It depends on a lot of factors. Some colors that really don't look good together standing alone can be brought together with a careful selection of furnishings (curtains/cushions/fabrics ornaments etc.). Light and the light source/positioning can also play an important role on the end result as can the size and shape of a room. Colors look different in different rooms with different shapes and light. They should always be chosen in the room they're going to be used in. Going outside or in another room to look at the color samples because the light is better is the wrong way to do it.
There are 'safe' mixes such as browns and creams, black and white, gray and white, lilac and pink and so on. You can get a lot of ideas by browsing magazines.
I am known for thinking outside the box and taking my clients outside of their comfort zone, usually "comfort" equates to beige or a light brown (beige).
I take into account numerous aspects of a room when I am trying to achieve the perfect accent color, so it is tough to narrow the list without seeing the room in person.
Most people around here do what was mentioned above: going down 2-3 shades on the color swatch. A lot of decorators are not employing that technique much anymore around here for some reason.
No true method per say but...
Staying in the same family (though usually darker), or directly across from or one of the triads on the color wheel usually works best
General rule of thumb is that the accent wall will become the focal point of the room. Your eyes will normally be pulled to the accent wall first.
I personally like to stay away from monochromatic schemes. (where's the accent?)
Get a color wheel and show the customers the differences between complimentary (opposite), split complimentary (two colors on each side of the compliment) and related (shades, tints and tones that are neighbors on the wheel.
You can get a color wheel at some decorating stores, most arts and crafts store or from this link.
good advice by Bikerboy- I had flashbacks to Art class in college :thumbsup:. I can see you must be good with your customers on that level.
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