Build a Storyboard to help visualize your color scheme

Live with it for a while to avoid costly color mistakes

How to Build a StoryBoard

Just as advertising executives, T.V. producers, and design professionals want to see an example of the finished product displayed on a storyboard, you also will benefit from this exercise.

Build a storyboard that will help you choose a color scheme by following the instructions below:

Start to Build a Story Board

• Add the solid colors

  Once you narrow down your color choices, take the photos, inspiration items, magazines etc, to the paint store. Select the color chips that match the photos and items you have decided to use in choosing a color scheme. Take these chips home and decide how you are going to make use of these colors.

  Are you going to use the beige on the walls? Using your paint chips, cut out a large block of this color. Do you have a contrasting darker shade of brown for the woodwork? Make a smaller block for this color, cutting it out from the paint chip. Follow this same procedure for all the colors you are planning on using. Try to keep the blocks in proportion to the areas of color you will be using. Add tiny blocks for the accent colors. When you finish with this exercise, set it aside for a day or so. Return to this chart and see if you are still happy with this color arrangement. This is the time to make adjustments in color temperature, proportions of color you plan to use, and accent colors. Once you have made the decision of choosing a color scheme and have your color chart completed of the solid colors attach this chart to your storyboard.

• Add the patterns

  We will now begin the process of adding patterns.If you are using wallpaper, add samples of this to your board. Add fabric samples from your draperies and upholstered pieces as well. If your carpeting is patterned or if you are using area rugs, samples of this should also be on your board.

  I don't mean to imply at this point that you should be cutting samples from everything. If you are using existing elements, take a picture of the fabric or carpeting to use on your board. Let's not add to your budget by having to replace something your already own and love!

• Keep the Proportions

  As you did with the solid colors, when you build a storyboard, try to keep to the color proportions. The wallpaper and draperies may be the largest pieces. The upholstered sofa, bedspread, or other large pieces will be next in size, followed by pillows, accessories, and other small items. Don't forget when you build a storyboard for the bathroom, to include the color of the fixtures as the dominant color.

Live with your Storyboard for a While

• Do you like the colors?
• Does any one color or pattern seem out of place?
• Are you happy with the proportions of color and pattern?
• Does the scale of the patterns work together?

Leave this up for as long as you feel necessary. Add and/remove colors, samples, and fabric until you are happy with the end result. Add pictures of rooms, accessories, or whatever other items you wish, until you feel you have a complete picture in your mind of the end result. If you are totally unhappy with the results it is very easy to dismantle it and build a storyboard starting with a new color scheme. Or you may like what you have done on your storyboard, but decide you would prefer to have this in a different room. In that case it is very easy to store your board in a closet for future use.

You are now finished with the step of choosing a color scheme. Now let's move on to some color decorating tips and tricks to help you develop your vision.