The Color Scheme Bible: Inspirational Palettes for Designing Home Interiors

by Anna Starmer

A practical guide to using color successfully. The power of color is its ability to influence mood, create atmosphere, and enhance perception. As a result, one of the most effective ways to transform any room is by changing its color. Which colors to use is the challenge. The Color Scheme Bible is a practical, yet inspiring reference for those who want to take advantage of different colors without clashing. It contains 150 color scheme ideas for home decorators and interior designers. The book explains how to choose colors that will complement each other for a subdued effect, and which colors and combinations will energize the room. Topics covered The book also includes a variety of color combination palettes that can be used with different materials for refreshingly original color schemes. The Color Scheme Bible is an essential handbook for home decorators and interior designers.

Genres: Interior Design, Art, Nonfiction, Design, Reference, Architecture, Crafts

256 pages, Spiral-bound

First published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[John]

I painted houses for years and learned a lot about what colors work together. If you don't have years of painting experience then this book will help you use color without being affraid of regret. Much easier than swatches.

[Cristina Mazilu]

Genre: Inspirational/ Coffee table book
Rating: 5/5 stars

This book is simply stunning!!
Love how they have separated the color schemes into sections based on the main color and have included very interesting color combinations, even those that I would have never expected to work.

I have had this book for a very long time now and it's still one of my favorites when it comes to Interior Design textbook materials. This book has definitely passed the test of time by it being actual even now in 2023 with its absolutely breathtaking color combos. The Color Scheme Bible acts as a great source of inspiration for all those who want to figure out color combinations with no trouble and time-saving practice.

A must-have for all those interested in interior design and decorating!

[Темелина Трайкова]

Много полезни съвети за съчетаването на различните цветове! 🙃

[Stefano Crosta]

Extremely inspirational and practical.
Use it to find colours for a given mood; matching colours for existing ones;
bring it with you to as a reference to compare;
also contains good hints.
Missing color print equivalent (CMYK , RGB, Pantone... anything) and you need to bring the book itself to a store to find a matching color.. so no 5 stars.

[Kelly Lowrance]

I loved this book!

I always loved trying to figure out which colors went together, and this book gave examples I never would have thought of in a million years! What I also loved was the explanations of why the colors went together, which colors should be applied in softer tones and what color certain pieces of furniture/accessories should be to make the most sense.

I found this book super helpful and the title is super accurate in using the word "inspirational": Looking through each color palette, my mind raced with the endless design possibilities the different palettes inspired.

Overall, this was an obvious 5/5!!!

[Shannon]

This is one Marc would like to order at some point. It give ideas for combining colors. The only drawback is that, while the colors have names, I can't figure out how those names translate. I mean, can we walk into Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore and purchase those colors? I do see on the back cover that her clients have included Dulux paints. When I looked them up, it seems they are served in America by Pittsburgh Paints. So Maybe?

Oh, there is another drawback. Just the palettes are given with written ideas. It would be helpful to see a photo of a room done in these palettes.

[refine here]

i lve this book! It gives a good basic understanding for composing colors as well as the meaning and mood behind each color palette. It is also giving us explanation what is harmounious colors and complimentary colors. I also love the idea to practice looking at colors composition at our everyday life by looking at things around us. We can also make a scrapbooking for it as well as mood board. I enjoy browsing the book, i probably will think of buying it. Good to read!

[Refine Lubis]

i lve this book! It gives a good basic understanding for composing colors as well as the meaning and mood behind each color palette. It is also giving us explanation what is harmounious colors and complimentary colors. I also love the idea to practice looking at colors composition at our everyday life by looking at things around us. We can also make a scrapbooking for it as well as mood board. I enjoy browsing the book, i probably will think of buying it. Good to read!

[JG (Introverted Reader)]

This book really helped my husband and I visualize what a room painted in these colors would look like. And everyone who's seen our house seems to love the colors we used! I recommend it if, like us, you have a hard time choosing which colors will go well together.

[Kristie]

This book had some interesting tips in the beginning, then a bunch of color palettes for the rest of the book with a little info on each page. I enjoyed looking at the color palettes, but wish there were more tips as to how to really use the colors.

[Alicia]

It is an excellent book that teaches how to combine colors of walls, furniture, chandeliers, etc.
in different rooms of a house.

[Steph.]

Many many ideas and color combinations to explore.

[Frances Livings]

A very inspiring and satisfying handbook for anyone interested in design and decorating.

[Megan Gery]

I've returned to this book for inspiration time and time again.

[Jessica]

Truly beautiful colors and palettes.

[Abigail]

Pretty colors...

[Kathryn Joy]

A must-have for any creative person.

[Anka]

This book is exactly what I need. I like the way this book is structured. The matching colors pages are really awesome and very helpful.
I also like the quality of pages.
As suggestions I would include greys too as a main chapter and I would also be more explicit with the rooms where those colors would work best.

[Samantha]

Very interesting ideas for color.

[Leigh]

Eye Candy!! Wonderful color combos and I love the layout of the color scheme pages. Very fun to look at.

[Doaa]

This book is totally amazing :) I love most of the schemes especially those in the gray and neutral sections,,
The only thing i didn't like is that the color names aren't accurate at all :(
But it's still fabulous :)

[Cynthia]

Good book, not sure I learn anything from it, but very handy for taking to Home depot for color swatches

[Rebecca]

For anyone who ever needs direction in decorating I recommend this book above all others. I love color almost too much and this book keeps me reigned in.

[Erin Harper]

Great. Best color book I could find at Barnes and Noble. Then I checked it out of the library and picked new living room colors.

[July]

This is a good book if you are painting a room and re-doing the fabrics. And you have the money to change the color of the decorations. You can dream!

[Kristen]

Loved how this book flowed. Lots of great color combinations and explanations of how and where the color schemes will work in your house. I plan to purchase this book!

[Khaled Alqthamy]

it is useful to decide which color u have to choose

[Arapahoe Libraries]

At a loss as to what colors to use to redecorate a room? Pick up this handy guide for inspiration

[Nadine]

The only color scheme book I'll ever need.