BEDROOMS
ALL ABOUT COLOUR
coming soon!
COLORS IN 2020
AND BEYOND
BLUE
Blue has long been used as an accent colour but recently it’s made its way on to larger pieces such as feature walls and kitchen cabinets.
Blue is said to bring down blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate. That is why it is considered calming, relaxing and serene, and it is often recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms.
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A pastel blue that looks pretty on the paint chip can come across as unpleasantly chilly on the walls and furnishings, however, especially in a room that receives little natural light. If you opt for a light blue as the primary color in a room, balance it with warm hues for the furnishings and fabrics.
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To encourage relaxation in social areas such as family rooms, living rooms or large kitchens, consider warmer blues, such as periwinkle, or bright blues, such as cerulean or turquoise. Blue is known to have a calming effect when used as the main color of a room — but go for softer shades. Dark blue has the opposite effect, evoking feelings of sadness. Refrain from using darker blues in your main color scheme.
HGTV has this take on blue kitchens: “when lighter shades of blue are used, they can create a crisp, clean look and are recommended for walls, cabinets, or even the ceiling.”
GREY
Although once thought of as cold and institutional, grey has come a long way in terms of design and decor. Grey can create a warm scheme as easily as a cool one; channel edgy modern and charming country; be calm and soothing or lively and energetic.
As grey doesn’t have a ‘personality’ of its own, paired with any other colour, it allows that colour to be visible whilst grey takes a back seat. Given it is virtually absent of colour, it draws no attention to itself, it keeps its distance, remaining separate. Some people find it depressing and in others it evokes a lack of confidence, fear of exposure, hiding.
Gray can also soften a loud sofa or provide the perfect backdrop that allows wood accents to shine. While some consider gray too serious for a playful space like a child's bedroom or relaxed family room, many shades and tones of gray are ideal for masculine spaces like a den.
Love it or hate it, it looks like grey is here to stay.
NEUTRAL
Neutral colours are basic to the decorator’s tool kit. All-neutral schemes fall in and out of fashion, but the good news for homeowners seeking a richer ambiance in their favorite living spaces is that neutral paint colors for the home are finally getting their proper due. In fact, neutrals are taking over the painting world, making a plash in bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, foyers and other areas of the home.
When used correctly and with a designers touch, neutral paints can be powerful additions to any living space. They bring richness and sophistication to any space without requiring too much intensity. Being understated, yet dramatic, is a key component of any neutral.
Safe as they may be, their virtue lies in their flexibility: Add color to liven things up; subtract it to calm things down. Suitable in any space, neutral colours are timeless.
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GREEN
Green is considered the most restful color for the eye. Combining the refreshing quality of blue and the cheerfulness of yellow, green is suited for almost any room on the house. In the kitchen, green cools things down; in a family room or living room, it encourages unwinding but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness.
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Green also has a calming effect when used as a main color for decorating. It is believed to relieve stress by helping people relax. It is also believed to help with fertility, making it a great choice for the bedroom. The soothing quality of green makes it ideal for almost any room. Turn your bathroom into a relaxing spa-like retreat by using blue-greens mixed with gray and white. If you want more drama, transform a simple powder room into an elegant jewel box by using a rich, emerald-green palette.
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Make a kitchen feel open and airy by including sea-green cabinets. Deeper greens like spruce or evergreen can add a hushed mood to a den or library. Pops of lime green add energy to a room with a mostly white palette.
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When paired with light gray, paler shades of green can create a contemporary look that feels fresh and clean. Mix green with wood tones to imbue a room with an organic, natural feel.
KITCHENS
LIVING/DINING
BATHROOMS
RED
Red raises a room’s energy level. The most intense color, it pumps the adrenaline like no other hue. It is a good choice when you want to stir up excitement, particularly at night. In the living room or dining room, red draws people together and stimulates conversation. In an entryway, it creates a strong first impression.
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Red has been shown to raise blood pressure and speed respiration and heart rate. It is usually considered too stimulating for bedrooms, but if you’re typically in the room only after dark, you’ll be seeing it mostly by lamplight, when the color will appear muted, rich and elegant.
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Use red on the walls to make a room feel more intimate, or feature the color on just one wall to visually rework the proportions of a long, narrow room. Different patterns and shades of red can work together to perk up a neutral dining room, or make a small dining alcove feel like a destination.
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When combined with other colors, red offers even more versatility. An earthy red used with wood tones can warm a room. Red with soft gray and touches of magenta can make a room feel cozy, feminine and soft.
Depending on the texture, deep reds may absorb light while brighter reds allow light to bounce off walls. Red with a touch of brown or purple will feel warmer than pure red with hints of pink. Orange-tinged reds will make you feel energized, while purple-red shades can make a space feel more intimate and quiet.
YELLOW
Yellow captures the joy of sunshine and communicates happiness. It is an excellent choice for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms, where it is energizing and uplifting. In halls, entries and small spaces, yellow can feel expansive and welcoming.
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Even though yellow although is a cheery color, it is not a good choice for main color schemes. Studies show that people are more likely to lose their temper in a yellow interior. Babies also seem to cry more in yellow rooms. In large amounts, this color tends to create feelings of frustration and anger. In chromotherapy, yellow is believed to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
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Hallways and rooms without windows can benefit from strong, saturated shades of yellow. The shade will create the illusion of light. Buttery yellow walls add a warm glow that makes a room feel cozy, while muted yellow walls can make a room feel peaceful.
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If you have a room with northern exposure and live in a climate with lots of gray days, yellow can brighten up the space without overwhelming it.
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Pale ocher and muted gold are great choices for those who want a yellow color that feels approachable and timeless. An earthy yellow can work with terra cotta or lilac and make a room feel relaxing. A deep yellow accented with gray can make a space feel sophisticated. A golden, honey yellow works well for a kitchen with lots of natural wood, creating a hospitable room.
