How do you test and evaluate different color combinations in interior design?

Color is one of the most powerful elements of interior design, as it can affect the mood, atmosphere, and perception of a space. However, choosing the right color combinations for your project can be challenging, especially if you have to consider the preferences, needs, and expectations of your clients. How do you test and evaluate different color combinations in interior design? Here are some tips and tools to help you create harmonious and appealing color schemes for your architectural design projects.

1 Understand color theory

Color theory is the study of how colors interact, contrast, and complement each other. It is based on the color wheel, which shows the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, as well as their hues, tints, shades, and tones. By using color theory, you can create different types of color schemes, such as monochromatic, analogous, complementary, triadic, tetradic, and split-complementary. Each type of color scheme has its own effect and mood, so you need to understand the principles and rules of color theory to apply them effectively.

Add your perspective

Ar. Md Abdul Vasi

Architect | Interior Design professional | Space Planner | Archviz/CG Artist | Healthcare Architecture | BIM Enthusiast
Report contribution
In interior design, testing and evaluating color combinations is crucial for achieving harmonious and visually appealing spaces. Utilize color swatches, paint samples, and digital design tools to experiment with various color schemes and combinations. Consider factors such as lighting, room size, and desired mood when assessing how colors interact with each other. Conducting mock-ups or creating mood boards can help visualize how different colors will look together in the intended space. Solicit feedback from clients, colleagues, or design professionals to gain insights and ensure color choices align with project objectives. By thorough testing and evaluation.

Like
Cristal Brito

Architect Project Manager I Key Account Manager
Report contribution
I really like to take the color catalog and choose by eliminating colors starting from the most distant ones until reaching the closest ones that I'm looking for. The last 2 or 3 colors remaining of each shade that I intend to use, I buy samples to test in place with natural lighting.

Like

2 Use online tools and apps

There are many online tools and apps that can help you test and evaluate different color combinations in interior design. Some examples are Adobe Color, Coolors, Paletton, ColorSnap, and ColorZilla. These tools and apps allow you to generate, explore, and adjust color schemes based on various criteria, such as color harmony, contrast, temperature, saturation, and brightness. You can also use them to extract colors from images, websites, or artworks that inspire you, or to match colors with specific materials, fabrics, or finishes.

Add your perspective

3 Create color boards and mockups

Another way to test and evaluate different color combinations in interior design is to create color boards and mockups. A color board is a visual presentation of the colors you want to use in your project, along with samples of materials, textures, patterns, and accessories that complement them. A mockup is a realistic simulation of how the colors will look in the actual space, using software like Photoshop, SketchUp, or Revit. By creating color boards and mockups, you can compare and contrast different color options, as well as get feedback from your clients and colleagues.

Add your perspective

4 Consider the context and function

When testing and evaluating different color combinations in interior design, you also need to consider the context and function of the space. The context refers to the location, orientation, size, shape, and lighting of the space, as well as the existing elements and features that you have to work with. The function refers to the purpose, use, and users of the space, as well as their preferences, needs, and expectations. For example, a bedroom might require a different color scheme than a kitchen, or a children's room might need more vibrant colors than an office.

Add your perspective

Yassaman Vali

Freelance Interior Designer | Architectural Visualization | Architect
Report contribution
When choosing a color combination, it is crucial to consider the context of the design and the space it will be used in. Factors such as geographical location, natural lighting, user age group, and level of space dynamics are essential in determining the most appropriate color combination.

Like

5 Apply the 60-30-10 rule

A useful guideline to test and evaluate different color combinations in interior design is to apply the 60-30-10 rule. This rule suggests that you divide the colors in your space into three proportions: 60% for the dominant color, 30% for the secondary color, and 10% for the accent color. The dominant color is usually a neutral or muted color that covers the largest areas of the space, such as the walls, floors, or ceilings. The secondary color is a contrasting or complementary color that adds interest and variety to the space, such as the furniture, curtains, or rugs. The accent color is a bright or bold color that adds pop and personality to the space, such as the cushions, lamps, or artworks.

Add your perspective

6 Experiment and have fun

Finally, testing and evaluating different color combinations in interior design should be a creative and enjoyable process. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, combinations, and effects, as long as they suit the project's goals and requirements. You can also use various sources of inspiration, such as nature, art, culture, or trends, to spark your imagination and find new possibilities. Remember that color is a subjective and personal choice, so there is no right or wrong answer. The most important thing is to create a color scheme that reflects your vision and satisfies your client.

Add your perspective

Yassaman Vali

Freelance Interior Designer | Architectural Visualization | Architect
Report contribution
In today's fast-paced design landscape, it's essential to make efficient and informed choices. Leading visualization software empowers designers to test multiple color combinations in record time, enabling them to select the most effective option with confidence.

Like

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How do you test and evaluate different color combinations in interior design?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand color theory

2 Use online tools and apps

3 Create color boards and mockups

4 Consider the context and function

5 Apply the 60-30-10 rule

6 Experiment and have fun

7 Here’s what else to consider

Architecture

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Architecture

More relevant reading