Tokyo Japan Color Palette Inspiration

October 2023

How I create a Personalized Color Palette in 6 Simple Steps

Have you been trying to figure out a color palette for your home without success? I have a formula for you, in 6 Simple Steps.

Step 01 Find a travel photo as a starting point!

I love scrolling through my photos and looking for something that sparks my imagination. This creates a personalized color palette attached to lovely memories.

No photos? No problem.

You could also find inspiration by:

• Going for a walk in nature

• Strolling through the second hand stores

• Flipping through a magazine

Step 02 Identify a Dominant Color

Choose one color to be the focus of each space

Think about how you want the space to feel.

Some examples:

• Light and airy – white and cream

• Dark and Moody – grey and navy

• Bright and Cheerful – mustard and green

The dominant color you choose should reflect this mood.

Step 03 Choose Accent Colors


Once you have your dominant color, it’s time to choose accent colors. You want these colors to complement, add depth and some contrast!

Wait, I’m overwhelmed already! Just help me out!

Step 04 Balance it out

You’ll likely want a mix of light and dark tones depending on the mood you are seeking.

Use lighter shades to create an open and airy feel, such as in your home office, where you might want to try cream, white, or pale pink.

In your bedroom or den, you may want to try darker shades of black, chocolate brown, or deep green to add coziness and depth.

Step 05 Test it out


Before painting or buying furniture, test your color palette. Use paint samples or fabric swatches to see how the colors work in your space.

Natural lighting can affect how colors appear, so be sure to test them in different lighting conditions.

I love using stick on paint decals from companies such as Benjamin Moore or Hello Paint to test out colors without the mess.

Step 06 Start using your Color Palette!


Once you’re satisfied with your color palette, start painting, decorating, and accessorizing your home. Don’t forget to consider elements like flooring, textiles, and artwork that can contribute to your palette.

I love carrying around paint chips or fabric swatches of the items I am building upon just to visualize everything together. That way, when you stop by vintage stores you can picture how that special lampshade will work with the sofa color.

Be brave! It’s only paint. I do suggest you have an overall plan to start but then just go for it! Worst case scenario: it doesn’t work out as planned and you need to repaint.

Summing it up!

Creating a color palette for your home is a creative process that has no hard and fast rules. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and happy in your space.

So, let your imagination run wild, and bring your dream home to life with a thoughtfully crafted color palette.

Reach out if you have any questions!

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