Warm up to fall colours

Brown plays well with others, while orange is a happy hue that brings warmth and elegance to a room

When you think of fall colours, what comes to mind? Red, yellow, green, orange? While there are certainly a number of fabulous fall colours, the challenge for many lies in how to use these colours purposefully in decor.

Brown

Brown is a great foundation colour and to many, a softer alternative to black. Brown can be used in many ways in a home, whether through the use of a wood finish or furniture or with the help of accessories and accents.

Considered a neutral colour, brown pairs well with other colours, or even different tints, tones and shades of brown in the same room. Looking for suggestions? Pastel colours such as powder pink or soft blue can be strong pairings. Finishes such as brass and chrome also work well.

Black

A longtime staple for interior designers and decorators, black is making a bold comeback. Strong and dominant, black can add luxury and richness to nearly any space, but it should be used sparingly.

For example, in a bedroom, two nightstands with a black finish will work well, but adding in a black dresser might overwhelm. Black also works well as an accent colour.

Two to three black accents in a room, whether through the use of lighting, artwork or accessories can work beautifully.

Orange

Orange is a happy colour that can help brighten and lighten a space while also adding a sense of warmth. Lighter shades of orange can work well in children’s rooms, while darker, richer tones can add a sense of elegance in living rooms and other social areas such as family rooms.

Red

Strong and bold, red is a statement colour. Red works well as a pop of colour in a space. As such, it pairs best with light colours or neutrals such as white, taupe or grey. When it comes to red, don’t be afraid to use it in unexpected areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Yellow

Yellow and all its shades, tints and tones is popular for fall. From chartreuse to mustard yellow and shades in between, yellow can be used in the fall and beyond. Not sure what colours will blend with yellow? Try neutral foundation colours such as brown, black and white. Don’t forget that finishes such as gold and brass are part of the yellow family and can work well in your decor as well.

DESIGN RECIPES Orange helps make this children’s bedroom feel fun and festive.

A pop of orange in the form of artwork helps add colour to this kitchen nook.

DESIGN RECIPES Ruby red adds luxury and drama to this kitchen area.