top of page

How to Design a Room Around a Piece You Love

Writer: Gwen CanfieldGwen Canfield

Updated: Mar 2

Have you ever fallen in love with a painting, a photograph, a quilt, or even a throw pillow and wished you could design an entire room around it? The good news is—you absolutely can! A beloved piece can serve as the perfect inspiration for a color scheme, helping you craft a space that feels cohesive, intentional, and uniquely yours. Here’s how to bring your favorite piece to life in your home’s design.


Step 1: Identify the Dominant Colors

Start by examining your inspiration piece closely. What colors stand out the most? These dominant hues will serve as the foundation of your color palette. For instance, if you’re working with a landscape painting, you might notice deep greens, warm earth tones, and soft blues. If it’s a patterned throw pillow, perhaps rich jewel tones or soft pastels catch your eye.


Step 2: Choose Supporting Colors

Once you’ve identified the dominant colors, look for secondary and accent colors that appear in the piece. These can add depth and variety to your design. For example, if your inspiration is a vintage quilt with shades of navy, cream, and taupe, you might use cream for your walls, taupe for upholstery, and navy as an accent in accessories or decor.


Step 3: Consider Neutrals and Balance

To keep your space from feeling overwhelming, balance vibrant colors with neutrals. If your artwork or textile has bold hues, incorporating shades like soft whites, warm grays, or natural wood tones can help ground the room. Conversely, if your piece is subtle, adding a slightly stronger neutral, like a deep charcoal or rich beige, can create contrast and interest.


Step 4: Test Your Palette

Before committing to paint, fabrics, or furniture, gather swatches and samples of your chosen colors. Place them together in different lighting conditions to see how they interact. The goal is harmony—your inspiration piece should feel integrated rather than isolated in the space.


Step 5: Layer the Design

With your color palette in place, start layering your design. Choose wall colors, large furniture pieces, and key textiles first. Then, add in smaller elements like pillows, artwork, and decorative objects that reinforce your chosen hues. Remember, repetition of colors throughout the space will create a seamless and well-thought-out look.


Step 6: Seek Professional Guidance

While this process is exciting, translating an inspiration piece into a fully designed room can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where a professional interior designer comes in! With expertise in color theory, space planning, and material selection, an experienced designer can ensure that your vision comes together beautifully and efficiently.


If you have a treasured piece that you’d love to build a room around but aren’t sure where to start, I’d love to help! Let’s create a cohesive design plan that brings your inspiration to life while maximizing your investment and saving you time.


Ready to transform your space? Contact me today, and let’s bring your vision to life! Book a free consultation call at www.615interiors.com.

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page