Do you love a neutral room awash with whites, greys, creams and beiges? It’s tempting to stick to neutrals as they are considered more versatile and everlasting than colours. A completely beige room, however, can feel unremarkable – even bland.
Especially during dreary winter days, the grey outside gives a delightful chance to bring colour inside. What’s the easiest way to decide on a palette? Consult the colour wheel. Expert interior designer and popular TV personality, Jane Lockhart says, “On the TV show, *Colour Confidential*, we personalized the colour wheel with objects the client loved or related to, to help make the decision for colour easier. Don’t be afraid to add one wall of colour in a room, it’s your space and you should surround yourself with what you love.”
Spot your favourite colours and note their position on the colour wheel to understand how they work together to create the palette you desire.
Here are some groupings to try:
Analogous colours. Though the name sounds scientific, the concept is simple. Pick a colour on the wheel and note the two or three colours on each side of it. Because of their proximity to each other, they will blend well together. If you’re shy about colour, it’s a good idea to use this harmonious palette in your room with up to two similar colours, such as blue and green. Your room will feel more alive yet serene.
Complementary Colours. For a bold and pleasing effect, opt for a complementary colour scheme using colours opposite to each other on the colour wheel. For example, blue/orange and purple/yellow are opposites. These are the friendliest, happiest, most energetic-feeling combinations because of the stimulation felt by both colours individually, and combined. Used together, they intensify each other. This scheme is very effective with a main colour for the walls, and decor in various complementary colours. You can “ground” it all with a neutral area rug.
Contrast. If simply a pop of colour is what you’re after, you may enjoy a high-contrast look. Generally, black or white with any strong colour creates a clean and vibrant effect. For example, an otherwise monochromatic room gets instant light and energy with black accents and yellow highlights. A space with clean lines has high visual impact and is dramatic and unforgettable.
When choosing colours, you don’t have to pick the same shade or saturation of each colour. The goal is not to be “matchy-matchy.” In fact, the overall picture is more appealing when colours appear in various shades, tones, patterns and textures.
Experimenting with home fashion is fun if you know what you like and you’re up for a bit of creativity and adventure. The colour wheel can help you work in existing neutrals or colours in your room to create the desired serenity or vibrancy for your winter cocoon. So, when you’re shopping on a cold and dreary day, and a rich magenta pillow catches your eye, ask yourself: “Is this my colour?” Then, decide.
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