Whether you want a calm, relaxing room that lets you "get away from it all" or a stately, elegant room that enables you to entertain in style, you can personalize the rooms of your home to reflect your individual style.

Selecting a color scheme can dictate the feel of your environment for years to come. Here are some factors to consider when creating a décor that is uniquely you.

TIPS ON COLOR SELECTION:

Incorporate colors that reflect your personality into your decorating scheme. Pull possible combinations from a favorite painting, rug or throw.

Factor room size and lighting into your choices. Choose pale, neutral colors to brighten or enlarge a room, and bold colors to make a statement in a large or bright room.

When using multiple colors, make sure to repeat each color at least two or three times throughout the room to create a pleasant, balanced feeling.

Make sure that the colors of adjoining rooms are compatible with your new selections. This will create a harmonic, flowing feel through the entire house.

Aside from choosing colors that are unique to your personality, it is important that the overall feel of each color lends to its environment. Colors have the ability to change, enhance and dictate individual moods. With this in mind, ask yourself what sort of tone you aspire to create for each room.

COLOR EFFECTS

Greens and blues tend to emanate a natural, calming feel. Use these colors to elicit an "outdoors" feeling in your own home.

Reds, oranges and yellows add a warm and cozy element to any room. Red conveys vigor and motivation, making it a perfect choice for offices and exercise rooms.

Pink is a comfort color that invokes a restful and relaxing impression. Pink is an especially pleasant color to use in bedrooms, or rooms that call for a soothing, healing environment.

Purple tones make a rich, bold statement that creates the sensation of warmth and power. Purple can be overpowering, so make sure that you are comfortable with this decision as a major element of your décor.

White, black, gray and brown are traditionally neutral colors used to contrast and highlight primary color schemes. Used as the main color scheme, these neutrals have the power to make a modern, sophisticated statement that will make a lasting impression on guests.

Whatever colors you decide to incorporate into your home décor, remember that confidence, personal flair and innovation can create a look that you will enjoy for years to come.

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