By Kerena Berry
If thereโs one element of interior design that we agonise over, itโs colour. How manyย movies have you seen that feature a scene where a couple are debating the colour of aย nursery? Itโs become an old trope in film comedy.
But there are good reasons for careful consideration. Colours are like musical notes orย chords for the eyes, and can be incredibly subjective, hence the common decision to goย with neutrals. Letโs take a look at the options so you can decide whether to be daring orย conservative with your colour palette.
Build off an existing pattern in your space
If you have patterned upholstery, a multi-coloured rug, or a striking piece of art, pullย colours from this element to create your base colour palette. For a neutral base, focusย on the whites, beige and grey tones. For a more striking, moody room, look to theย deeper tones.
Focus on one room and let that define your scheme for the home
Working on your main living roomโs colours first, and perfecting them, sets the tone forย the entire home. For example, if you go for a neutral palette with deep blue textileย accents, and rustic wood furniture in your living area, draw on those elements for yourย other spaces. Take that deep blue tone, go a little darker and paint your walls in theย den, creating a cosy inviting space. Accent with white and mid blue textiles to helpย balance the palette. In your library try rustic, timber built-in furniture, again tying yourย design elements from the main living area but in a varied proportion. Use similar tonesย but various degrees and intensities.
Work on a dark to light philosophy
An old trick of the trade is to work dark to light, vertically. Use dark colours on the floor,ย mid tones on the walls, and light values on the ceiling. The floor can be any hue; justย ensure it is the darkest in the space. Simple but very effective.
Follow the ratios 60-30- 10
Think of your space in three sections. Your highest percentage 60%, which is your wallsย and your dominant colour, 30% is your secondary colour for your main furnishings andย fittings. Lastly 10% is your accent colour for your finishing touches and accessories. Aย Martha Stewart classic!
Trust the old Colour Wheel
Going back to basics is often the key to creating a sensitive palette. An analogue paletteย is one where the colours sit next to each other on the colour wheel like red and orange.ย Remember that this can be any tone, light through to deep. This is a slightly less daringย take on a monochromatic room (focusing on one key colour in a space is a strong trendย at the moment) but no less impressive!
Whiteโs not always right
Donโt assume white is best to give small spaces that larger, brighter feel. Instead useย darker or wow colours to bring punch or warmth for a room that envelops you. Embraceย a space for what it is and resist the urge to go against the grain.
Grey is the way!
Itโs certainly become the neutral flavour over the last few years. Paint colourist haveย responded with breathtaking options within their collections, making it hard to move pastย greyโs appeal. Greyโs also have this unique ability, similar to white, to absorb and reflectย surrounding colours, becoming a chameleon of sorts.
Set the mood
Colours invoke a mood. Be mindful of this when working in areas that require a definiteย vibe. Letโs say that in a casual living area, you want a vibrant, fun feel. In that case, optย for warm, contrasting or vivid colours. For a more relaxed and calming space, useย neutrals, deeper blues and dirty greensโnatureโs primary palette.
Hot flushes and cool currents
Blend warm and cool tones to bring an exciting tug of war into your space; it will keepย the senses guessing and the mind curious. A warm caramel tone against a cool winterย grey is calming yet interesting; a good option when a compromise is needed betweenย butting personalities.
Black & white – is it right?
People will always debate whether these are actually colours (technically), yet they stillย prove to be a match made in heaven in the design world. From Modern, to Countryย spaces, this combination has a home. One could say they are a timeless combination; aย safe yet powerful one!
There were three in the bedโฆ
If you are yet to find your match then work to the rule of three. Use only three coloursย within your space and this should erode confusion, headaches, or debates. Itโs almostย fool proof.
Like what you like
There are a million design philosophies, principles and thoughts on how to selectย colours and why. But when you whittle it down, all you need to do is surround yourselfย with colours that bring you happiness, patterns and textures that support and encourageย your lifestyle (even if itโs a little quirky) and a home that says โYouโ.
Kerena Berry is an interior designer and Co-founder of Designbx, Australiaโsย online interior design solution.
