Why use Bold Colors in the Home
Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Greenbrook Design, managing day to day operations, marketing, sourcing product and keeping the showroom beautifully designed. Stacey also does interior design & home styling for a select number of clients. Find out more about Stacey here.
Color matters. It is a part of how we tell our story especially in the home. In the last few years homeowners have ventured off the traditional path of neutrals like white, gray, and beige to bring in pops of bold hues like red, green, and even blues. As the demand for brighter colors increases both manufacturers and designers have risen to the occasion by creating and incorporating a more diverse color palette for their clients. Traditional products such as tile, furniture, flooring, cabinets and even glass come in a wider selection of bold colors which provide homeowners the opportunity to blend a variety of bold and neutral colors together in a stunning final design. Though color is a fun element in the world of interiors, it can be difficult to know how much is enough and the different ways they can be brought into the home to create the perfect balance for everyone to enjoy.
Using bold colors in the home
More homeowners are enjoying the pops of excitement brought by using bold colors in the home and there are multiple ways to do it such as:
- Tile
- Flooring
- Area rugs
- Furniture
- Cabinet colors
- Accent walls
These various elements enable you to increase the splash of color in your home without making it feel cluttered or just too much. Tiles in the bathroom or backsplash in the kitchen can instantly upgrade it from drab to fab with the elegant and bold patterns now offered by many companies. Cabinet colors are another way to make a bold statement but with style. A kitchen island, mud room, or even built-ins are excellent expressions of color in the home while still retaining a sense of balance. Area rugs also allow you to have some fun with your room plus they add texture and depth to any space. Using various sizes or even layering makes a captivating focal point. Loud patterns are an ideal complement to neutral furniture or walls too. Since we mentioned furniture, they can be the classic option for implementing bold colors into your room especially since they tend to be the main focal point. Of course careful consideration should be given before finalizing such a large purchase not just monetarily but in size. Furniture is one of the largest elements in a space making it something that the eye is automatically drawn to and if not done correctly it will create the wrong atmosphere. A red couch should be softened with neutral walls and accent pillows so it won’t overpower a room with its strong energy. Don’t forget that even little details can make a big difference. Objects like vases and lamps look great and can be placed in multiple areas around the room. Flowers bring the beauty of nature’s vibrant color palette inside forming a delightful accent in the room. Places like Pinterest and Houzz are wonderful sites to discover the many ways bold colors can be implemented into your home.
The benefits of using bold colors
Bold colors are not just fun, they also possess a few benefits when used appropriately in the home. Some of its perks are:
- Express yourself
- Influences the mood
- Makes a room feel larger
Color is more than just vibrant hues and shades, it is an opportunity to express yourself, your personality, and the things you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to weave your favorite colors into the design, even if they are more on the bold side, it is your home and should reflect your true self not just what certain design rules require, it’s okay to break them every once in a while. Surrounding yourself with colors you enjoy also impacts the mood and bold colors often have a big impact. Red is energizing and yellow is happy. Having a splash of these in your space can help lift your spirits or even keep you motivated to finish something. Having the right atmosphere matters especially in the home because we often spend a lot of time here. Bold colors always fall into the contrasting category and when they are played against soft or neutral colors they affect the size in the room. Lighter colors can increase the size of the room but usually when opposite bold options. Apartment Therapy shares a few more reasons to go with bold colors in the home in this article. Choosing a few bold colors for your home can not only add a little sparkle but comes with several benefits for your family.
What to avoid with bold colors
Bold colors are a fun element in the home, they bring a sense of energy and life into any space but too much of a good thing can quickly overpower everything else. Some cautions when using bold colors in the home include:
- Limit the amount in a room
- Balance with a few neutrals
- Test it to see if it works with the space
- Consider the purpose of a room
Balance is an important aspect to keep in mind when designing with bold color choices and can assist you knowing the best way to bring it all together harmoniously. Blending bold with neutral is one way to ensure that balance is maintained in a space. White walls with explosive art pieces hanging on it or window treatments that have a bold color pattern can create a stunning focal point for a living or dining room. If you want to paint the walls or even just an accent one, it might be a good idea to test an area with a sample swatch such as the peel and stick ones available from Sherwin Williams. A color may look good on a card but when applied to an entire wall it can be more overpowering than first you thought or it might not go with the rest of your decor. Knowing the purpose of the room is helpful before deciding on a color scheme as well since the amount of time spent there can influence the final selection. Reds and oranges are not the best choice in a home office simply because this is meant to be an area of focus which is not what either of these stimulate. Discerning which bold colors work best in your home will allow you to create the perfect balance of fun and functional.
Bold colors in the home
Neutral colors play a prominent role in design but often it is the bold colors that make a statement which is why they have been gaining in popularity over the last decade. They can transform a mellow area into something bright, cheery one just by adding a few highlights here and there. If you are looking to refresh your home and give it a boost, bold colors are a great way to go. Come visit our award winning showroom to get ideas on home furnishings, accent pieces, and more to bring home the bold for the win!
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