How to choose colours at home
Haven’t we all agonised over how to choose colour, especially when it comes to our homes? Feeling blue? In rage with red? Both psychologists and theorists have long explored the relationship between colour and mood. Certain colours trigger particular feelings and memories. And while choosing what colour top to wear is one thing, when it comes to our homes, we often second-guess our every step. Should we go for greys everywhere? Incorporate our favourite baby blue? Or shun punchy colours for tried-and-true neutrals?
Whatever your decorative inclination, colour can inspire a look and feel that suits both the dimensions of your home and your tastes. Colour allows you to create a welcoming and engaging environment that’s an extension of your personal style. Don’t be afraid of it, but remember to establish your colour scheme before you start.
- Start from the top down. In terms of a single point of colour reference, your roof and or ceiling are usually the largest and most obvious feature. The general rule to stick by is look up to lead your choices on the ground.
- Be yourself! Unless you're looking to make a bold statement with a stand-out feature, harmony should be the key when looking to introduce colour into any room in the home. You want to choose colours that blend and harmonise with both your built and natural environments.
- Observe your environment. Be sure to take into consideration what happens with the light at your house as different times of the day. For example, if you were thinking of trying a dark colour palette of navys and greys, you’ll want to consider how much natural light your home gets. If it doesn’t get much, this colour scheme might be a bit dark for your interiors.
- Mood manager. Think about what type of ambience you want to create in your home. Warmer colours can create the feeling of nearness, while cooler colours make things appear further away. It is a good idea to keep this in mind in case you want to highlight particular building features.
- Less is more. Too much of a good thing usually takes the good out of something. When it comes to complex designs, bright colours may cause sensory overload. Softer colours and complementary accents can help create a more classic look and style.
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