How to Coordinate Paint Colors for Home

Identify the fixed elements in your home--the things that aren't likely to change any time soon. These include flooring, woodwork and counter tops. In most homes these are already fairly neutral and will work with any paint color.

Work with your fixed elements. If you have bright blue carpets or green counter tops, you may think that you should avoid complementary colors like orange and red. The Paint Quality Institute suggests "celebrating" these colors with updated, complementary tones. Pair chocolate brown with blue carpet, or deep terracotta walls with green counter tops.

Choose a monochromatic color scheme if your style is simple and understated. Pick several shades of the same color and use it throughout your home: darker hues for more impact, and lighter ones for a subtle effect. Choose complementary colors (those opposite each other on the color wheel) for a more vibrant and eclectic color scheme.

Allow colors to flow from room to room by choosing different wall colors in the same family, such as cool grays and blues, or earth tones like gold, green and rich brown. To maintain continuity when using several different colors, keep the trim and ceiling colors the same.

Provide unexpected punches of color with small rooms. Select a fun color for the laundry room or hall bathroom--if the rest of your home is painted neutral beige and brown, choose a celery green or pale orange for a small room.

Finally, choose a color for the ceilings. Don't assume that ceilings should be pure white; they can be any color you desire. Creamy off-white looks warmer with deep-colored walls. Paint the ceilings a light shade of the wall color for a monochromatic effect. Very tall ceilings can be painted a darker shade than the walls--or the same color--to make a large room feel more intimate.