The mix is everything when it comes to a color palette that works. That’s why Mark McCauley, ASID, senior designer at Darleen’s Interiors, is all about layering. "A favorite room can be just like a favorite outfit that you put together for yourself," he says. "It works with your skin tone, it has layers of appealing colors, it reflects who you are and what you like. That’s when the room begins to sing arias."
The 60-30-10 Rule
We‘ve all heard how to create a color palette with one main color, a secondary color and an accent color (thus 60-30-10), but don't stop there. “You can add layer upon layer and use the 60-30-10 equation with three
new colors each time,” McCauley says.
Accentuate the Accents
The best way to add layers to your color scheme is with accent pieces and accessories, McCauley says: “Think about adding color in a sofa throw, a tablecloth, the china, pillows, a lampshade.”
Make It Seamless
Complex color schemes aren't difficult if you deconstruct the layers, as McCauley does: “If the walls are purple, consider a plaid sofa throw with purple in one of the squares. Another square could be a complementary medium gold. Pillows could repeat the purple wall color and another complementary color, such as orange, could be introduced in an oxidized copper light fixture or fan.”
Colors That Connect
McCauley likes to surround himself with a grounding color combo of analogous orange, green and yellow: “The orange (clay) color connects us to the earth, the green reflects the ‘safety’ of a canopy of trees and the yellow represents the giving aspects of the sun.”
Anne Krueger is the editor of HGTV.com’s Decorating newsletter. She has written for In Style, This Old House, Martha Stewart Living and The New York Times.
