RAINBOW BRIGHT

MAKE THE MOST OF COLOUR IN YOUR HOME

I’m an advocate for turning homes into sanctuaries, and the right use of colour can transform a space, making it feel brighter, more welcoming and reflective of our personalities.

If in doubt, you can’t go past white. It’s a classic colour that can instantly brighten, reflect light and make rooms feel more open and airy. You can use white as a dominant colour on walls, ceilings and furniture to create a clean and fresh look. Pair it with colourful accessories such as pillows, rugs and artworks to add interest and personality.

It’s important to understand different colours are associated with different emotions and moods. For example, warm shades like red and orange are known to be stimulating and energising, while neutrals like beige and grey can create a sense of sophistication.

Consider the mood you want to create in each room and choose colours accordingly. Here are my tips to brighten up your home:

1 ENERGISE WITH BOLD COLOURS

If you’re not afraid to make a statement, consider using bold colours to add energy and vibrancy to your home. Colours like red, orange and yellow evoke feelings of warmth, creativity and positivity. You can use them as accent colours on furniture, walls or accessories to create focal points and draw attention to specific areas of your home.

2 .COOL TONES CREATE SERENITY

Cool colours like blue, green and purple are known for their calming and soothing effects. Perfect for spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms and reading nooks, you can use these colours on walls, bedding and furniture to promote a restful environment. Consider using lighter shades to keep the space feeling fresh and airy.

3 HAVE FUN WITH CONTRAST

Contrast in interior design is all about the deliberate use of different colours, textures, patterns or materials to create visual interest and make elements stand out. You can create contrast by pairing light and dark colours together, or using complementary colours. For example, pairing a dark navy blue with a crisp white can create a striking look.

4 EXPERIMENT WITH TEXTURES

Texture can add depth and interest to a space, so experiment with different textures in walls, fabrics and accessories. For example, a woven rug, a knitted throw or a patterned wallpaper can add visual and tactile interest.

5 CONSIDER THE LIGHTING

Regardless of your design or colour choices, nothing drains a space of personality faster than ill-considered lighting. Mechanical and natural lighting plays a crucial role in how hues are perceived in a space. Natural light can enhance the true colours of a room, while artificial light can alter the perception of colours.

Consider the direction and intensity of light in each room when choosing colours. If a room lacks natural light, you may want to choose lighter shades to make the space feel brighter. The shadows cast by any type of lighting will have an effect on the presentation of colour.