“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!
