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Anyone who has ever searched for inspiration for a room's colour scheme will agree that selecting the ideal colour for a space can be difficult, with a plethora of options and nuanced details to consider.
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Colour is a amazing transformative design technique that has a significant impact on mood and emotion. According to designers, blue can help you relax after a busy day, green promotes relaxation, and fiery tones arouse fury and passion. Warm hues like oranges and yellows create a cosy atmosphere. For a bit of calm, blues and greens are spot on, especially in the bedroom. Fancy a chic look? Mix neutrals with vibrant pops of colour!
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Understanding colour theory is the first step to help you choose a set of colours based on what you want to accomplish in your room.
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Colour Theory
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Colour theory is the art of using colours to create a visually appealing palette. Here's a brief summary:
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Colour Wheel
The fundamental instrument in colour theory is the colour wheel. Primary (red, blue, and yellow), secondary (green, orange, and purple), and tertiary (mixes of primary and secondary) hues make up this colour spectrum.
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Colour Harmony
This is about putting together colour combinations that look good. Common harmonies are triadic (evenly spaced), analogous (next to each other), and complementary (opposite on the colour wheel).
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Warm and Cool ColoursÂ
Colours are commonly classified as cool (blues, greens, purples) or warm (reds, oranges, yellows). While cold colours promote serenity and quiet, warm colours can arouse passion and vigour.
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Tint, Tone, and ShadeÂ
A colour plus white is referred to as tint, a colour plus grey is named tone, and a colour plus black is named shadow. Knowing these differences enables you to add complexity and subtlety to your colour scheme.
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Emotional ImpactÂ
Colours can evoke emotions. Red might convey warmth or intensity, while blue can be calming or cold. Consider the mood you want to create in a room.
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ContrastÂ
Contrast adds visual interest. Pairing light and dark colours or complementary hues can create a dynamic look.
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Monochromatic SchemesÂ
Choose a single colour and experiment with its tones and shades to create a chic and well-balanced look.
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Bold SchemesÂ
Two is good, three is better. Use different colours that complement each other to achieve a bold and colourful room.
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Knowing colour theory will give you the confidence to select hues for your house that will not only blend well together but also evoke the mood you want.
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What to consider for each room of your home
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Living Room
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Warm tones like earthy reds and oranges can make your living room feel inviting and cosy.
Cool blues and greens lend a serene atmosphere, great for relaxation.
Green tones bring nature inside and exude serenity.
If you're feeling bold, a splash of vibrant colour as an accent can really pop.
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Bedroom
Calming blues and soft greens create a tranquil bedroom retreat.
Neutrals like subdued greys and beiges are examples of neutrals that can add class.
A touch of warm colours like blush pink or gentle yellows can make it feel snug.
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Kitchen
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Energising yellows and reds stimulate appetite, perfect for kitchen decor.
Crisp whites and light blues can make a smaller kitchen feel more spacious.
Consider playful accent colours in kitchen accessories for a lively touch.
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Home Office
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Productivity thrives in shades of green and blue.
Warm neutrals like light browns or muted oranges create a focused yet inviting workspace.
Avoid overly bright colours to maintain a professional and calming environment.
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Bathroom
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Cool, spa-like blues and greens create a serene bathroom oasis.
Whites and soft greys can evoke cleanliness and simplicity.
Earthy tones like sandy beige can add warmth to the space.
Remember to play around with tones and accents to find what suits your style best!
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What are the Best Colour Pairings
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Colour pairings can create a stunning visual impact in your home. Here are some classic and trendy colour combinations to consider:
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Classic Blue and WhiteÂ
Timeless and sophisticated, this combo brings a sense of calm and elegance to any space.
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Grey and Yellow
A modern and cheerful combination, grey provides a neutral backdrop while yellow adds a pop of energy.
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Navy and Gold
Luxurious and refined, navy and gold create a rich and opulent atmosphere, perfect for accent pieces.
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Green and Brown
Earthy and natural, combining various shades of green with brown creates a harmonious, calming effect.
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Blush Pink and Navy
Soft and bold, this pairing strikes a balance between femininity and strength, adding a touch of romance.
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Teal and Coral
A vibrant and dynamic duo, teal and coral create a lively and energetic atmosphere, especially in living spaces.
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Black and White
The ultimate classic. Crisp and clean, black and white combinations offer a timeless and versatile look.
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Mint and CoralÂ
A refreshing and playful combination, mint green and coral adds a youthful and lively vibe to a room.
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Beige and Blue
A relaxed and cosy pairing, beige and blue create a comfortable and inviting environment.
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Purple and Gold
Rich and opulent, purple and gold add a touch of glamour, perfect for creating a statement in specific areas.
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Remember, individual taste counts, so follow your gut and select colours that speak to you and enhance your overall design concept.
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The Preferred Colour Pairings by British Designers
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British designers have a tendency to favour classic hue combinations that endure beyond fads. Here are some classic combinations:
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Navy and WhiteÂ
"Navy and white is the epitome of timeless elegance. It's a combination that effortlessly transcends trends and brings a sense of sophistication to any space." - [Victoria Hagan]
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Grey and BeigeÂ
"Working with the subtle dance between grey and beige is like creating a symphony of understated elegance. It's a neutral pairing that withstands the test of time." - [Ilse Crawford]
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Black and GoldÂ
"Black and gold, a pairing that transcends eras. The contrast of deep black and the opulence of gold creates a timeless, dramatic elegance." - [Kit Kemp]
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Cream and TaupeÂ
"A palette of cream and taupe is a celebration of tranquillity. It's a timeless canvas that allows for flexibility and a sense of calm in any space." - [Martin Brudnizki]
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Charcoal and BurgundyÂ
"The combination of charcoal and burgundy is a nod to sophistication and warmth. It's a duo that adds depth and character, standing strong in any design era." - [Ben Pentreath]
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White and Wood TonesÂ
"The timeless alliance of white and wood is a homage to nature's beauty. It's a pairing that brings purity and warmth to any interior, enduring through changing trends." - [Axel Vervoordt]
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These pairings have been embraced by designers for their enduring appeal, offering a canvas that withstands the ever-changing landscape of design trends. Cheers to timeless elegance!
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I am new to decorating with colour - how to figure out what I want?
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Diving into decorating with colour can be an exciting adventure! Here are 10 easy steps to help you figure out the best colour pairings for your home:
Explore Your StyleÂ
Think about your personal style. Are you into a more classic, modern, or eclectic vibe? This can guide you towards suitable colour palettes.
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Gather InspirationÂ
Browse home decor magazines, websites, and social media for inspiration. Save images that resonate with you to identify recurring colours.
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Consider Existing FurnitureÂ
f you have furniture or decor you love, consider their colours. Your new palette should complement and enhance these pieces.
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Start with NeutralsÂ
Begin with neutral tones for larger surfaces like walls and furniture. This creates a versatile base for accent colours.
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Experiment with Accent ColoursÂ
Introduce accent colours through smaller decor items like cushions, throws, or artwork. This allows you to experiment without a major commitment.
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Play with the Colour WheelÂ
Get familiar with the colour wheel. For a harmonious result, choose colours using complementary, analogous, or monochromatic schemes.
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Start SmallÂ
If you're unsure, start with one accent wall or smaller rooms. It's easier to experiment and change if needed.
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Natural LightÂ
Observe how much natural light each room has. Brighter/bold colours work well in places with lots of natural light, while lighter colours work better in rooms with less light.
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Sample SwatchesÂ
Get paint samples or fabric swatches before committing. Test them on the walls to see how they look in different lighting throughout the day.
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Consider Room FunctionsÂ
Think about the purpose of each room. Calming colours might be ideal for bedrooms, while lively hues could suit living areas.
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Create a Mood BoardÂ
Compile a mood board with fabric samples, paint swatches, and images. This visual guide helps you see how colours work together.
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Timeless vs. TrendyÂ
Choose if you want to adopt current trends or if you prefer a classic style. A mix can work too!
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Trust Your InstinctsÂ
In the end, choose colours that you are happy with. Follow your gut and pick a colour scheme that makes you happy and enhances the vibe in your room.
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Understand that decorating is an adventure rather than a final goal. Make your house uniquely yours by taking your time, having fun, and enjoying the process!
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Conclusion
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Embarking on the journey of decorating with colours is an artful exploration, a canvas upon which you weave your personal style and emotions. Remember that your home is a reflection of your unique personality and aspirations. Take the time to experiment, play with hues, and find the perfect colour pairings that resonate with you.
Whether you opt for timeless classics or daring combinations, let your space tell the story of your joy and individuality. May every shade bring warmth, vibrancy, and an everlasting sense of home.Â
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