Bridget Beari Color Rule #74 Limit Colors but Not the Range

Bridget Beari Color Rule Number 74

Limit Colors but Not the Range

It is not so easy to create a single hue room or a room filled with only analogous colors. The key to the combination is to create a range.

Below the room is mostly greys and grey blues. The designer has limited the color palette but stretched the range of grey into blue and violet. It create a beautiful flow and softness.

This room is mostly taupe but the lighter and darker variations blend and create contrast. The darker draperies against the even darker floor. The flat tape on the linen walls. All of these color are from the same hue but again the range is varied.

The easiest way to do this is to create a mood board. Kelly Wearstler is the queen of combinations. Here is a tray she created full of objects that have similar hues. Some colors are stronger and other softer to create that perfect balance. It is easy to see how this is done in nature - see the agate and the marble cut in the tray.

If you are working with warmer colors this is a great example of a limited palette but the range is strong and dynamic. Bursting color over tones of gold.

Another way to test colors is to experiment with watercolors.Testing and mixing combinations let's you experiment with range while understanding the undertones.

So go ahead and test the rule - limit the color palette but not the range!

Happy Painting ...