Color Theory
Color Flow
Color flow refers to the strategic progression of colors throughout a home to create visual continuity, smooth transitions between rooms, and an overall sense of cohesion. Good color flow doesn't mean every room is the same color—it means colors relate to each other through shared undertones, complementary relationships, or progressive variation.
Creating effective color flow is particularly important in open-plan homes where multiple spaces are visible simultaneously. Colors should either share undertones (all warm or all cool) or follow a clear progression (lightest in living areas to deeper in private spaces). Color flow makes homes feel thoughtfully designed rather than randomly decorated, creating a sophisticated, unified aesthetic.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Strategic color progression through home
- ✓Creates visual continuity and cohesion
- ✓Doesn't require identical colors room to room
- ✓Based on shared undertones or relationships
- ✓Essential in open-plan spaces
- ✓Makes spaces feel unified and intentional
Types & Variations
Monochromatic flow (same hue, varied intensity)
Analogous flow (related hues room to room)
Neutral backbone flow (neutrals throughout, varied accents)
Progressive flow (light to dark through home)
Complementary flow (opposites with shared neutrals)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Choose a neutral base used throughout the home (walls or flooring), then vary accent colors room by room. Ensure all colors share either warm or cool undertones. Use progressively deeper or lighter versions of the same hue through connecting spaces. Maintain consistent trim color throughout for unity.
💡 Pro Tip
The easiest way to create color flow is choosing three to five colors that work together, then distributing them throughout your home in different proportions. The living room might be 70% blue, 20% cream, 10% coral; the bedroom 70% cream, 20% coral, 10% blue. Same palette, different emphasis, perfect flow.