Saturday 5 March 2011

Taubmans Paint


Talking about tones: An easy way to create a colour scheme for your home

When selecting a colour scheme you can follow some simple rules. The rules have remained in fashion because they work. This article looks at a tried and tested way of interior decorating with colour



A number of years ago a paint company (I think it was Taubmans) promoted and recommended the 60/30/10 rule. The rule was not a new idea it had originally been developed by colour theorists. This rule became popular with the DIY decorator.  It can still be used to create stylish colour schemes.



The rule can be described this way; Sixty percent of the colour in room is for the largest/broad areas the floor, walls and ceiling. This can be achieved by selecting the floor colour first. Then colours for the ceiling and walls would be considered.



Tip: It is best not to make final colour selections for painted surfaces until the furniture, upholstery and other items have been selected.  At this stage gather ideas and samples of the colours. If you go to the Creative Buzzing blog http://creativebuzzing.blogspot.com you will find examples of mood colour boards created on the SBO site. This is a fun way to play around with your ideas. Then check the proposed colours with the selections for furniture and other major items.



Three tones of the same colour can be used to create an interesting scheme. The darkest tone used for the floor, a mid tone for the walls and a tint of the colour for the ceiling. Toned colours are usually created by adding grey. Tinted colours are created by adding white to a colour.



The thirty percent of the colour in the 60/30/10 rule is for secondary areas for example: window coverings, feature walls, upholstery, timber or furniture colour or bed linen. The ten percent of colour for the accessories cushions, lamp shades, vases and flowers among other things. The colour for these items usually the brightest or strongest colour.



Tip: If the floor coverings are already in place work with this colour, take it into consideration when selecting other colours for the room.



Neutrals can be used instead of colours. For example black (darkest tone) marble flooring with fine grey grain, grey (mid tone) walls, then tinted grey (lightest colour) ceiling colour. Black or white timber would work very well with these selections. Upholstery fabric in red, white, black or grey would also work very well.  A metallic silver paint used on as feature wall with chrome and glass coffee and side tables creating a modern, sleek look. Accessories can be used to create interest and drama. You can also use three tonal variations of warm white, beige or taupe in the same way.



If you create a neutral background by selecting neutral colours for the broad areas of colour you will find you can easily update the room with new accessories or painted or wallpapered feature wall. Many architects and interior designers create all white or neutral rooms then add splashes of colour.

About the Author

Rosena works as an interior design, retail and visual merchandising tutor for Australian College QED. She I has also worked for the Retail Traders Association of Victoria as a Retail Trainer. Rosena has a Diploma in Interior Design, Post Graduate Diploma in Public and Community Health and is a qualified trainer. She also works as an interior design consultant, creates designer art work and is the Australian partner of Sample Board Online a new cool free design presentation tool.


TAUBMANS PAINT TV AD AUSTRALIA 1980's STARRING PAUL MAXWELL PEMBERTON