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Erikka Fogleman

Do you find yourself struggling to create a cohesive color scheme in your own home?  

Do you wonder how interior designers use colors to create a certain mood or feeling in a room?  

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Do you find yourself struggling to create a cohesive color scheme in your own home?  

Do you wonder how interior designers use colors to create a certain mood or feeling in a room?  

It's no secret that color is one of the most important elements of great interior design.  To that end, this course has been created to help you create fantastic color schemes for your own home.  This course will cover everything you ever wanted to know (and maybe what you didn't know that you wanted/needed to know. ) about color in the world of interior design, including:

  • How you can use color to positively impact your emotions, improve decision making, curb your appetite, and more.

  • How to use the color wheel in a very practical and useful way to create beautiful, cohesive color schemes

  • Learn and understand key color vocabulary and color theory

  • How to use color to create different moods in a room

  • How to use color to make your rooms appear larger or smaller than they actually are

  • How to mix patterns like a pro

  • Walk away with beautiful color scheme selections for every room in your home based on popular interior design styles, the type of room (e.g., living rooms), and the ideal color schemes for north and south facing rooms

  • Learn everything you need to know about paint so you can feel confident in your selections and application

We delve deep into the topic of paint, including discussing how many different paint colors you should be using in your home, how to narrow your paint choices, the best white paint colors, how to effectively test out paint colors, and how to transition paint colors from room to room.

Finally, there are exercises in this course as well, to provide you with opportunities to create your own beautiful color schemes. 

This course is a great choice for the novice or aspiring interior designer, or for anyone who is interested in learning more about how to create beautiful interior design color schemes like a pro. 

Join me for a fantastic journey into the world of interior design color schemes.

  I would start with "How to Design a Room in 10 Easy Steps" because most of my other courses are in-depth classes of the concepts touched on in this 10 step class.  Following the 10 Step Course, I suggest moving on to "How to Use Color Like a Pro", followed by "How to Work with Interior Design Styles Like a Pro", then "How to Use Lighting Design to Transform your Home", and finally "Design is in the Details". 

  • My other five courses, "How to Use Minimalist Interior Design to Live your Best Life",  "Use Eco-friendly, Sustainable Design to Improve Your Life", "How to Design Your Dream Kitchen", "How to Design Your Dream Bathroom", and "Everything Small Home Design" are all stand alone classes on specialty topics within interior design, and therefore, can be taken in any order.

  • Please be aware that this course, or any of my courses, is not intended to provide all of the knowledge needed to become a professional interior designer.  As with any professional field, there is a significant amount of education and/or experience that is needed to achieve competency in this field.  My intention with these courses is to provide some solid foundational knowledge to assist either those individuals interested in "DIY" interior design to work on their own projects more effectively, or to provide supplemental education to both interior design students and professionals.

  • Enroll now

    What's inside

    Learning objectives

    • Create the ideal color scheme for any room in your home using a tool that has been designed to guide you through this process easily!
    • Use the color wheel like a pro.
    • Use the psychology of color to create the perfect mood in your home.
    • Use texture to change the way a color appears.
    • Mix patterns successfully in a room.
    • Choose from popular color schemes for different rooms in your home based on the room's orientation, your interior design style, or the function of your room.
    • Choose the right paint colors, including how to effectively test them out before you start, and how to transition those colors effectively in your home.

    Syllabus

    Students will receive a broad overview of what this course will cover.
    Introduction: How to Use Color Like a Pro
    Overview of the Course Content: What to Expect out of this Color Course
    Read more
    Frequently Asked Questions

    In this short lecture, you will learn how painting one area of your room will completely change the look and feel, and take your room to the next level!

    Students will understand color terminology, how to use the color wheel in a practical way, and understand how color affects their mood and feelings

    After this lecture, you will understand all the common terms utilized regarding color and color schemes in interior design.

    Quiz on Color Terminology

    This lecture will teach you how to use the color wheel to create fool proof color schemes for your own interior design projects.

    In this lecture, you will learn about how other colors can change the way a specific color looks or feels.  Specifically, we will examine the color blue and how using this color in different color schemes, changes the way that the color blue looks and feels.

    After completing this lecture, you will have a solid understanding of how each major color can affect your mood and feelings.

    Activity #1 - Create Your Own Interior Design Color Schemes
    Students will be provided with beautiful color schemes for North/South facing rooms, different interior design styles, and different types of room in a home

    In this lecture, you will learn about great color schemes for North and South facing rooms.

    Popular Interior Design Color Schemes for East and West Facing Rooms

    Get some great ideas on color schemes for the popular interior design styles today in this lecture - everything from contemporary to traditional!

    After this lecture, you will walk away with some great color scheme options for the different rooms you have in your home.

    What's in a Color Scheme?
    Activity #2 - Create a Whole House Interior Design Color Scheme
    Students will learn how to create the perfect mood in a room through picking a unique style and creating the perfect color scheme.

    This lecture will teach you how to use color to create a certain mood or feeling in a room. 

    This lecture will teach you a simple approach for using color to make your rooms appear larger or smaller than they actually are.

    After this lecture, you will understand how texture changes the way a color appears.  You will also learn about 2 easy and successful ways to mix and match patterns with ease.

    Activity #3 - Solve 2 Interior Design Color Scheme Dilemnas

    This is definitely one of the most important lectures of this course, as this is where everything you've learned so far gets tied together.  More specifically, you will receive a downloadable tool that will help you to create your own custom color scheme through a series of specific questions.  In this lecture, I will walk you through how to use this tool 

    Students will learn how many paint colors to have in their homes, how to narrow their paint color choices, how to effectively test out paint colors, and how to transition paint colors

    This lecture will lay out for you how many different paint colors you should have for your home based on the size of your home.

    This lecture will give you a simple, fool proof approach for creating a whole house paint color palette.

    Given that most people have white paint somewhere in their home, this lecture will lay out my favorite white paint colors available today.

    After this lecture, you will know exactly how to test our paint colors effectively before you commit.

    An often overlooked detail, this lecture will teach you how to effectively transition paint colors in your home from room to room so that you end up with a beautiful, cohesive paint scheme.

    Students will receive an overview of everything they learned in this course.

    This quiz will test the student's knowledge on some of the key points in the course.

    Conclusion: Thank You For Choosing this Color Course!
    Bonus Lecture - Do You Love Interior Design?

    Good to know

    Know what's good
    , what to watch for
    , and possible dealbreakers
    Explores how to create an inviting and functional space using color, which is a fundamental aspect of interior design
    Taught by Erikka Fogleman, an experienced interior designer and educator, bringing a strong industry perspective to the course
    Develops a solid understanding of color theory and its practical application in interior design, empowering learners to create their own harmonious color schemes
    Provides a structured approach to creating color schemes through a downloadable tool, simplifying the process for learners
    Covers various aspects of color application, including how to use texture and patterns effectively, enhancing the visual appeal of spaces
    Offers a comprehensive guide to paint selection and application, providing practical tips for achieving desired results

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    Reviews summary

    Well received course on color design

    Learners say this course is well received and that the lectures guide learners to master the concepts of designing well-balanced and appealing rooms
    Course provides clear and organized teaching.
    "Each lecture brings me to the next step in understanding the various concepts in designing the perfect room that is well balance and so appealing"

    Activities

    Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Use Color Like a Pro with these activities:
    Review the Psychology of Color
    Learn the basics of color psychology and how it can affect our moods and emotions.
    Browse courses on Color Psychology
    Show steps
    • Read a book or article on the psychology of color.
    • Take an online quiz or assessment to test your knowledge of color psychology.
    Create a Color Wheel
    Get hands-on experience using the color wheel and creating different color schemes.
    Browse courses on Color Theory
    Show steps
    • Use a compass and ruler to create a physical color wheel.
    • Practice mixing different colors to create new hues.
    • Experiment with different color schemes and see how they affect the mood of a space.
    Join an Interior Design Forum
    Connect with other people who are interested in interior design and get feedback on your work.
    Browse courses on Interior Design
    Show steps
    • Join an interior design forum online.
    • Post pictures of your work and ask for feedback.
    • Participate in discussions about interior design trends and techniques.
    Four other activities
    Expand to see all activities and additional details
    Show all seven activities
    Design a Mood Board
    Create a visual representation of your desired color scheme and see how it looks in a real-world setting.
    Show steps
    • Gather images of colors, patterns, and textures that you like.
    • Arrange the images on a corkboard or piece of foam core.
    • Step back and see how the colors and patterns work together.
    Attend an Interior Design Conference
    Learn from experts in the field and see the latest trends in interior design.
    Browse courses on Interior Design
    Show steps
    • Research interior design conferences and find one that interests you.
    • Register for the conference and book your travel.
    • Attend the conference and take notes on the presentations.
    Paint a Room
    Put your knowledge of color theory into practice by painting a room in your home.
    Browse courses on Painting
    Show steps
    • Choose a color scheme for the room.
    • Prepare the room for painting.
    • Apply the paint to the walls.
    • Accessorize the room with furniture and decor that complements the color scheme.
    Contribute to an Interior Design Open Source Project
    Give back to the community by contributing to an open source project that is related to interior design.
    Browse courses on Interior Design
    Show steps
    • Find an open source project that you are interested in contributing to.
    • Read the project documentation and learn how to get started.
    • Make a contribution to the project.

    Career center

    Learners who complete How to Use Color Like a Pro will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
    Interior Decorator
    Interior Decorators work with clients to design and decorate interior spaces. This may include selecting furniture, fabrics, and accessories, as well as creating color schemes. This course can be highly beneficial for Interior Decorators, as it provides in-depth knowledge of color theory, including how to use color to create different moods and feelings in a space.
    Product Designer
    Product Designers research, design, and develop products. They consider factors such as function, aesthetics, and usability. This course could be particularly relevant to Product Designers, as it covers the psychology of color and how to use color to create specific moods and feelings. This knowledge can be applied to create more appealing and user-friendly products.
    Graphic designer
    Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They apply visual hierarchy and page layout techniques to meet users' specific needs and focus on the logic of displaying elements in interactive designs to optimize the user experience. This course could be particularly helpful to Graphic Designers, as it covers color theory, including how different colors can affect moods and feelings, which can enhance the impact of their designs.
    Visual Merchandiser
    Visual Merchandisers design and create displays for retail stores and other commercial spaces. They consider factors such as color, lighting, and product placement. This course could be helpful to Visual Merchandisers, as it provides a solid understanding of color theory and how to use color to create specific moods and feelings. This knowledge can be applied to create more effective and visually appealing displays.
    Textile Designer
    Textile Designers create patterns and designs for fabrics and other textiles. They consider factors such as color, texture, and pattern. This course may be helpful for Textile Designers, as it delves into the world of color psychology and the impact that different colors can have on people. This knowledge can help them create more visually appealing and emotionally resonant textiles.
    Marketing Manager
    Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They consider factors such as target audience, budget, and marketing channels. This course could be helpful to Marketing Managers, as it covers the psychology of color and how to use color to create specific moods and feelings. This knowledge can be applied to create more effective marketing campaigns.
    Art Director
    Art Directors oversee the visual elements of various projects, including marketing campaigns, films, and magazines. They collaborate with designers, photographers, and illustrators to bring a project's vision to life. This course could be particularly helpful to Art Directors, as it delves into the psychology of color and techniques like pattern mixing, which could enhance their ability to create visually appealing designs.
    Painter
    Painters create works of art using paint, canvas, and other materials. They consider factors such as color, composition, and texture. This course may be helpful for Painters, as it delves into the psychology of color and how different colors can affect moods and feelings.
    Set Designer
    Set Designers create the physical environment for plays, films, and other productions. They consider factors such as lighting, color, and props. This course may be helpful for Set Designers, as it introduces the fundamentals of color theory, including how to use color to create different moods and feelings in a space.
    Event Planner
    Event Planners organize and manage events, which includes selecting venues, coordinating vendors, and designing the event space. By understanding how to create specific moods and feelings through color schemes, as taught in this course, Event Planners can create memorable and impactful experiences for their clients.
    Fashion Designer
    Fashion Designers sketch, design, and create clothing and accessories. They consider factors like color, shape, and texture as they create their designs. This course may be helpful for Fashion Designers, as it covers color theory and how different colors can affect moods and feelings.
    Photographer
    Photographers capture images using cameras and other equipment. They consider factors such as lighting, composition, and subject matter. This course could be helpful to Photographers, as it introduces the fundamentals of color theory, including the color wheel and how to create color schemes.
    Landscape Architect
    Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and campuses. They consider factors such as climate, soil conditions, and the use of the space. An understanding of color theory can be beneficial for Landscape Architects, as it can help them create visually appealing and functional outdoor spaces.
    Interior designer
    An Interior Designer plans, researches, and coordinates space, furnishings, and decorative elements, all while ensuring that a space is functional, safe, and beautiful. They must understand how to leverage color schemes effectively. By covering concepts such as the color wheel and psychology of color, this course may help build a foundation for success in this role.
    Museum curator
    Museum Curators research, acquire, preserve, and display works of art and other artifacts. They also develop and lead educational programs. This course may be helpful for Museum Curators, as it covers the psychology of color and how to use color to create specific moods and feelings. This knowledge can be applied to create more engaging and impactful museum exhibits.

    Reading list

    We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Use Color Like a Pro.
    This comprehensive book offers a deeper understanding of the principles and techniques used in design, including color theory and color psychology.
    Combines ancient Chinese principles of Feng Shui with practical interior design techniques, providing guidance on how to use color, space, and arrangement to create a positive and balanced environment.
    A comprehensive guide to interior architecture and design. Includes case studies and technical information on a wide range of topics relevant to interior design, including how to use color to create different effects.
    While focused on graphic design, the fundamentals of color theory and color combinations are widely applicable to interior design, making it a useful reference book for understanding the hows and whys of color combinations and harmonies.
    This extensive reference book provides a wealth of technical information on materials, finishes, and construction methods, making it a valuable resource for interior designers.
    This practical guide focuses on creating livable and functional interiors that meet the needs of everyday life.

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