Use of warm colours transforms spaces
If your space is prone to cold, there’s no better way to warm it up than with colour. Warm colours not only help to add a sense of cosiness but, indeed, a feeling of warmth to a space. From warm oranges, to reds and yellows, warmer tones can help to transform a space that may be cold and cavernous to one that is warm and inviting.
Here are some of our top tips if looking for ways to infuse warm colours into your space:
DO
1) Do use black. Black is not only a warm colour, but one that is neutral as well and can instantly add warmth and depth to a space. 2) Do incorporate colour and warmth through your use of artwork. Infusing colour and warmth through the use of art can really help to warm a space and adds a finishing touch. 3) Do use small decorative items such as books and florals to bring warmth and colour into your home. 4) Do mix warm tones together such as yellow, orange and red, the result can be appealing and cosy. 5) Do use metallics. Brass remains one of the hottest finishes in home decorating right now and is a wonderful way to incorporate warmer tones into any room of the home.
DON’T
1) Overwhelm the space with too many warm colours as it may appear to be overly dark or “muddy” — instead sprinkle warm accents throughout a space. 2) Paint ceilings dark, warm colours, as this will instantly close in a space and make any space feel smaller. Instead, ceilings should be light and bright, preferably white. 3) Forget accessories. Accessories are an easy and affordable way to infuse warmth into nearly any room. 4) Use too many wood pieces in the same room. Too many will add visual “weight” to a space. Instead, consider mixing heavier wood pieces with those that are lighter such as pieces that are made of glass. 5) Don’t forget to use mirrors. Mirrors are one of best ways to open a space and can serve as a key design element. These days, frames don’t have to be generic in nature. Instead of a frame that is plain, why not use one that is painted in a warm colour or finished in a warm-tone metallic finish. Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and an interiordesign and home-staging expert.