Choosing a colour scheme is the essential first step to planning your decor for any room. Most of us learn about basic colour theory at school, but how much of that do we really remember? Take a look at the colour wheel below – it’s a great starting point for picking colours that complement each other, draw the eye and work to create an atmospheric living environment.
So how does the colour wheel work?
They say opposites attract, so this is how to identify complementary colours. For example – always liked yellow? Purple sits directly opposite yellow on the wheel, making it the perfect partner for a bright and bold colour scheme that’ll really stand out in when used in your home decor.
Want to pick complementary colours but prefer something a little softer? Choose a split complementary colour scheme. This involves picking three colours that work together perfectly. For example, you may choose yellow, but rather than opting for the bold purple hue directly opposite, work with the softer shades on either side of the purple section.
Want to keep it simple? You can’t go wrong with a monochromatic colour scheme. Drawing from a single colour, choose your favourite shade and match it with others from the same family – reds with reds, greens with greens.
What impact could colour have on my home?
Other than picking colours that you’re naturally drawn to, there are a couple of other factors that play a part in picking the right scheme for your home decor.
Firstly, how big is the room? Warm colours like reds and pinks are a great way to create an atmosphere but, used in a small space, they could make your room feel even smaller. Cool colours can be calming and relaxing but might make a larger space feel cold and stark.
Colour can be a real mood booster. Used right, it can have a big impact on how you feel when you arrive home at the end of the day. We’re all naturally drawn to our favourite colours, and used throughout your home, they’ll undoubtedly make you feel good.
What does each colour make you feel?
Blues
Blue will make you feel cool, calm and collected. Blue is also said to encourage productivity, so you’ll get stuff done.
Oranges
Orange will give you a zest for life like no other colour. It’s a sure-fire mood enhancer and gets creative juices flowing.
Greens
If you want to feel at one with nature, use lush greens that bring the outside in. Fresh and calming, this natural hue is said to be restful on the human eye and associated with a feeling of safety.
Pinks
Add this playful colour to your life and you’re bound to feel happy and ready to take on the day. Charming pink is great for creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.
Greys
Some say grey is dull. We say no! Grey is like a sharp suit – it will make you feel strong, sophisticated, and like you mean business. This neutral colour is great for teaming up with brighter shades to really make other colours pop.
Blacks
Mysterious, dramatic and ever so elegant. Used expertly, black doesn’t have to be drab or gothic. Great for a more formal room, try adding black accents throughout your home.
Whites
Clean, crisp and fresh, white can work in almost any room. Associated with purity and success, it’s often considered as the colour of perfection. It’s a great blank canvas to set off accessories or key features in your room.
Creams
Softer than white, cream tones are dreamy and warm. Never out of style, this pleasant shade is great for making you feel relaxed, and a simple way to add a feeling of understated elegance to any room.
