SOURCE: Veronica Solomon
I know I’ve been mentioning this a lot lately but it’s kind of a big deal in the world of design. We’ve been inundated with white and gray for the last 10+ years. I think these neutrals still have their place but they’re not going to be the beloved go-to they have been over the last decade. Whenever we make a big switch like this it takes a while to roll all the way down to the corners of the design universe. It starts with designers and home reno lovers but it can be a year or two before our friends in small towns are embracing the change. So yes, colour is back and I’m 100% here for it. I love using colour and I think it can completely add new personality to your space. Let’s jump in and find out how to use it in your home.
HOW MUCH COLOUR IS RIGHT FOR YOUR SPACE?
SOURCE: Architectural Digest
If you haven’t used colour for a while (or ever) in your space you might feel a bit overwhelmed. It’s hard to go from gray walls to a bold navy or green. Start by exploring through magazines and online resources like Pinterest. If you see a room painted in a bold red and you feel excited by it, take note of that. Just let yourself be curious about colour and see where you gravitate.
Another great way to understand your tolerance for colour is to look through your closet. If you have a sea of black and never accessorize maybe you’re never going to be able to embrace much colour. In that case, introduce one or two colours in very small doses and that will probably be more than enough for you.
If your closet is a sea of red, yellow and pink then you are likely ready to jump into this new trend with both feet. You might be the first of your friends to pioneer into this new world and show them how it’s done.
Understanding what amount is tolerable for you is the first step to digging in. And whether it’s in small doses or you’re going all in, you’ll be happiest when you do it on your own terms.
COLOUR IS BACK – HOW TO USE IT IN YOUR HOME
1/ PAINT
SOURCE: The DIY Playbook
This is the simplest, fastest and least expensive option for adding colour to your space. Try just introducing it to a powder room or bedroom if you’re nervous about adding it to main living spaces.
Once you get accustomed to it you’ll start to feel more brave about your main spaces. And even then, an entire room with walls painted in a strong colour could be too far initially. Try a single wall in your living room or bedroom. Over time, you’ll become accustomed to it and you may end up painting all the walls.
2/ RUGS
SOURCE: Pinterest
Even if you could never imagine yourself with walls painted in a dark or deep colour you can still introduce it into your space. Introducing it in rugs is so impactful because it covers such a large surface area of our home.
Vintage rugs or vintage-inspired rugs can be the best way to start. They are often bold and have backgrounds of red, blue or green which can give you the pop without the commitment to paint.
3/ FABRIC
SOURCE: A Glass of Bovino
Drapery, upholstered furniture and pillows are all opportunities to bring colour into your space. And drapery in particular can change the overall look of a room. Just like with rugs, this is a large area and by adding or changing the shade you can change the personality of your space.
4/ ART
SOURCE: Curated Home
Want a new colour palette in your space? Try switching up your artwork. Even if you don’t replace all your art, even small changes will move you towards a new palette. If you’re creative you can even take this on as an art project. A big canvas from an art supply store and some inexpensive paints can be turned into a colourful and personal statement.
5/ ACCESSORIZE
SOURCE: Dream Green DIY
This is the simplest way to add colour to your home. You can change it up to match the season or you can change it every few years. Either way, it’s a simple way to introduce pops of colour and make a statement. Change your pillows and throws, add colourful candles or add a small side table in a bold colour. Instantly you’ve updated your space.
5/ ACCESSORIZE
COLOUR IS BACK BUT WHICH COLOURS ARE TRENDING RIGHT NOW?
Late every year we get the colour trends announcement from all of the major paint distributors. Here’s a look at what they’ve predicted for the next year:
BENJAMIN MOORE COLOUR OF THE YEAR
Raspberry Blush (2008-30) is this year’s Colour of the Year. It’s a far cry from the gray walls we’ve been seeing so if your initial reaction is shock you’re not alone. While it’s a gorgeous colour you may not see it in many homes because it feels like a lot. Yes, colour is back but you don’t need to embrace it like this. If you’re a colour lover like me then this might feel like the perfect antidote to all the neutral tones we’ve lived with recently.
SHERWIN WILLIAMS COLOUR OF THE YEAR
Redend Point SW-9081 is a bit more subdued but you’ll notice that it still has undertones of red. The words Sherwin Williams uses to describe the feeling of this colour are minimal, calming and intriguing.
BEHR COLOUR OF THE YEAR
Blank Canvas DC-003 If you’re not thrilled that colour is back then this might feel like exactly the right speed for you. Instead of going super bold, Behr has chosen to introduce a new neutral which will probably feel just right for a lot of people. This is a beautiful warm white and if you use that on your walls you can introduce more saturated colour in your home in smaller, less significant ways.
DULUX COLOUR OF THE YEAR
Vining Ivy DLX1148-6 This colour is described as being self reflective and Dulux says it’s a response and mirroring of the last few years. I know from my own experience with helping clients navigate the world of colour that blues and greens are much more commonly embraced than reds. If that feels like you and you want to add colour, this could be the winner for you.
So what do you think of the colour announcements? Are you loving any of them? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’re overwhelmed with the idea of how to pick the right colour for your home, book a paint consultation with me. I can help you bring colour into your home without the fear.
If you need help designing your home or your away-from-home-home, contact me to discuss how I can help.
If you know your design style but you struggle with which paint to use, take a look at my Made-For-You paint palettes. They take the guesswork out and give you the confidence to get started.
