Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Make A Color Diagram

Color diagrams have a variety of uses from a visual thought organizer to a presentation tool. Arranging colors by similar or contrasting hues allows decorators to sell design schemes and the do-it-yourselfer to choose their favorites. Creating a color diagram or wheel to add to a presentation is a quick and cost effective way to ensure the right color scheme in any project.


Instructions


1. Visit the local paint or do it yourself store and browse the rows of paint charts or chips. The paper charts are usually free to take home whereas the paint chips are usually available for a very low sum. Choose as many different combinations as you like.


2. Create a sketch of the space or room where the color scheme is going. This doesn't have to be a great art project, just a helpful visual to go with the paint cards. 8 1/2 x 11 inch or photocopy paper size is more than sufficient.


3. Place the room diagram on an 18 x 20-inch presentation board in the center or off to one of the top corners. Adhere with adhesive foam strips to create depth or paper adhesive for a flat finish. Even if the diagram is just for you, the presentation board makes visualization simpler and keeps all aspects of the project in one place.


4. Apply paint chips or assorted paint card colors along the edge of the room diagram. Adhere with removable tack or Velcro to make colors interchangeable and allow for experimentation.


5. Visit local furniture and fabric stores to get swatches of possible fabric colors to go in the final room. Steps 5 and 6 are not necessary if only the wall colors are changing.


6. Cut 4 x 4-inch squares of fabric and placed along another side of the room diagram. Again, adhere with Velcro or removable tack to allow for changes.


7. Stick Velcro or removable tack to the remaining chips, cards, and swatches to allow for easy mix and match.