How to Plan a Color Scheme With Pictures

Pictures are a cheap and easy way try out different colors schemes. By trying out color schemes with pictures you can avoid a huge decorating mistake. You can see a picture of your new room before it even exists.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take a picture of the room you want to plan a new color scheme for. Stand as far back as possible to get the most detail from the room in the picture. You may need to take more than one picture.

2. Open your picture in an image editing software application that uses layers, such as Adobe Photoshop. The program does not need to be as advanced as Adobe Photoshop as long as it allows you to create layers. You may need to study your software's manual if you're not comfortable using layers.

3. Create a new, empty layer. Then, use the "Lasso" tool to select your walls. Move the tool along windows and the ceiling line and around furniture so the entire wall is selected.

4. Choose a new wall color. Select the "Paint Bucket" tool and click on the wall in your picture to add the new color. Use a "Paint Brush" tool to fill in any areas not already covered.

5. Make another layer and apply the same process to the ceiling color. You can also use the same process to change the color of objects around the room such as couches and tables.

6. Perfect the color with the "Hue, Saturation and Lightness" menu. Move the sliders until you get just the shade you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Test out potential wallpaper patterns by selecting the "Pattern" option from the "Fill" menu. This will allow you to apply not just a color to the lassoed area, but also a pattern.
• Print off several of your favorite color schemes and show them to family and friends to get their opinions before making your final decision.