Accent shades: how to use them successfully

THE addition of an accent colour is a quick and easy way to transform a space, define an area, or highlight architectural elements, believes Ruth Mottershead of Little Greene. ‘If you’re lucky enough to have wonderful architectural details such as archways, mouldings or picture rails in your home, paint is the perfect way to highlight them to create a design detail.’

This is what decorator Suzy Hoodless decided to do in her own sitting room where she painted the architrave between the library and sitting room in a near neon yellow to create definition between the two spaces. ‘Colours don’t have to be bright – they can be muted, too, but a powerful shock of a bold or unexpected hue instantly saves a space from being too polite,’ explains Suzy. ‘I particularly like to paint woodwork in an unexpected colour, together with quieter tones and lively patterns on cushions or upholstery; it results in things that perhaps shouldn’t really go together but somehow they do.’

Another decorator trick when you are using a colour accent in a white colour scheme is to bring these together by selecting a white with an undertone in the same shade, recommends the architect and designer Natalia Miyar of Natalia Miyar Atelier. ‘There are many different shades of white to choose from: my personal favourites are warm white with pink or yellow undertones used with accent colours in the same tones such as burnt orange, red or pink.’ Don’t forget, she adds, ‘you can be quite creative – don’t limit yourself to cushions, you can introduce your accent colour on any surface including lamp bases, art, furniture and objects.’

When using strong, vibrant colours in a room, you can create a balance with the accent tones you use, recommends Katharine Paravicini, founder of her own design studio. Bold walls can be complemented by furniture and accessories in punchy colours such as reds and yellows and then broken up with areas of neutral colour such as a carpet. ‘We like introducing pattern into bold schemes to add interest and depth, too,’ says Katharine.

Finally, says the American decorator Cortney Bishop, don’t be afraid to bring in an accent colour to unexpected places. ‘Consider applying a lively hue to a bathroom vanity unit or painting your interior doors or trim with a contrasting colour that makes your walls stand out even more,’ suggests Cortney. ‘The transition and break in colour will be more welcoming than you might think when transitioning between rooms.’

“A SIMPLE POP OF CONTRASTING COLOUR ON A DOOR OR SKIRTING IS A GREAT WAY TO ADD IMPACT AND AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE TO AN OTHERWISE MUTED SCHEME” RUTH MOTTERSHEAD, Little Greene