Do Colors Have to Match Perfectly in Every Room?

Did you grow up with the idea that colors had to match? Whether that idea was in reference to colors in home decor, shoes/purses, makeup, or any number of other areas of our lives, everything had to match! That thought is not as prevalent today but still merits attention especially as your home decorating ideas begin to develop.

You might say that color is an imperfect science. If you don’t believe me, try looking through a paint sample display for that “perfect” color. Remember, the lighting in the store is much different than the lighting in your home which also changes with the weather conditions and the time of the day and year.

Let's look at the pros for matching colors in your home decorating plans:

* You have a favorite color

* Your favorite color makes a statement and you want lots of it

* You don’t want to make so many decisions—you know what color you like and stick to it

* You love the challenge of perfectly matching colors

* Matching colors is second nature to you and you don’t want to change

Now, let's look at the cons for matching color in your home decorating plans:

* It’s difficult to match color because of texture

* It’s difficult to match color because of light

* You want to incorporate several colors in your decorating plans

* You like the challenge of mixing and matching colors

* There is more flexibility and freedom to change your home decor over time

Consider a “middle of the road" approach

I prefer a “middle of the road” approach which would include coordinating and grouping colors as well as paying attention to lighter and darker shades and tones. Putting three varying shades of purple together will look magnificent. Putting five reds with the same tone together will certainly give energy and pizzazz to a room—get the idea?

As you walk from room to room, color makes a home flow comfortably; it is the connecting component. In your mind you unknowingly take the color scheme from room to room for a few brief seconds. Use a single color as a theme that runs throughout the house while still providing each room with its own color persona. Keep that in mind as you are embarking on your next home decorating project.