Design Notes
Color. It is what gives our world variety and speaks a language all its own. It is a versatile element that is used in various professions such as art, entertainment, and even cooking. Interior designers thrive on color to express their client’s personality and tell their story. Color is also the common thread that ties other elements, like texture and pattern. Woven together, they create a sense of unity and influence the mood. It is fairly common knowledge that each color implies a mood, such as blue is calm, green represents growth, and yellow expresses happiness. The colors you select for your home can have an effect on the atmosphere, and more and more homeowners are looking to add a little comfort with color.
The Power Of Color
Color is a powerful tool, which is why designers use it in multiple ways. We react to color differently, some even based on past experiences. Certain colors can motivate, while others have the ability to calm you down after a stressful day. Choosing the right palette can help create the right atmosphere to keep your family relaxed and happy when at home. The saturation of a shade or tint of a color can also affect the meaning, such as a more muted green invokes calm, and a bright lime green sparks creativity. Each area in the home has a purpose that can be reflected in the color choice:
- Kitchen: The heart of the home should have a palette that reflects that, such as browns, grays, and even blues.
- Bedroom: A place of repose and relaxation, use colors like blue and purple, as both are in the cool spectrum and have a soothing and calm vibe.
- Home office/children’s area: Productivity and creativity are essential in this area, and the bright hue of orange makes it well-suited for this. Pillows, art, or furniture pieces are great ways to add a touch of this to the room.
Your house is yours; it is a reflection of you and should make you feel comfortable at home. Look at a swatch book of colors and get a sense of which ones you enjoy most, then build your design so that the end result matches.
The Benefits Of Color
With so much stress faced on a daily basis, it is important that we have one place to go and recharge, to let go of it all and completely rest. Choosing the right colors for you will benefit your health and create the perfect environment for you and your family. They can help you feel safe and comfortable, and even make a room feel larger or smaller depending on the need. Again, color can help us feel happy, creative, excited, or relaxed; it all depends on what works best for you, so don’t be afraid to venture out of the norm when it comes to color selection.
Nature’s Color Palette
When looking for inspiration for the perfect balance of calm and beauty, there is none better than nature herself. Since many are doing more from home, it is essential to create a space that has a pleasant environment, and nature’s color palette provides just that vibe. From the soft whites to the calming neutrals of browns and grays, there is no lack of refreshing and uplifting vibes. There are several ways to add a touch of nature or maximize what you have when planning a design:
- Mirrors: Reflecting the natural light you already have maximizes it to the fullest and gives the room a more open and airy feeling, which is great for the mind and body.
- Natural choices: When selecting decor items, think natural or more organic, like a driftwood coffee table, glass or pottery vases, artwork that has a neutral color palette, fabrics such as linen, and even the shape of furniture, such as simple curves or soft lines.
- Wood: One of nature’s top products, wood provides multiple ways to add a natural, organic vibe to the room, including built-ins, cabinets, fireplace mantles, accent walls, and more. By using wood in its shades, the room will automatically be in harmony with the other elements, and the colors will produce a calm and inviting environment.
Nature has been the inspiration behind many award-winning designs and will never be outdone. It has a timeless appeal and draw for many, which means you can’t go wrong when you choose nature’s palette.
How To Include Color
We experience color every day, from the store to a restaurant or even a quick stop at a convenience store. Sometimes, we even remember how we felt in a particular place, unaware that the color influenced our mood. Take some time to think back to when you last felt relaxed, productive, or happy; try to remember your surroundings, especially color. Recreate that atmosphere in your home by following a similar palette. You will be amazed at the results.
- Accents: A painted wall or ceiling, throw blankets, art pieces, furniture, window treatments, decor items, or a rug. These are easy ways to add color to the room without overloading it or blending color combinations.
- Flooring: Tile, hardwood, or even painting it can add color to the room in a unique way.
- Plants: Adding some greenery to your home is not only healthy but also colorful, and Mother Nature has no shortage of colors. It also comes with an added health bonus for your family.
- Variations: Remember that one color has multiple shades and tints, meaning that you can create a room designed around a monochromatic palette, which will bring unity while not being boring.
Get creative and think outside the box when it comes to color. There are so many ways to add the exact vibe you want. Check out Pinterest for some other amazing ideas and suggestions.
Taylor Walker presented with the 30 under 30 award at KBIS – Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.
Greenbrook DesignSee why so many make the drive to Shelby. At Greenbrook Design, our showroom features custom kitchens, baths, and living spaces designed to inspire. With exclusive cabinetry, styled displays, and expert guidance—plus the charm of Shelby’s shops and restaurants—your visit is more than worthwhile.
Greenbrook DesignIf this is not your forever home but just a place you want to flip or only stay a few years, this has an impact on your design choices and budget. Let’s discuss what things should be considered, included, or excluded in your flip.
Walker WoodworkingThe foundation of a timeless kitchen lies in the cabinetry. Opt for traditional styles like Shaker or raised-panel cabinets, which have proven their longevity throughout the decades. While these styles may seem simple, their clean lines and understated elegance ensure they will never look dated.
Greenbrook DesignYour design choices are essential in the living room, as it can be one of the first impressions your guests receive when visiting your home. We have a few tips for space planning and more.
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