Overcome the fear of adding colour to your home
There is much more confidence in the use of colour in our homes. At last, everyone recognises the uninspiring effects of a neutral colour scheme in their homes, but where do you start when choosing a colour scheme?
The realisation that our home interiors impact how we feel and our emotions are closely linked with our environment inside and out. We love appreciating the outdoors and nature’s colours, but why do we feel anxious about bringing those colours inside?
From many conversations with people and through the interior colour workshops I run in Bath, it becomes clear that we know the predictable grey or beige route doesn’t make you feel alive; it doesn’t make you feel homely or cosy. Safe isn’t stimulating, safe isn’t relaxing, and it can be paralysing. We feel that in many other everyday situations!
Committing to a well-thought-out and exciting colour palette can significantly enhance the aesthetics and ambience of any space. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you follow through with your colour planning while considering colour psychology and utilizing research resources:
Define Your Vision: Start by clearly defining the vision and mood you want to create in the space. Consider what emotions or feelings you want the colours to evoke. For example, do you want a calming and tranquil environment or want something vibrant and energetic?
Understand Color Psychology: Familiarize yourself with the basics of colour psychology. Different colours can evoke various emotional responses. For instance, blue is often associated with calmness and serenity, while red can represent energy and passion. Understanding these associations will help you make informed decisions based on the mood you want to achieve.
Create a Colour Scheme: Based on your vision and colour psychology knowledge, create a scheme that includes a primary colour and several complementary or analogous colours. Remember, a well-balanced colour scheme is essential to avoid overwhelming or clashing colours.
Consider the Space: Take into account the specific characteristics of the space you're designing. Consider the natural lighting, room size, and existing furniture and decor. Certain colours may work better in some spaces than others, so it's essential to complement the environment.
Research and Validation: Research interior design books, magazines, and online influencers to find examples of spaces that incorporate your chosen colour combinations. Look for real-life examples to see how the colours interact in different environments. This research will help validate your choices and give you confidence in your palette.
Sample the Colours: Once you have a colour scheme in mind, get physical samples of the paint or fabric swatches. Place them in the room under different lighting conditions to see how they look throughout the day. This will prevent any surprises when they are applied to the entire space.
Consider the Long-Term: While it's exciting to experiment with trendy colours, consider the long-term appeal of your chosen palette. Will you still love these colours in a few years? If not, consider incorporating trendy colours in smaller, easily changeable elements like pillows or artwork.
Get Feedback: Share your ideas with friends, family, or a professional interior designer to get their feedback. Sometimes, an outside perspective can provide valuable insights and suggestions.
Plan the Implementation: Finally, plan the implementation of your colour palette. Decide which areas of the room will feature each colour, whether it's on the walls, furniture, or accessories. A well-executed plan will ensure a cohesive and visually appealing space.
By following these steps and giving careful consideration to colour psychology and research, you'll be well-prepared to create a stunning and harmonious colour palette for your interior space. Remember, it's about taking considered risks, not rushing into impulsive colour choices, and the end result will be worth the effort!
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Karen Haller's new book 'The little book of colour' is a great book to reference different emotions associated with colour to help guide you in your choices. Also Annie Sloan's 'The Colourist' seasonal magazines, giving many colour choices through her passion for colour.
Luckily for me, I have never been afraid to use colour, I can be anxious in many other situations, but how I create my home and how I help others work through their colour schemes is a natural and comfortable process. Not to say I haven’t made mistakes with colour, I have many times, painting our sitting room four times to get the right colour is one example! But I am not afraid to try and fail. Learning is constant and through experimenting, you can discover wonderful outcomes. Through my Design Services, I can help bring your ideas to life, and guide you to have confidence, taking the stress and fear from your project.
We all want to be proud of our home, but you have to live there and love it, you need it to fulfil what makes you happy, whether it’s a quiet corner to read your book in warm pinks and greens or a sunny yellow utility room that gives you energy while doing your washing. It has to flick that switch for you.
Most of all it should be enjoyed, it’s a process that can help you learn more about yourself and what you like or don’t like. Be brave and follow it through, if you don’t like it change it!
