The hues chosen for a room’s walls and ceiling aren’t the only factor in determining “make or break.” You will need to find an attractive colourcombination for furnishings, home textiles and accessories.
The perfect mix of colors
- The primary colour pop (red, blue and yellow) form the basis of the colourwheel.
- The secondary colour pop (green, orange and purple) are the colors formed by mixing the primary colors.
- Tertiary colour pop (yellow-orange, red-orange, red-violet, etc.) are the different hues formed by mixing a secondary colourwith a primary color.
Complementary colors appear opposite each other on the colourwheel.
- Although they are the most contrasting colors, they go well together.
- The colors that appear next to each colouron the wheel (the analogous colors) are also considered harmonious.
- Finally, colors that appear together in nature generally go well together no matter where they appear on the colourwheel.
Useful colour pop Tips
- First, pick a base colouryou like and make sure it matches the room’s use. Use this base colourfor walls, rugs and curtains, perhaps in varying intensities.
- Choose a consistent secondary colourfor furnishings and accessories. For a unified style, choose a complementary colouror design the room in coordinated colors (for example, different shades of the same color).
- You can also choose two secondary colors, but in this case the colors must be located next to each other in the colourspectrum.
- Be careful when combining two colors of different intensities. For example, placing strong colors next to pastel tones forces the eye to cycle back and forth between light and dark. It can create a disturbing visual effect and affect the atmosphere of the room.
- Match neutral colors like white or taupe with a few fresh accents in the form of cushions, artwork, accessories and throws in colors like red, green, blue and even pink.
- If you’re unsure about which colourto choose and don’t want a room to be too boring and understated or too colorful, get advice from your local paint store or interior designer.
Inject colour pop with DIY projects
Want to make seasonal changes to brighten up your room? Here are three easy DIY projects:
- Cover a lampshade. Trace and cut out the shape of your lampshade in wallpaper. Glue the ends with wallpaper paste to make a cover. Summer calls for a fresh lime green in contrast with neutral furnishings. Winter? Replace it with a rich brown or red.
- Make a fabric wall hanging. Sew a hem in the top and bottom of an original piece of fabric and insert a wooden strip at each end.
- Paint the back wall of your bookshelf in an accent shade that will coordinate with your room.