Color is a powerful design tool that can instantly transform a room. Choosing the right hue can make a space more inviting, calming, or energizing—but how do you know which colors and materials to choose? And how can you be sure that they will have the desired effect? Lean on the latest trends and psychology of color as you allow your creativity to soar.
Jazz up white walls with pops of color
Whether your bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen walls need some TLC, a little color can turn a bland space into a captivating one. The simplest way to enhance a white backdrop is to add colorful artwork. Endless options allow you to customize the overall look and vibe.
Depending on the room, you can display colorful dishes or keepsakes on floating shelves or paint a shelving unit a bright, fun color. A mural can leave a lasting impression, especially in a nursery.
Choose light, neutral colors to create a more open feeling
Small rooms benefit from natural color choices to create a relaxed, airy feeling. However, you must be careful that you don't have too much of a good thing and end up with "white box syndrome": a room that lacks personality. Instead, opt for light taupe, blush pink, cool gray, or other colors that allow light to bounce off the walls.
If you're set on white, choose a satin or eggshell finish, especially if the room is south-facing. Paint your walls, trim, and door the same color to add to the impression of space.
Don't forget about colored lighting
Paint and decorative pieces are the obvious choices when creating a new perspective. However, colored lighting is also a great way to add temporary color to any canvas (aka, room). Saturated hues can amplify emotions, while muted colors dampen them. Consider different colors for different times of day; research shows that blue light is energizing and can interrupt sleep patterns. In comparison, red light in the evening may help increase melatonin secretion, aiding in better sleep.
Pick a theme for a more personal touch
Thematic colors work in any room but are often the most obvious in children's rooms. From bright teals to hot pinks, it's not uncommon to see the repetitive use of fun colors in these youthful spaces. This thematic approach can tie in bedspreads, shelving, desks, or toy bins for a more unified look.
It's also common to see this strategy in a bathroom or adult's bedroom, albeit more often in neutals, with matching towels, pillows, or other decorative accents.
Go against the grain with a dark-bright approach
Choose dark tones if you want to create an intimate and dreamy space. For example, charcoal walls can help you achieve a distinct, dramatic look. This color choice is a sophisticated alternative to black and pairs perfectly with cool tones like purples, whites, blues, and greens.
When your "dark" color is up, add brightness by finishing your room with bright accents, such as a large white ceiling fan or a grand chandelier.
Neon lights add a playful element
Many would have never dreamed of incorporating neon lights into their home—but that's all changed. These nostalgic lights are no longer just found on the Vegas strip or in funky arcade bars. Many homes now implement neon colors in a dynamic yet tasteful way.
This playful design trend allows you to show off your personality; the lights you choose showcase your brand. Best of all, you can alter the emotional presence of a room by turning these lights on or off.
Become inspired and lean on complementary colors
If you love bold, contrasting colors, why not create a look that reminds you of the places you love most? Do you adore the seaside? Then incorporate blue tones, adding pops of orange. This concept works great in a home office or bathroom.
Energizing, complementary hues can also work beautifully in a kitchen. No-fail combinations in this space include blue with brown, green with gold, and purple with dove gray. Your cabinets are an ideal place to start; you can build your overall look based on that color choice.
Create visual interest with wallpaper
Modern wallcoverings create a contemporary canvas full of various colors and patterns. This option creates a clean look that allows for personalization. Wallcoverings come in endless designs, ranging from elegant and muted to bold and sharp.
Don't limit yourself to wallpaper in your bedroom or living room. Bold kitchen designs can make a statement, and textured papers can mimic materials such as marble. While bathrooms aren't traditionally the best room for wallcoverings, vinyl peel-and-stick papers work well in these high-moisture environments.
Enjoy the appeal of seasonal flair
Who said the transformative process needed to be permanent? Decorating rooms for the changing seasons is an excellent way to freshen up your living space, and altering color schemes is the first step.
Swap out accents with ease based on seasonal palettes. For spring, decorate with pastels; for fall, opt for warm, earthy tones. Oranges, yellows, and red represent fall foliage. These colors are found in nature but are also part of an analogous color scheme. It's a win-win!
Bring the outside in
There are few things as grounding and calming as nature, and a balanced selection of green tones can significantly affect your mood. The color scheme works beautifully with wood. Choose earthy green tones that accentuate the natural beauty of a large oak farmhouse table, chic maple coffee table, or chunky pine headboard.
Other examples include sage green cabinetry with wood countertops or pale green walls with wood flooring. This combination is a no-brainer if your space has exposed wood beams.
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