Choosing the perfect colour for your home
Category Home tips
Colour is always the first step to creating the perfect space.
While scientific studies have shown that colour affects moods and triggers emotions, you don’t really need science to tell you that you either love a room or loath it.
Look no further than art 101 for the basics; Warm colours, such as browns, reds, oranges and yellows, can make rooms feel cosier in winter months, while also making them more vibrant. Looking at red objects can cause an increase in heart rate, making it a colour that should be used with care. Cool colours, such as greens, blues and purples, allow us to relax, and often remind us of nature, however, overuse of cool colours can cause a room to feel breezy, which, although useful in summer, may not be ideal for the cooler months.
Create contrast
Complementary colours are pairs of colours which are opposite to each other on what is known as the colour wheel. Placing these colours side by side makes them appear brighter and more eye-catching. Examples are red and green, orange and turquoise or navy, yellow and purple. A turquoise wall, for instance is a perfect backdrop for a striking orange sofa or a neutral sofa with orange scatter cushions in various sizes and textures.
Emphasis of colour can also be created by adding a black piece of furniture.
Work with levels
Keeping items at ground-level dark, the walls and higher items a medium tone and the ceiling light helps to balance the colour in a room.
Wall art is a great way to express personal taste when decorating a room. Each piece says something about you, while also breaking up large blank spaces which can make your home feel empty.
If you are having trouble getting the balance of colour right, it helps to use the 60-30-10 rule; 60 Percent of the colour in a room comes from the walls, while thirty percent comes from the furniture, and the last ten percent comes from the accessories, and is what gives the room extra flair.
Author: Greeff
