antique dresser or cabinet, and scoop up a few deep and dark accessories like the black globe shown here.
Try these colors: Glossy black paint may not be for everyone, but you can handle it! If you have black hair and green or blue eyes, consider going with an almost-black shade containing one of those hues for a dramatic look that also happens to make you look amazing. For a subtler take, paint an antique dresser or cabinet, and scoop up a few deep and dark accessories like the black globe shown here.
You have: Blonde hair; blue eyes.
Try these colors: The honey tones of natural fiber rugs and linen upholstery echo your hair color, while a soothing shade of blue on the walls plays up your eyes. Accessories in gold or platinum make perfect details.
Try these colors: The honey tones of natural fiber rugs and linen upholstery echo your hair color, while a soothing shade of blue on the walls plays up your eyes. Accessories in gold or platinum make perfect details.
You have: Any coloring.
Try these colors: Soft pink walls cast a flattering glow on just about everyone. If you have cool undertones, look for a paler, cooler pink, while those with warm undertones can use richer, peachier shades.
Try these colors: Soft pink walls cast a flattering glow on just about everyone. If you have cool undertones, look for a paler, cooler pink, while those with warm undertones can use richer, peachier shades.
Try these colors: Shades of green from moss to jade in paint or upholstery brings out hazel and green eyes, and provide a natural counterpoint to hair with red and rich brown tones. Finish the room with warm woods and chocolate browns.