Sometimes color should be seen and not heard. Color can be heard? Well yes! Did you ever go into someone’s home and the first thing you noticed is the very bright color? Maybe a really bold blue on the wall or a green that was just a little too much? How about a yellow that just got amplified as the days sun bounces off it? These are what I call “shouting colors” or colors that just are a little too much.

What’s a good example of a quiet color? This one right here. I was looking at the Bassett Furniture website the other day and came across some really great room scenes and I’ll show you some today. Look at this pink? It’s quiet yet bold enough to make a statement.

See the black? Black is a very strong, hard color but use it with a soft hue such as this pink and it instantly tones down the room.

Here’s a gray (soft color) living room that would be totally lifeless if it wasn’t for the sofa. Buying a sofa in this color is risky but if you know that the rest of your room so neutral, then color here is a must.

Also keep in mind that soft color is not boring color. Even though the pink color from the first graphic is a very soft color, that room is certainly not boring. Decor is so very important when tying in a room. This is another reason why I like to choose wall color first then purchase decor around the color palette.

I provide color portfolios for my clients which contain large (8×10) color swatches of their new color palette. I always suggest to take the color portfolio with you when you go shopping for your decor. This guarantees that whatever you choose will coordinate with your new color palette.

So anyway, think about the overall look of your room when you choose color for it. Balance is key so make sure you have soft color and some “harder” colors to balance the look.