How do you choose the right colors to decorate your home?

Colours play an important role in interior design. They help set the tone and create an atmosphere. They also have the power to visually expand a space or make it brighter. Whether you want to follow the current trend or not, there are a few tips to achieve a harmonious result. Before you paint the walls of your home or invest in decorative objects and accessories, take our advice.

Never use more than three colors at a time

The first rule is to never combine more than three colors. A multicolored interior risks being disharmonious and even overwhelming. When it comes to decoration, you need to learn how to use the right amount of color to avoid the trap of tastelessness.

We recommend choosing the dominant color and then choosing the other two tones to add to the mix. Introduce secondary nuances with your choice of accessories (cushions, curtains, rugs, etc.). The aim is to give your room a dynamic feel while carefully avoiding clashing colors.

Select colors according to their place in the palette

To achieve a cohesive design, you need to combine colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, green and red work great together, as do orange and blue or yellow and purple.

However, some tones that might be considered incompatible can resonate with a certain decorating style. This is the case with green and blue.

As a general rule, cold tones tend to visually expand a space, while warm colors have the disadvantage of shrinking a space. On the other hand, they create a warm atmosphere. Before starting any work, it is very important to weigh the pros and cons.

Choosing bright colors for decoration

There’s nothing like a bright color to liven up an interior. However, using too many dynamic shades risks saturating the space. It’s better to choose a bright hue and soften it with more soothing colors. Don’t be afraid to play with intensity while maintaining a certain harmony.

If you love red, there's nothing stopping you from painting your walls this color, but restrain yourself and combine this fiery hue with neutral tones like white, beige, light gray or taupe.

Do not combine red with strong colors like bright yellow or orange. Red can be used on an accent wall or in an accessory selection (vase, pillow, picture…). Depending on the color, paint the other walls in a light shade.

Choosing the right colors to create contrast

To avoid a bland interior, opt for contrasts. Combining two contrasting colours can enhance a room. Opt for a more powerful tone such as blue or green over a sober, discreet shade such as light grey or beige.

Some duos, like black and white, are a must. This color combination gives a space a very contemporary feel, as well as adding character to it. For example, it’s a great addition to a modern kitchen. You can use natural materials like wood to warm up the space.

Colors: the golden rules for expanding a space

If you’re short on space, there are tricks you can use to make a room look bigger. Here are a few golden rules to follow when space is limited:

• Preferably choose a color with a short wavelength. This is the case with blue. On the other hand, forget about dark, warm colors.
• Choose a light tone like white or beige to create a sense of grandeur. Pastel tones work well for Scandinavian style.
• Also consider natural colours, which have a calming effect. Reassuring light colours include linen, greige, ochre and sand.

What colors should you choose to brighten a room?

There’s nothing like well-chosen colors to brighten up a room without having to turn on the lights. It’s also a way to compensate for the lack of natural light.

In a dark room, feel free to paint a section of wall bright yellow or turquoise blue. Limit yourself to an accent wall to avoid an oppressive effect. Leave the other walls white or paint them a light shade (beige, cream, etc.).

In a more subtle way, you can add color to a dark space. To brighten up a space, paint a door frame, the back of an alcove, a bookcase… You can also paint a piece of furniture in a bright color. This could be a china cabinet, for example.

Embracing the latest colors in interior design

In the world of interior design, certain trends emerge every year. If you like to follow fashion and change your environment regularly, choose the colors of your room according to the current trends.

Dark tones are being ditched in favour of bright, cheerful colours. Orange and yellow are on trend, as is a bold version of red. These dynamic tones pair beautifully with softer tones like beige, which is also popular with decorators.

You can also trust green. This color, which has been popular for several years, adds a sophisticated and natural touch to a space. Like blue, green has many varieties so you won’t get bored.

If you prefer enveloping colors, these are still very much in fashion. There is no better way to create a cocooning effect in a living room or bedroom. As a result of the health crisis and confinement, brown, like terracotta and taupe, still has a bright future ahead of it.

Also read:

Choosing the Right Color for Kitchen Decoration

Bedroom color selection: Which colors are suitable?