Step two: Deciding on a colour palette

Step Two: Deciding on a Colour Palette

My starting point for a decorating scheme is always a rug. This helps me to plot how colour will flow from one room to another, and provides the perfect springboard to building a cohesive colour palette.

• Once you've decided on a rug, take note of all the colours within the design. Also consider which shades could act as a foil to those colours.
• Assess the amount of light your room receives, as this will have a huge impact on how the depth and shade of a colour will look.
• Always think about how the different colour schemes in each room will speak to each other. Introduce pleasing contrasts and juxtaposition, but also make sure to include elements that echo colours or elements in other rooms so that there is a comfortable dialogue throughout the house.

Further Reading

Ushak or Oushak rugs

Kilim rugs

Dhurrie rugs

Your Assignment

Have a go at planning a full set of rugs for the ground floor of a house – hypothetically or for real, depending on your project. Think about the different colour palettes they could inspire, and how these will flow from one room to another.