Taking Color Cues from Nature

Via

VIA

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

via

Via

How do you pull together color palettes for your projects? Some people start with fabrics other designers start with a rug or a painting.  There are many ways you can create color palettes but one guarantee path of success in creating color palettes is to take cues from nature.  Have you ever really looked at the colors of a forest?  The trees aren't just green.  Have you ever really looked at a seashell? It isn't just white is it?  

What natural color palettes in nature appeal to you?  Not really sure? One way to figure
 out the answer to that question is to answer is to ask yourself, "Where you find comfort". 
Is it the ocean?  Do you love the mountains?   Flowers, birds, trees, sticks, rocks,
 basically anything in nature can serve as a springboard to create a perfect color palette.  

For instance, I adore the ocean and actually all water for that matter.   I feel the most
 serene when I am around water.  I can get lost in the ripple of the waves.  So water would be a natural place for me to look for inspiration for a color palette for myself.  When looking at this picture of the ocean can you see the various shades of blue and white present?  When you take cues from nature you must train your eye to see the underlying shades
of colors present, because these secondary colors are what bind the dominate colors together.  You may also find you need to add an accent to make the palette pop.

 For example, I am naturally drawn to blues of any shade.  I love the look of blue with almost any color depending on the shade and most especially with white, it's so crisp and clear.  The powder room featured below has always been a favorite of mine and I have to think it is because it reminds me of water. When I look at this photograph, I never tire of seeing it, even though I have seen it now hundreds of times.  When you find your authentic color palette that's what happens, you never tire of it, it's timeless.  

Photography by Tim Lee

Here's a color palette I put together based on the ocean.  Of course I did
add the deep navy sofa to represent the deep blues found deep at the ocean floor as well as a coral pillow, but I'm pretending it's like the coral found in the ocean as well.

What's your favorite color combinations in nature?  

Here are some favorite blues that I am drawn to. When painting a room, you might
consider using one for the walls and the other for the ceiling or back of bookcases.

Tell me about your nature inspired interiors.  Are you now motivated to think of
color palettes in a new and different way?  Let's keep the conversation going!