Photo Credit: Tom Podmore
Choosing colours for your home can be confusing and daunting, hence why a lot of people tend to choose neutral colours when decorating. But let's be honest, how boring would this world be if we didn't have colour, and if used in the right way colour can be quite powerful. Interior Designers have long believed that colour can dramatically affect mood, feelings, and emotions. Colour is a powerful tool that can be used to even influence physiological reactions such as increase blood pressure and metabolism. Studies have shown that some people looking at the colour red resulted in an increased heart rate, which then led to additional adrenaline being pumped into the blood stream.
When picking a colour scheme for your home it is important you consider the house as whole, especially when it comes to open-plan schemes. We have compiled a list of key points to consider when selecting your colour scheme.
The Natural Environment:
Have you ever noticed to feel calm and relaxed when you walk into a home designers have incorporated the natural environment into the colour scheme, well there is a reason for that. As humans we are drawn to the earth and thrive off environmental hues such as green and blue. As interior designers we try best to incorporate the environmental surroundings into the colour scheme noting the calming effect it has on our clients. We recently designed a penthouse over looking the Wollongong harbour and the blue hues of the ocean were incorporated widely into the soft furnishings to bring the outside in. Another project we built form the ground up was situated in a pine forest and the green and brown hues of the pine trees were heavily incorporated into the colour scheme to allow for a timeless design. Timeless designs heavily incorporate natural colours and textures to keep the space simple allowing for classic pieces to be showcased and shine. So let's look at the psychological effects of the Blue and Green hues in interiors.
Green:
It is believed that the colour green can induce a state of balance, change or growth, and protect on-self from fears and anxieties.
The colour green is often used to indicate safety, calmness, and relaxation and is is believed to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and nervousness.
Green, similar to blue, is appealing to the eyes, and is often a most preferred option for interior design, given the availability of multiple shades. Designers use the colour green as a blend of multiple shades or in combination with other calm and soothing colours, to create a restorative effect.
Blue:
Blue has been shown to promote intellectual thought and motivation.
Blue is often viewed as a non-threatening colour that can seem conservative and traditional.
Blue calls to mind feelings of calmness or serenity and is often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly.
Handy Hint* as the saying goes "blue and green should never be seen unless there is something in between" so make sure you break up the space by incorporating natural hues or black and white shades.
Photo Credit: Kylie Lions (Wollongong Penthouse Project)
Surround yourself with colours you love and are attracted to:
This is your home so it only seems fitting that you fill it with colours that you love. This doesn't necessarily mean you should paint your whole house purple because it is your favourite colour, but it does mean you can add soft furnishings such as cushions and home-wears in your favourite colour to bring a little bit of you into your design scheme.
Change with the Seasons:
Now I am not telling you to re-paint your room at the sign of leaves falling, but it is always nice to break up your design scheme throughout the year by incorporating seasonal changes. In autumn and winter, incorporate warmer colours such as burnt orange, yellow and reds through pillows and throws. In spring and summer incorporate cooler colours such as blue, green and purple to lift and open the space. As designers we love mixing colours with patterns and textures to add interest and rhythm to a space.
Keep it simple and safe:
If you want to stay safe and be able to incorporate different types of colours throughout your home using soft furnishings and homewares, we highly recommend keeping the large circumference area simple. One of the most common wall colour used in homes these days, and one we absolutely love, is Lexicon Dulux which will allow you to decorate with any colours you choose.
If you are still confused on what to do, as Interior Designer's colours are our life! So we can help you choose the perfect colour scheme for your home and to best suit your personality. Contact our incredible team for further information on how we can help you.