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Decorating with Colour: What to Know Before Committing and How to Find Your Perfect Colour Pairing


dark living room with a caramel leather sofa

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 


Colour Theory

 

Colour theory is the art of using colours to create a visually appealing palette. Here's a brief summary:

 

Colour Wheel


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.

 

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).

 

Warm and Cool Colours 

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.

 

Tint, Tone, and Shade 

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.

 

Emotional Impact 

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.

 



Contrast 


light wood sideboard in a dark grey paneled room

Contrast adds visual interest. Pairing light and dark colours or complementary hues can create a dynamic look.

 


Monochromatic Schemes 

Choose a single colour and experiment with its tones and shades to create a chic and well-balanced look.

 

Bold Schemes 

Two is good, three is better. Use different colours that complement each other to achieve a bold and colourful room.

 

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.

 



What to consider for each room of your home

 

Living Room

 

period deep buttoned wine red arm chair in a moody living room

  • 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.

 

Bedroom


japandi style bedroom with woof furniture and neutral pallet

  • 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.

 

Kitchen

 

kitchen red cupboard

  • 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.

 

Home Office

 

home office with big windows

  • 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.

 

Bathroom

 

stone and earth tones bathroom

  • 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!

 



What are the Best Colour Pairings

 

Colour pairings can create a stunning visual impact in your home. Here are some classic and trendy colour combinations to consider:

 

Classic Blue and White 


blue and white bedroom

Timeless and sophisticated, this combo brings a sense of calm and elegance to any space.

 

 

Grey and Yellow


grey and yellow bedroom

A modern and cheerful combination, grey provides a neutral backdrop while yellow adds a pop of energy.

 

Navy and Gold


navy and gold dining room

Luxurious and refined, navy and gold create a rich and opulent atmosphere, perfect for accent pieces.

 


Green and Brown


green and brown living room

Earthy and natural, combining various shades of green with brown creates a harmonious, calming effect.

 


Blush Pink and Navy


blush pink and navy living room

Soft and bold, this pairing strikes a balance between femininity and strength, adding a touch of romance.

 

Teal and Coral


teal and coral living room

A vibrant and dynamic duo, teal and coral create a lively and energetic atmosphere, especially in living spaces.

 

Black and White


black, white and gold living room

The ultimate classic. Crisp and clean, black and white combinations offer a timeless and versatile look.

 

Mint and Coral 


mint and coral living room

A refreshing and playful combination, mint green and coral adds a youthful and lively vibe to a room.

 

 

 

Beige and Blue


beige and blue dining room and living room

A relaxed and cosy pairing, beige and blue create a comfortable and inviting environment.

 

Purple and Gold


purple, grey and gold bedroom

Rich and opulent, purple and gold add a touch of glamour, perfect for creating a statement in specific areas.

 

Remember, individual taste counts, so follow your gut and select colours that speak to you and enhance your overall design concept.

 

The Preferred Colour Pairings by British Designers

 

British designers have a tendency to favour classic hue combinations that endure beyond fads. Here are some classic combinations:

 

Navy and White 


navy and white kitchen and dining area

"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]

 

Grey and Beige 


grey and beige kitchen and living room

"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]

 

Black and Gold 


black and gold modern bedroom

"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]

 

Cream and Taupe 


neutral white, cream and taupe bedroom with a dog lying on the bed

"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]

 

 

Charcoal and Burgundy 


Charcoal and Burgundy  living room


"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]

 

 

White and Wood Tones 


neutral white, beige blush pink bedroom with light wood flooring and furniture

"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]

 

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!

 

 

I am new to decorating with colour - how to figure out what I want?

 

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 Style 



Think about your personal style. Are you into a more classic, modern, or eclectic vibe? This can guide you towards suitable colour palettes.

 

Gather Inspiration 

Browse home decor magazines, websites, and social media for inspiration. Save images that resonate with you to identify recurring colours.

 

Consider Existing Furniture 



f you have furniture or decor you love, consider their colours. Your new palette should complement and enhance these pieces.

 

Start with Neutrals 

Begin with neutral tones for larger surfaces like walls and furniture. This creates a versatile base for accent colours.

 

Experiment with Accent Colours 


modern lining room with cream and teal sofas

Introduce accent colours through smaller decor items like cushions, throws, or artwork. This allows you to experiment without a major commitment.

 

Play with the Colour Wheel 

Get familiar with the colour wheel. For a harmonious result, choose colours using complementary, analogous, or monochromatic schemes.

 

Start Small 

If you're unsure, start with one accent wall or smaller rooms. It's easier to experiment and change if needed.

 

Natural Light 


neutral living room with a big glass door and natural light

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.

 

Sample Swatches 

Get paint samples or fabric swatches before committing. Test them on the walls to see how they look in different lighting throughout the day.

 

Consider Room Functions 


burgundy chesterfield sofa in a dark grey living room

Think about the purpose of each room. Calming colours might be ideal for bedrooms, while lively hues could suit living areas.

 

Create a Mood Board 

Compile a mood board with fabric samples, paint swatches, and images. This visual guide helps you see how colours work together.

 

Timeless vs. Trendy 


timeless neutral pallet living room

Choose if you want to adopt current trends or if you prefer a classic style. A mix can work too!

 

Trust Your Instincts 

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.

 

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!

 

 

Conclusion

 

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. 

 

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