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Step 1
Examine the colors used in some of your favorite places, such as a garden or coffee shop. Take note of the colors that appeal to you, and consider incorporating them into your living room.
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Step 2
Choose living-room colors that appeal to everyone who lives in the home, since the room is typically a shared space. If you have difficulty agreeing on a color scheme, pick a neutral color, and select shades of it for the walls and large pieces of furniture. Accent the neutral color with colorful accessories and artwork that everyone finds attractive.
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Step 3
Mix the size of fabric patterns used on furniture, drapes and pillows. Motifs that are all the same size compete for attention. Patterns based on natural colors and shapes are less likely to clash.
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Step 4
Keep from creating a busy look by using too many colors and patterns, which disrupts a therapeutic decorating scheme by producing a confusing, uneasy atmosphere.
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Step 5
Use black, white and gray to provide visual relief in a therapeutic color scheme. Black, white and gray are true neutrals, and they have a calming effect on a colorful living room. They work well as accents in lamps, picture frames and rugs.
