Choosing your living room colours is a key element in interior design. What you put in terms of color palettes into your scheme may improve the mood, bring up the aesthetic value, and create a balanced environment, which in turn reflects your personal style. Whether you are doing a full-scale renovation or a seasonal touch-up, know that the colours you choose may totally transform your space.
In your choice of color palettes, you set the base for your living room design, which in turn influences elements like furniture, fabrics, lighting, and wall art. Colour is also a psychological element. Soft tones create a relaxing atmosphere, and bold colours bring energy and vibrance. A well thought-out interior color palette will tie all aspects of your living room together in an intentional way, which in turn also avoids a look of clutter and chaos.
Before we get into specific color palettes, you should know the fundamentals of colour theory, which is the foundation of any stylish room transformation. The colour wheel is a guide that puts forward what works well together, as seen in complementary, analogous, and monochromatic schemes. Complementary colours, which are the opposites on the wheel, create high contrast and energy, and analogous colours, which are adjacent to each other on the wheel, provide a harmonious and soothing effect. A monochromatic minimal colour scheme, which uses one hue in different shades, is great for a clean modern look.
Modern in design, today’s living rooms tend to use minimal color palettes of white, beige, and soft grey, which present a tranquil and uncluttered look. These palettes are classic and very versatile, which in turn allows you to play with texture and form as opposed to bold colour. For a warmer, more cosy feel, earthy tones like terracota, ochre, and muted green are very much in. These shades bring depth and comfort without overpowering the space.
In today’s trend towards modern design, what we see is that deep blues with gold or brass accents bring in a touch of luxury. Also, navy and blush pink create a very fresh and fashion-forward look. It is to choose accent colors for interiors that enhance your base scheme but also add visual interest.
Accent pigments are a strong element in interior design. They break up monotony and add character to a room. As you choose your base colour scheme, pick out one or two accent colours which you will use in accessories like throw pillows, artwork, vases, or even a statement chair. For instance, if your living room is mostly white and grey in colour, try introducing a touch of mustard yellow or teal, which will immediately enliven the space without overwhelming it.
Accent colours should play a supporting role to the main colour scheme. Also, the 60 – 30 – 10 rule, which is a good guide, 60% of the colour should be the dominant colour, 30% the secondary, and 10% the accent.
In terms of colour choice, your living room’s size and natural light should play a big role. For small rooms, use lighter colours which will in turn make the space appear larger and more open. For large rooms, dark tones will create a cosier, more intimate feel. South-facing rooms, which get plenty of sun, do well with cool colours. For north-facing rooms, which tend to be on the cooler side, we recommend warmer hues to avoid that cold feel.
Mirrors, metal finishes, and light wood and white furniture pieces also play a role in reflecting light, which in turn balances out deeper colour schemes. Also, it is to be kept in mind that colour appearance changes at different times of the day and under different lighting, which is why we recommend you test out your colours before fully committing.
Your home is a reflection of you. If you go for simplicity and clarity, a minimal colour scheme of white, soft grey, and natural tones may be what you are after. If you are bold and adventurous, try out rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, or ruby, which will bring that out in you. For the nature lover, we have forest greens, browns, and sand colours which bring the great outdoors into your space.
In the end, it is the colours that surround you which make you feel at home in your space, which do the most for you. Trends may come and go, but personal style is what stands the test of time.
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Light pastel schemes of white, cream, and very light greys make small living rooms feel larger and more open. To add depth without overdoing it, try accent colours that are also pastel.
Yes, but do so thoughtfully. Choose one main palette and go with complementary or analogous schemes to maintain harmony. Use accent colours sparingly to tie everything together.
In terms of base palette, start with what you will use as your foundation, then choose one or two colours that either play off of or complement your main colours. As for bringing in accent colours, do so via accessories like pillows, throws, or art, which will allow for easy change-out.
Nothing at all. In the minimalist color schemes, which do feature but in very subtle ways, and with an emphasis on texture. We get a clean and calming atmosphere, which also presents a classic look that you may find yourself returning to again and again.
They don’t have to, but in spring, which they do use colours like blues and greens, and for winter, they instead use rich warm tones of reds and browns, that is, if they wish to put that effort in, but it does, which does revitalise the space, which may be growing stale.
