Colour - Go for it!

“Colour is like food for the spirit – plus it’s not addictive or fattening” says Isaac Muzrahi

2016 color trends bring an abundance of variety to suit everyone, even the diehard neutral lovers.  Our Colour of the Year is actually two colours - Rose Quartz and Serenity which are soft pink and blue.   In looking forward to spring we think in color, so it only makes sense to add some of that refreshing color to our homes.  Colour trends in interior décor tend to follow those of fashion runways and this spring/summer is no exception with both fashion and decor very colorful.

Colour is a fundamental and important design element.  When used properly, color provides cohesion of design, and, color themes can evoke different moods or a tone to a room.

Linking rooms enhances any space. If rooms have good color transition and correlation, they have a smooth & harmonious flow. It is essential to create a flow in a house with an open floor plan or one in which rooms connect through wide openings, by choosing colors that relate to each other in a pleasing way. The challenge is to give each space its own identity according to its function and still achieve a feeling of unity. The connection can be as subtle as a recurring color in the fabrics, accessories and furniture in each room, transitioned with wall colors that are closely related and similar in value and intensity. Using unrelated colours in adjoining rooms can make the house feel like a disjointed series of spaces, while colours that relate to each other draw the eye from one room to the next and create that pleasing flow.

Colour affects our emotions and the effective balance of color will provide a harmonious setting, which in turn creates a pleasant “feeling” in the space. Decide on how you want to “feel” in the room - calm or energized, intimate or open, dramatic or playful; the use of different color will promote this “feeling or mood”.  It is also important to look at another factor when selecting colour.
                                                                                                                                    

Lighting is one of the most crucial elements when selecting color.  The room’s exposure; type of light – direct sunlight, indirect sunlight or artificial light; and time of day you will most likely use the room; play a part in your decisions.  Since colour changes when viewed under different light sources, paint and accessories should be viewed in the actual space and lighting where they will be used.

The use of color is the easiest way to transform a room.  This can be done with paint, wallpaper, tiles, fabric, flooring, art & accessories.  Paint is one of the least expensive ways to transform a space. Though more costly, wallpaper has made a large comeback this season, with contemporary, simple patters and graphics.  Colourful accessories can add impact and freshen up a room without breaking the bank. When a space requires a sprucing up, color, no matter where applied, can make the largest impact.

The use of color does not mean you cannot have a neutral pallet. Adding a dash of color to the already neutral palette gives the room a new look and this color dash can be removed at any time.   Keeping large items such as sofas, chairs and draperies neutral and enhancing with colored toss cushions, accessories, lamps, art, etc. adds style to your space.  These small items can be changed by season, or as you tire of them, without great expense.

One of the first things most interior designers will tell you when it comes to color is to determine the paint for your walls AFTER you have selected the more expensive pieces in the room. The reason is simple, always match the paint to the furniture. Paint is one of the least-expensive decorating elements in a room and can be easily altered and changed as needed.  There are more colors available in paint than any other medium available. 

The best way to establish a color palette for your home is to have a starting point or inspiration piece, a painting, carpet, pottery chair, from which to draw out the color. Look for a pattern that appeals to you. Use that inspirational piece and break it down in terms of color “priority" to create your scheme.  Ultimately, select in the color family that appeals the greatest to you, while keeping in mind all the other factors involved – mood, lighting, theme - when making this selection.  Most Important – Have Fun!