The start of a new year will inspire many of us to spruce up our homes. But if choosing a new colour palette leaves you more stirred up than the paint, we have some helpful tips.
Winter can leave us all feeling a little dull and gloomy. And the same is often true for our beloved homes.
Usually neglected in the summer as we make the most of the glorious weather, the onset of winter can reveal a long list of jobs around the home that need urgent attention.
Whether your rooms are looking a little rough around the edges or are in need of a complete overhaul, a fresh lick of paint, some feature wallpaper and a few carefully picked accessories and furnishings can give your home a new lease of life.
But with so many colours to choose from, picking the right ones can seem daunting.
To help you get off to a good start, take inspiration from the objects, fabrics and furnishings you want to keep hold of and work with these when choosing your decor.
Also, consider the position of the room. If it’s north-facing, natural light will be minimal so use warm colours such as reds and yellows. Alternatively, if the room is south facing, blues and greens can add a cool, fresh feel.
Consider how you want your finished room to feel. If you desire a relaxing, tranquil space, pick paints that sit next to each other on the colour chart. On the other hand, by contrasting colours you can bring a room to life and create a dramatic look. Decide on the colour you like and then use the opposite colour to add accents and feature walls.
Bold colours can be scary, which is why many of us stick to a neutral palette. Neutral colours work particularly well in small spaces, making a room feel bigger. They are also effective as a background, allowing the eye to be drawn to furnishings and accessories rather than walls.
However too much white can look clinical. By introducing some bolder shades into the mix you can personalise your home, add energy and make a statement.
Here are a few pointers to help you on your way:
• Red represents passion, warmth and love. Traditional red tones used with dark woods can add an opulent feel to traditional rooms. In modern homes, red can work well with a typically white and neutral palette.
• Green evokes thoughts of nature and is a calming colour, which works well in any room.
• Yellow is a happy colour that can brighten any space, conjuring up feelings of sun and freshness. But be careful which shade you choose, picking an overpowering, sickly shade can ruin a room
• Blue can be soothing, clean and relaxing, however it can feel quite cold so pick your room wisely before opting for this colour.
• Purple. Traditionally associated with wealth, luxury and royalty because it was once very expensive to produce, this powerful colour should be used sparingly. Lilac was liberally splashed about on popular home decor shows in the 1990s, turning many of us off this shade.
• Black can feel imposing and masculine but combined with other colours, fabrics and textures it can work well and look stylish.
Why not create a mood board for each room? This can save time and money and help to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Finally, recognise your limits. If you haven’t the time, skill or inclination to do-it-yourself, bringing in the professionals could save you money in the long-run by avoiding costly mishaps and mistakes.
