Undergoing the design process of your home’s interior can be a daunting task. You would think that the endless options and possibilities out there would make it a fun, stress-free process, but the sheer amount of opportunities can be paralyzing. When you want to incorporate some bold colors into the mix, it brings even more questions. How much bold should be introduced? Where should it go? What goes well together?
If you’re stuck wonder how to balance neutrals and bolds in a home interior, these tips will help you to get a better picture of what works and what doesn’t.
Start Small
When it comes to choosing the right color palette, it’s better to start with a small space. Take the time to really decide if you like the color scheme before you commit to making it the theme of your entire house. If you are using bold colors or a palette that you might consider a bit risky, try it out in a smaller room, such as a guest room. Once the room is complete, take the time to live with it for a while. You can see if the color scheme is something you like as time goes on without having to commit to your entire home’s interior. If you end up growing out of the colors, it’s a lot easier to re-paint a small room than it is your entire house. In the case of color, it’s a lot smarter to dip your toes in the water rather than diving in head first.
Pick a Palette and Stick With It
While this tip may seem simple, once you’re planning and decorating it can be easier to stray from than you would think. You see pieces of decor you think are must have, but they don’t match the rest of the room. These “statement” pieces seem good if they’re few and far between, but each piece pushes you a bit further from your original theme. If you find a piece that you really love take the time to do your research. There’s a good chance that you can find it (or a similar piece) in a color you’re looking for. If not, see what you can do to modify the piece so that it matches your paint color palette. Picking the right colors is hard, but the more you stay on theme, the better the room will look in the end.
Use Texture When Possible
Textures and patterns are perfect for the noncommittal. Usually, plain bold-colored walls don’t look great, but using textures or patterns can help you create a bit of a filter for the color. Patterns and textures allow you to still use the bold color, but you aren’t simply displaying it plainly — you are pairing it with another appealing aspect. Additionally, it’s another way to introduce the idea without committing to it entirely. This method makes for a more aesthetically pleasing result and makes the room look more interesting and easier on the eyes.
Everything Needs Balance
Colors are all about balance. Although it may be tempting to find a bold color that you want to cover every surface of your home with, all good things must come in moderation. In order to get a room that doesn’t look sophomoric, you don’t want the bold color to take up a lot of space. Less than half of the space should be dominated by a bold color or lively decor. Ideally, only a fourth of the room will really pop. By pairing bold colors with a neutral palette, you are allowing the bold colors or decor to breathe a bit, which in turn makes them stand out more. Too much bold will negate the effect that you’re going for and it will make the room seem like a failed experiment.
White Is Your Friend
White is an ideal complementary color, and one of the most forgiving on the color wheel. A nice shade of white goes with almost any color imaginable, except for the harshest shades of black. If you find yourself stuck and unable to think of something that would pair well with your colors, find a complementary shade of white. This tip works especially well for trimmings, accent pieces, and anything else that comes in small doses. Proper use of white can act as the figurative frosting on the cake that is your room. When used correctly and in the right places, it can be the missing piece that ties the room together.
Opposites Attract
Contrast is key. A lot like balancing neutral and bold colors, when you pair contrasting styles and colors, you get an aesthetically pleasing look that shows comfort and consideration. Conflicting colors are a great way to show a room’s personality in a collected and sophisticated way. This rule applies to styles and decorations as well. Although you typically want to stick to a consistent theme, it doesn’t hurt to sprinkle in some differences. Try adding a few contemporary pieces of decor to an otherwise older room. Don’t let yourself be restricted by rules because when you decorate your rooms you’re the only person standing between you and the look that you want.
Luxury Living: Both Indoors and Outdoors
Although there are no true rules to interior design, there are definitely some “best practices”. By using these color palette tips for homes, you can feel confident introducing some bold colors and styles without going overboard.
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