Do you have a decorating project? What if your choice of decorating colors could influence everything else?
How do you balance the colors in your decor? Would you like to create a soothing yet warm atmosphere? You don't want to overload your interior, but you don't want to opt only for white and neutral colors?
Discover our tips for choosing the right colors for the right rooms in your home!
Color theory: the color wheel
First things first: color theory or the art of combining colors! Color theory comprises several elements: the color wheel , the color scheme and color temperatures. All with the aim of creating the most harmonious combinations.
The color wheel includes :
- Primary colors : there are three: red, yellow and blue.
- Secondary colors: created through combinations of primary colors (e.g. violet or green).
- Tertiary colors : created from a mixture of secondary and primary colors.
Color theory: color scheme
Next comes the color wheel, which logically combines these colors. This is what we call the color scheme, the aesthetic basis for creating your first palette. There are several types of color schemes to help you find your perfect combination:
- Complementary : complementary or opposite colors on the color wheel
- Intermediate complementary : three colors, the main color and the neighboring colors of its complementary
- Triadic : three colors from equidistant points on the color wheel
- Monochromatic : different shades and depths of a single color
- Analog : the main color and the colors on either side of the color wheel
- Neutral : uses a color that has been reduced by adding black
- Achromatic : no color, just blacks, whites and grays
- Secondary: green, violet and orange used together
Which colors for which room in your home?
Colors influence our emotions, our concentration and our moods! That's why it's so important to choose them carefully, according to the different areas of the house.
Generally speaking, warm colors (yellow, orange, red) are associated with love, passion, anger and happiness. In contrast, cool colors (blue, white) have a calming effect and are associated with serenity, calm and peace.
Yellow
Yellow also brings energy. It's considered stimulating and inspiring thanks to its warm, welcoming aspect. It's associated with sunshine, energy and creativity, and is said to stimulate the intellect.
Be careful, though, as yellow can also have a negative effect. It can bring feelings of frustration and anger. It should therefore be used sparingly.
Use yellow:
The blue
Blue is considered soothing and calming. It is associated with appeasement, calm, loyalty, serenity and protection. It is also said to encourage intellectual thought.
However, blue is a cold color that needs to be illuminated appropriately. Dark blue is associated with sadness, so it's all about shade and balance. Combine it with warmer colors to create harmony.
Use the blue :
Green
Green has many qualities: it's relaxing, anti-stress and stimulates concentration. It's the color of appeasement, calm, loyalty, serenity, authority and protection.
Use the green :
- in the bedroom : Narita bedside table, Nishio console,
- in the bathroom
- in the living room : Akita TV stand, Soka footstool, Fuji footstool, Bolge armchair
Purple
Purple is associated with luxury and creativity, but also with magic, creativity, joy, fertility and sensuality. Lighter violets like lilac have the same virtues as blue. They bring calm and serenity.
Use purple:
Pink
The color pink is vast! There are many differences between candy pink, pastel pink, coral pink and raspberry pink. But it's always the color of passion, love and freshness.
Use pink:
- in the bedroom : Fjord pouffe
- in the bathroom
Black and white
The advantage of white is that it goes with everything and brings light to a space. Be careful, however, not to create too cold an atmosphere. The addition of off-white can bring a warmer touch. White is associated with innocence, purity, integrity and cleanliness, but also with completion, which can have more or less positive connotations.
Black is scary! Yet when used in dashes, it can create depth or highlight a decorative element or space. But beware: if used incorrectly, black can darken a room. Black is associated with power, prestige, luxury, mystery, drama and eccentricity.
Use black and white:
- in the office : Soro chair
- in the living room : Goteborg library, Monroe coffee table
- in the bedroom : Oslo bench
- in the dining room : Tablincoln bar stool
Grey
Gray is often thought of as a bland color. Neutral, gray has a large number of shades that go well with a wide range of colors. It's associated with sophistication. Gray is ideal for any room in an interior.
Use gray:
- in the living room : Diana armchair
- in the office : Houston office
- in the dining room : Kobe chairs, Newport dining table
Brown
From taupe to beige brown, brown comes in many shades. It's a warm color associated with earthiness, stability and serenity. It's particularly important to combine it with other colors to avoid the total brown look, which can be oppressive.
Use brown:
- in the living room : Koge chair
- in the bedroom
- in the hall: Tokai shoe cabinet
The red
Red is considered stimulating and attractive. It's associated with danger, passion, energy, warmth, adventure and optimism. It is not recommended for bedrooms, especially children's.
Use red:
- in the living room
- in the dining room
The orange
Orange is warm and stimulating. It is considered capable of increasing productivity and self-confidence because it gives energy. It is associated with stability, assurance and warmth.
Use the orange :
- in the living room
- in the dining room
Okay, but where to put the color?
There are no rules here! Color can be used anywhere, and there's no question of restricting it.
Got an idea for a pattern? Have you always dreamed of using a candy-pink element? Trust yourself, you can use colors in 1000 and one ways:
- in large areas: add a covering, paint a wall, floor or ceiling, add a carpet
- by touch: accessory, photo print, object, lamp
- with furniture : tablesofa
- thanks to the material used: natural, light
Depending on the trend and your style: modern, chic, design, classic, original, more daring. Above all, the perfect décor is the one that best suits your tastes!
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing colors for your home décor, there are a number of things you should know: color theory, the meaning of colors and the rooms in which they should be used.
However, as the saying goes, "You can't argue with taste! Since colors don't have the same psychological effects on everyone, it's up to you and only you to choose what you like. Take this challenge as a game!
