All About COLOUR

What better way to brighten up these recently dreary and overcast days than talking about COLOUR? Sometimes starting a home project can seem overwhelming, not knowing where to start or how to work all of the looks you have been pinning, or saving on Houzz, into your home. The best way to narrow in on what you want to achieve in your space is to start with a simple decision – your colour scheme! Below I will give you a breakdown on colour, everything from how colour affects your mood to how to choose colours that will work together.

Colour and Your Mood

Believe it or not colour can have a huge impact on our moods! When deciding which colours to use in your space it is always good to consider what effects that colour can cause. Below is an inforgraphic made by fabric designer Vanessa Arbuthnott, that gives you a clear breakdown of which colours are best suited for which areas in your home, as well as some interesting facts! I for one don't think I would paint a baby's nursery yellow after reading this! (Infographic sourced from: http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/color/news/a8472/how-color-affe...)

TAKE A LOOK:

Now you might be thinking - sure it is easy enough to pick which colours I like but how can they work in my space? Choosing a colour scheme can be made a lot easier by following some simple rules of the colour wheel. I will go over some of the colour scheme types, although like anything with design, you are not limited to these options. Ultimately you want your space to reflect YOU and your PERSONAL TASTES - afterall, you are the one that has to live with it!

Colour Schemes

A monochromatic colour scheme consists of variations of one colour. It can be easily achieved and can create both a soft and subtle look or bright and bold, depending on which colour you choose. Although defining white as a colour is debatable, it is a popular choice in monochromatic colour schemes. Using variations of the same colour prevents this look from being too boring, and adding different textures is a great way to add depth and visual interest to your room!

Photo courtesy of Houzz: Monika Hibbs/Yorkston Home/Tracey Ayton Photography

Have you ever been set on a specific colour for a room in your home but you just had no idea what to put with it? A complimentary colour scheme uses two colours adjacent to each other on the colour wheel. It is a great way to find that perfect match! If you take a look at the colour wheel above do you notice the complimentary colour to red? There is a reason our Christmas decor looks so great! You can always use one colour in the colour wheel as your more permanent fixture, such as the blue tile shown above, and use the complimentary colour in accessories and/or paints.

Photo courtesy of Houzz: 1800 Lighting/Corbett Venetian

If more colour is your thing than a colour scheme like analogus or triadic would be your best way to go!  Sometimes adding multiple colours in a space can busy your design and give the eye too many places to wander, so these two colour schemes can help guide you toward a group of colours that will work well with each other.  Above is an example of an analogous colour story, which is when you choose one colour on the colour wheel and use the two colours on either side as well.  A great way to use multiple colours from the colour wheel without them being too overpowering is by sticking with neutral base materials, such as your tiles, carpeting, wood etc. and then adding colour in furniture and accessories.  A triadic colour scheme uses three colours equally spaced from eachother on the colour wheel, this colour scheme consists of the widest range of colours from all of the looks we have gone over thus far.  

Photo courtesy of Houzz: Squarefoot Interior Design/The Bluffs Huntington Beach

I hope this overview of colour has helped give you ideas and inspiration for your next home project!  Don't forget - if you are worried about adding colour to your space I would strongly suggest neutral colours in your more permanent fixtures and introducing colour in accessories and paints!  If you need any assistance putting your space together, and choosing flooring and wall covering choices that will work with your design idea - Stop by our showroom!