Helpful tips on how to break free of the color doldrums.

Many designers have experienced this scenario: Your client asks for the same hues you just specified for a previous project. (Grays, anyone?) And then it happens again … and again. It doesn’t take long before specifying the same colors from project to project puts you in a color rut.

Encouraging clients — or even yourself! — to break free of the same-old, same-old can seem like a tough task, but there are effective methods to help them expand their tastes and for you to stretch your palette, too.

The Questionnaire

It’s easy for clients to choose colors that are trending — the images they see in magazines and on television are a big influence. But there’s a way to get to another level: Develop a list of questions to give them before the project starts.

The result? A more personal color palette that can outlive the trends. The list might include straightforward questions, such as “Traditional or contemporary?” or “Rustic or sleek?” But it can also include unexpected, more deep questions, such as “Air, water, fire or earth?” or “Dramatic or calm?” Answering these more insightful questions will help your clients define their preferences so you can help them express their true personal aesthetic.

The Wildcard

Another secret to helping clients expand their color palette is “the wildcard.” This method involves giving your client three boards: one safe, one trending and one “out there” option.

Even if your client wants to keep it safe and doesn’t use the wildcard design, providing the option helps keep things fluid and opens up a conversation about trying something different. It’s a way for timid clients to see what’s possible and for more bold clients to incorporate colors and design elements they might not otherwise use in their space.

Inspired Colors

 

You never know where you or your client might be color inspired. Heading outdoors is a great place to start — landscape and sky views offer soothing, unexpected color combinations. You might also visit museums and historic houses; they are rich with masterful color combinations.

Discovering unusual color combinations in rugs, textiles and other personal items is another straightforward way to reflect your client’s tastes. And you might also consider alternative inspirations, such as capturing the colors of your client’s favorite city or taking in the eye shadow wall at a makeup store. When a client can describe the color inspirations used in their home or business to friends and family as clearly as you can envision them, you both win.