According to the calendar (and occasionally the thermometer), summer is here and it is my FAVORITE season!

Tis the season of sun-kissed skin, sandy beaches, and poolside umbrella drinks.

It's also the perfect time to give your home a seasonal makeover. One of the simplest and most effective ways to infuse the spirit of summer into your living spaces is through a carefully chosen color palette.

And summer IS the perfect time to give your home a refresh! I mean, YOU get a refresh with a summer break in routine, shouldn’t your home too?

How do I choose the right color palette for my interior?

Choosing the perfect color palette for your interior can be a daunting task, but there are guidelines to help. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Let Inspiration Be Your Guide:

Before you dive into the vast ocean of color options, take a moment to seek inspiration. Look around you—be it the breathtaking hues of a summer sunset or the vibrant blooms in your garden.

Nature is a wonderful muse when it comes to color selection. Pay attention to the shades that make your heart sing and jot them down or snap a photo for inspiration.

Consider the Mood:

Think about the atmosphere you want to create in each room. Do you envision a serene and calming space or a lively and energetic one?

Different colors evoke different emotions, so choose accordingly. Blues and greens often promote tranquility, while yellows and oranges inject a sense of vibrancy.

Factor in the Space:

Be sure to take into account any existing finishes  - everything has a color already and if it isn’t leaving, it needs to go with whatever you are adding!

Consider the natural and artificial light in the room when choosing your specific colors - they will affect your perception of the color.

These are both critical reasons to see large samples IN the space before you commit to a new paint color or fabric.

What is the 60/30/10 rule?

Now that you have a general idea of the colors you'd like to incorporate, it's time to understand the 60/30/10 rule. This guideline will help achieve a harmonious balance in any room. Let's break it down:

Dominant Color (60%):

The dominant color takes up the largest portion of your room, covering around 60% of the space. This could be your walls, furniture, or even a large area rug.

Choose a color that sets the overall tone and acts as the backdrop for your room's aesthetic.

Secondary Color (30%):

The secondary color adds depth and visual interest to your space. It typically encompasses 30% of the room and can be seen in accent walls, draperies, millwork, or statement furniture pieces.

This color should complement the dominant color while introducing a contrasting element.

Accent Color (10%):

The accent color is the final touch, responsible for injecting personality and pizzazz into your room. Use it sparingly, making up about 10% of the space.

Think throw pillows, artwork, or small decorative items. This color should create a visual exclamation point and tie everything together.

What are the best colors for a summer palette?

Now that we've covered the fundamentals, let's dive into the colors that scream summer. These hues will bring the sunshine indoors and create a perpetual summer vacation atmosphere:

Beachy Blues:

Transport yourself to the coast with refreshing shades of aqua, sky blue, or even turquoise. These colors instantly evoke feelings of relaxation and serenity. Pair them with crisp whites and sandy neutrals for a breezy, beach-inspired look.

Citrus Splashes:

Capture the zest of summer by incorporating vibrant citrus shades like lemon yellow, tangy orange, and lime green. These colors add a playful and energetic vibe to any space.

Balance them with neutral tones to prevent overwhelm in the room.

Tropical Punch:

Bring the tropics home with a palette inspired by lush rainforests and exotic flowers.

Think deep greens, rich teals, with touches of fuchsia or coral. These colors exude warmth and create a dramatic, captivating ambiance.

Ice Cream Pastels:

From strawberry to mint chocolate chip, and orange sherbet to butter pecan, ice cream pastels can add a soft, sweet flavor of summer to your home.

Pair them with touches of brown or black to keep them out of nursery territory.

My own living area is a pastel blend of minty greens, pale corals, and butter yellows - all grounded with a dose of black in some of the furnishings and rugs to keep it from being too saccharine.  It allows me to revel in the colors of my favorite season all year long!   

Should your whole house have the same color scheme?

To Match or Not to Match that is the Question

When it comes to color schemes, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It ultimately depends on your personal preference and the flow of your home.

Here are two approaches to consider

Cohesive Harmony:

Opting for a consistent color scheme throughout your house creates a sense of cohesion and unity. It allows for smooth transitions between rooms and can make your space feel larger, so is a great tool for smaller homes.

But identical color schemes from room to room can be boring, so consider variations of the same color family, or choose a palette of complementary colors and change up the proportions in each space to maintain visual harmony without monotony.

The bonus of a consistent color scheme is that the furnishings can easily transition between spaces as needed, or if you ever just want to rearrange to refresh things!

Room-by-Room Adventure:

On the flip side, embracing different color schemes in each room adds an element of excitement and individuality. It allows you to create distinct moods and cater to the unique purpose of each space.

Just ensure there's a subtle connection between at least the public rooms, be it through shared accent colors or complementary hues, so you don’t end up with a jarring, kindergarten crayon box vibe.

In general, common spaces and public rooms can benefit from a more cohesive color scheme to help the rooms flow together, while private spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms and home offices can be more individual.

Choosing the perfect summer color palette for your home is part art and part science. But it is an enterprise that allows you to express your personality and embrace the joy of the season in a fresh new way.

Let inspiration guide you, use the 60/30/10 rule as your secret weapon, and don't shy away from the colors that embody the spirit of summer.

Whether you opt for beachy blues, citrus splashes, tropical punch, or sweet ice cream pastels, your home can be an oasis of summer color.

Here's to a summer filled with colors that make your heart sing.

Need more help choosing the perfect paint color? We’re happy to help! You can purchase our downloadable guide to getting your colors right HERE, or book a color consultation HERE.