It can be a very intimidating task to choose the perfect color palette for your home. Chosen colors dictate the tone for the whole space, not just looks. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you select the perfect palette:

• Know Some Color Psychology Colors have an impact on our emotions and thought processes. Before you ever start thinking paint swatches, take a bit of time to become familiar with some basic color psychology. For example, blue is calming and serene and therefore works well in the bedroom or a bathroom. Yellow is cheery and energizing, so it’s a good pick for the kitchen or dining room. If you are going to change the overall vibe of a particular room, you could as well know how different colors affect mood.

• Take Stock of Existing Elements Consider what you already have in your home that you don’t want to change: flooring, fixtures, and furniture. Your color palette should be something that would complement these elements, creating a somewhat same look. For instance, one with a lot of wooden furniture should go well with earthy tones and warm colors.

• Create a Focal Point Identify a focal point in each room, whether it’s a piece of art, a statement piece of furniture, or an architectural feature. Use this focal point as the basis for your color palette. Take color cues from this item for a well-rounded look that pulls the room together.

• Apply the 60-30-10 Rule The 60-30-10 rule of thumb for color is a generalization in interior design. It recommends that 60% of the room be a dominant color, while 30% is an auxiliary color, and the last 10% is an accent color. This rule of application gives proportion and balance to your color scheme. For example, in a living room, the walls might account for 60% of the color, the furniture 30%, and accessories such as cushions and art 10%.

• Test Samples in Different Lighting The lighting plays a big role in how the colors look. Before making a final choice, try paint samples in different types of light at several times of the day. What a color looks like can change with natural light, artificial light or shadows. What looks perfect in the morning might be looking completely different in the evening.

• Do Not Be Afraid to Experiment While you must have a color scheme that will be cohesive, there is no need to be afraid or hesitant to try out and add an unexpected pop of color. Accent walls, colorful accessories, and bold patterns can easily add personality and interest to your space. All you need to master is a balance between cohesion and creativity.

• Seek Inspiration: Great inspiration can come from various sources—nature, art, fashion, and travel. Do a mood board with images, fabric swatches, and paint chips that you vibe with. This visual will help you see how colors go together and serve as a guide in making your decision.

Going on that exciting journey of choosing a perfect color scheme for your home is an opportunity to express your style. Based on color psychology and taking into consideration existing elements, various shade variations can be considered to create a space that feels like your own.