But what if you need a few basics beyond initial selection? Home Guides offers several fantastic pointers, as well:

"The 'buzz' about color is usually called 'color psychology'. But the effects of color are subtle and significant, physical and psychological," HGTV explains in their complementary color painting piece ( www.hgtv.com ). "To get started, select a favorite color drawn from artwork, rugs, dishes, accessories, or furniture pieces as a main color or accent."

Colors are more than just pretty decorations, of course, and they can serve some surprisingly serious - and specific - purposes, if applied correctly. Cooler hues, such as various shades of blue, can soothe and calm, while lime green can curb hunger.

Haven't we all heard, at some point, that the world isn't always so black and white? Never has this been truer - or more literal - than in the world of design, or in one of its best friends: color. So how do professional designers paint by design? How do they select that perfect color combination for interior design? From complementary color painting to accent paints, pros everywhere take a surprisingly thoughtful and purposeful attitude when they intend to paint by design.

Lighting and Color

When it comes to color and the natural lighting that illuminates it, consider the four cardinal directions, and the angles from which the sun will pour its natural rays of white-yellow light.

"The amount of natural light in a room affects color perception. Light also intensifies or lessens based on which direction the windows face in the room in relationship to the sun's arc across the sky," Hunker.com tells us. North-facing windows give off a hint of blue light, accentuating a blue carpet and pale blue walls.

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ColorMatters adds its own two cents regarding lighting, "metamerism is a phenomenon that occurs when colors change when viewed in different light sources." For instance, they lament, when beige flooring displayed in a showroom lit by warm incandescent lighting ends up installed in an office with cool fluorescent lighting, that quintessential essence of what makes beige so appealing is sucked out of it. So consider your materials' ultimate destination.

Amber Hobbs

So where do we begin? Amber Hobbs of H&H Interior Design lends her wisdom to those just beginning to study color combination for interior design: "Choose your flooring material first and build your color palette up from there," she says, "and pull accents from the colors in the carpet to build a comprehensive palette."

Swatches:

Jenn Celestino

Others go for a more material-related approach to interior design matching colors, such as Jenn Celestino of Method Studio, who tells us that her approach to material and color is simple: "I look to materials to bring in textures within a space and tend to be cautious when it comes to color.

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I typically stick to neutrals and bring in color through items that can easily be switched out," like graphics, fabrics, artwork, and accessories, she explains. "Color inspiration for me comes from a company's brand, and I use that brand subtly to allow for the architecture of the interior space to shine."

Swatches:

Kathryn Thompson

As far as interior design color matching tips go, one professional brings yet another method to the madness. Interior designer Kathryn Thompson works off carpet hues: "I like to select carpet tiles that have a great base color to work with. I also like to have a little accent color in the pattern to help create interest."

Swatches:

For some of the best possible instruction on color and design available, check out ColorMatters' exclusive online course, titled Foolproof Color Formulas for Interior Design. Enroll now using coupon code 'colorninja' - and receive a $100.00 discount off the course's regular price.