Colour is on everyone in the design industries minds at this time of year. With London Design Festival just around the corner (I’m so looking forward to the colourful installations we’re promised this year, unfortunately I won’t be heading down to London but I’ll be following the festival closely from up North!) and Dulux having just named ‘Spiced Honey’ as their colour of the year. I actually love the warm honey shade chosen, it adds colour and drama to a space whilst still feeling relaxed and calming, what do you think of it?
Dulux Colour of The Year – Spiced HoneyI love using colour in every project I ever embark on (as I’m sure you know), I truly believe that there is a colour for everyone and even if it’s used in the smallest of ways it will lift the space, adding instant interest. I have three rules that I live by when planning the colour scheme of a new interior design project:
1. If using bold colour on the walls then limit the colour palette, layer different shades of the same colour and add contrast with metallics and neutrals.
2. When adding bold accent colours keep the walls and large furniture items neutral, layering the tones and textures, then add some bright bold elements in a maximum of 3 clashing colours.
3. Be brave when colour blocking – navy is going to look way more interesting as a contrast to orange and pink than black will.
This colourful concept board is probably one of my favourites, it’s full of clashing colour but the neutrals and the dark shade of blue help to ground the brights. Also, Lady Penelope’s car makes anything look great, right?
This industrial concept board is all about the textures but has been lifted by the small pop of yellow. The yellow makes the black look extra dramatic.
This calm concept board focusses on layering textures with a subtle addition of three pastel shades, adding an element of playfulness…perfect for a nursery!
On all three of the boards above I’ve used the new Painthouse colour chart to add the colours, it’s peel and stick that can be used again and again. Much more eco friendly than buying tester pots and cutting out lots of different paint charts. Also how cute is their ‘painthouse pal’ in my desk image up top?
How do you use colour in the home without it becoming overpowering? If you need some more inspiration I’ve a Pinterest board dedicated to colour.
