Choosing My Summer Color Scheme For My Home

   

Summer is here, so that means it is time to switch things up a bit in our homes.

For those of you that have been following along in blogland you know that I do change things up seasonally. You can read  a step by step plan of how to do it  here!

I am often asked......

HOW DO YOU DO THAT!?

I am actually pretty strategic and have been doing it for so many years it just is a pretty natural process for me.

One of the most important things I suggest is to empty out all of the accessories in your room before you begin to add seasonal touches.

The biggest mistake that homeowners can make is to just start adding more to the room without removing some of what is already in the room. 

What happens is a lot of confusion, and sometimes the end result can look like a hot mess. I know that is not what any of us want.

Another reason to remove items out of the room is it helps give you a clearer vision of what is needed in the room.

I usually start with a color scheme. I knew I wanted the cool colors of aqua and cobalt blues. 

Then the search begins for inspiration. 

Since color is what usually inspires me I start looking for images with this color combination. Keep in mind it can be an image of anything at first, you are just searching for combinations that are pleasing to your eye.

I have also found if you spend some time looking at certain combinations they will either please you, or you will become bored with the whole idea. Time spent up front truly will save you time and money in the long run.

Once you establish the color scheme that you are comfortable with then start looking for rooms with this color scheme and study how the colors are used.

Also become aware of just how much of the colors you can handle. Sometimes too much is just TOOOO much. We all have our limits when it comes to color.

Doing a room for summer and using these colors, the natural inclination is to do a beach themed room. Personally I don't enjoy a room that is overtly thematic.

I tend to like subtle hints with color and maybe one or two accessories. The worst thing to happen is for your home to look like a store display out of at Hobby Lobby or Homegoods.

(personally this is way too much aqua for me, but it helps me realize I need more cobalt than aqua)

As easy as it is to shop for things that organized by color and theme it does NOT make for a pleasant, relaxing room to be IN. You never want your room to look as if you need to put price tags on your accessories!

Once you realize just how much of the color you can handle, and what rooms are appealing to you, then it is time for shopping. Shop your home first of all for the elements with your chosen color scheme, or combinations that remind you of summer.

If what you have is not quite enough to pull a look together then you get to go shopping, that's the fun part.

I spend a great deal of time sourcing and this time was no exception. I started several weeks ago looking for pillows. There were several that had the combination of colors that I liked.

I was just about to order samples and then.......