The Color Scheme Bible - by Anna Starmer (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

100,000 sold in hardcover

It's hard to imagine a more comprehensive look at color scheme possibilities.
--Los Angeles Times

What a cool idea for the color challenged among us... 200 combinations fit for a king and queen and their royal family.
--Booklist

When it comes to decorating, the endless color choices available are enough to overwhelm the most determined home decorator. The Color Scheme Bible solves that problem, and with hardcover sales of 100,000 its value is well proven. This lay-flat paperback edition is sure to be an equally popular choice.

With 200 color scheme ideas to choose from, The Color Scheme Bible is an easy-to-use and inspiring reference to using color in the home. It describes how colors interact and the effects they have on a room. It explains how to choose colors that complement each other for a subdued effect, and which colors and combinations energize a room. The book also includes 50 recommended palettes that can be used with different materials for refreshingly original color schemes.

Features include:

• How color creates ambiance and atmosphere
• How to use color to give a small room the illusion of space and depth
• 200 distinctive color schemes inspired by nature, art, travel, and even a favorite possession
• 50 recommended palettes
• A "How to Use This Book" gatefold.

The Color Scheme Bible changed the way we approach choosing colors for the walls, floors and furniture in our homes. It is an essential handbook for decorators and interior designers.

Review Quotes

I LOVE this book and often use it for color inspirations. It is not a visual artists book per se but rather intended for interior designers. Do not let that deter you from buying this little handy gem. It has loads of color combos that work in fabulous exciting ways to punch up your paintings and other art projects. I have been using it a LOT lately in my mixed media portrait paintings and metal work prisma color pendants.-- "Bella Marcella Blog" (10/7/2013 12:00:00 AM)

No list about colour design resources would be complete without a book with that kind of title. Starmer was right in naming her book a 'bible': this thing is huge. Be prepared to be blissfully overwhelmed by colour and design inspiration... Covering areas like how colour contributes to creating a certain atmosphere to how it can give the illusion of space and depth, there's nothing we don't like about The Colour Scheme Bible.-- "FibreGuard Blog" (5/24/2019 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] A sophisticated mix-and-match system with some surprising color marriages... a useful self-consulting tool for the average homeowner.--Shelly Fralic "National Post" (5/26/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] An easy-to-follow and difficult-to-botch guide to the spectrum of home decor.--Michael Gordon "Interiors" (4/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] Discusses how to use color effectively in interiors... Highly recommended for public libraries.--Gayle A. Williamson "Library Journal" (9/15/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] Helpful hints for working with light and creating mood... Believe it or not, pistachio-color walls really would look fab with that leaf green sofa.--Jenn Houlihan "Style at Home" (9/1/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] If you're scared of color, or scared of choosing colors for the interior of your home... [this book] could allay your fears.--Cheryl-Anne Millsap "Spokane Spokesman-Review" (8/11/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] Illustrates how color alters any space... [Starmer] explains colors, how they might work and how they work together.--Kathy Flanigan "Milwaukee Journal Sentinel" (6/5/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] Includes a section on how to combine natural and artificial lighting with color to fashion rooms that will be cozy, even in the midst of winter.--Merrie Destefano "Romantic Homes" (1/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] Instant answers.-- "Country Woman" (5/1/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] It's a sophisticated mix-and-match system with some surprising color marriages... a useful self-consulting tool for the typical homeowner seeking adventure in a can of paint.--Shelley Fralic "CanWest News Service" (3/26/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] It's hard to imagine a more comprehensive look at color scheme possibilities... What makes this book especially useful is the range of suggestions for adding color to every room in the house.--Robin Hagey "Los Angeles Times" (8/18/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] Mix colors with confidence. You'll find 150 color palettes ranging from pale to passionate.-- "Flare" (6/1/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] Starmer doesn't waste a lot of time on the platitudes of how a color will make you feel but offers practical advice on how color combinations match up in each room. You'll also love her take on fabric and surface textures as they relate to color, as well as her tips for selecting task, ambient and mood-creating lighting.--Mike McCarthy "Log Home Living" (11/1/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] Useful... readers will learn the best color combinations to suit their need.--Jaime Spangrude "Woodland Hills Daily News" (4/30/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] What a cool idea for the color challenged among us... 200 combinations fit for a king and queen and their royal family.--Barbara Jacobs "Booklist" (7/1/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] Works well as both instruction manual and idea book. Full of wonderful photographs, yet conveniently compact, it is a well-written . . . walk through the color palette.-- "Nashville Scene" (3/31/2005 12:00:00 AM)

[Review for previous edition] 200 color combinations for the hue-challenged, from modern and funky to reserved and traditional... a nice alternative to the wall of paint chips.--Rebecca Swain Vadnie "Orlando Sentinel" (5/8/2005 12:00:00 AM)

Exceptionally thorough.-- "Reno and Decor" (12/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Anna Starmer is a color and design specialist whose clients have included IKEA and Dulux paints. Her work has been featured in Elle Decoration, Marie Claire and Vogue.