The three primary colors—red, yellow and blue—are not just for children's rooms. Done correctly, a primary color palette will look sophisticated but not be overwhelming.
Use One or Two Primary Colors as the Focus
Be judicious in using a primary color palette. Choose one or two primary colors as your main colors. However, use these colors in a bold way. Cover a sofa or a pair of side chairs in one of the colors. Then, use the other primary color for the window coverings or paint it on an accent wall.
Carry those two colors throughout the room by hanging artwork that has small amounts of one or both of these colors. Add a few accessories in your primary color palette as well. That way, the colors will make sense with the room because although each appears in a bold way in one instance, each one also appears in bits and pieces, which brings everything together.
Choose Darker or Lighter Color Values for Accents
Add the third primary color in a lighter tint or darker shade in one or two ways as an accent color. This will help soften the look of the third color and keep the room from looking like a kindergarten.
For example, if you are decorating with reds and blues in primary colors, add a few touches of lemon yellow, which is a lighter tint of primary yellow. This will contrast the brightness of the red and blue areas, but add lightness to the overall effect.
Conversely, try to add a few different shades or tints when decorating with blues as your main color palette. This will create a rich, sophisticated feel to the room and is ideal for living rooms or dining rooms.
In this case, accent with rich shades of gold. Then add a few accessories in a pastel blue to soften the look. Adding a few touches of cocoa brown will add luxury to the overall feel of your room.
Don't be afraid to add the primaries to your interiors as accents or complete color scheme; done right blues, yellows, and reds will add a lively balance to your home.
