LIFE, STYLED
An essential component of design, color affects almost every space in the house. Color may have an impact on each room’s energy as well as the moods and feelings that are present. Knowing the purpose and function of a room is often the first step in discerning which direction of color you should pursue. A home office may benefit from a calmer color choice since we tend to spend a lot of time there staring at a screen or sitting in meetings. A family room could enjoy a brighter color scheme of reds and even pops of orange since this is where we gather to have fun and connect with each other.
Understanding the significance of various hues can also help you choose the color that is most suitable for a specific area of your home. Choosing the right color is crucial. Let’s explore the numerous connections each color evokes and how to apply them in your home.
The color red
Arguably the most attention grabbing color on the spectrum, red often signifies passion, excitement, and even adventure. An invigorating color, red works great as an accent color such as on a wall or woven in a room with pillows, art, or perhaps a sofa as a focal point. The many shades of red means it can fit into a wide variety of design styles all the way from contemporary to the classic traditional or a charming rustic look. From the brick tones to the bright and flashy accent colors, the color red covers all the bases of emotions. Because it is such a strong color, designers tend to limit its use in a room so as not to overpower the senses.
The color yellow
Sunshine, joy, and friendliness. Yellow can be described using any of these terms. Just a few accents of this lovely color will make a space welcoming and upbeat. It is also considered a flexible color due to the various shades that can be used to accomplish a design task.. Pale yellows give off a calm ambiance and the brighter hues add warmth to a space. Because of the differing shades it is important to select the right one for the space plus it needs to integrate with the furniture and other colors you chose to have in the room. You can easily bring in a touch of yellow through window treatments, area rugs, artwork and more. Bring your own sunshine indoors with some yellow.
The color orange
Orange is positioned between red and yellow, so it makes sense that it combines the greatest qualities of the two. Orange is a robust yet sociable color that works well with others in the spectrum. It is an intense color that, like red, can overpower the senses if applied excessively. Orange tones can make a great seasonal choice if you want to add a touch of fall in your space with a few pillows, a throw blanket, and even some wall art. Using it in areas like a family room or a sunroom works well plus brings out fun energy. A more muted shade of orange or terracotta color can also be a good option for upholstery, wallpaper, or accent pieces
The color green
Green a color of nature, is often associated with growth and newness. It gives a sense of stability and security to any space. Green communicates harmony and balance making it a great option for areas like the bathroom and bedrooms. Bolder shades like emerald and hunter green bring a touch of luxury to your home while the more muted tones of olive and sage bring a sense of calmness. As with any area of the home, it is important to evaluate the main purpose and function because the answer will help guide your color selection. For instance, the home office can use a brighter shade of green in the design to give a boost of energy but a softer green can work better in a nursery setting where a more serene atmosphere is needed.
The color purple
Associated with royalty, purple conveys a sense of luxury but it also is considered a color of creativity. Typically seen as an accent color and is subtly woven into the design through wallpaper, accent pieces, or even a furniture piece like a sofa. It can be combined with colors such as greens or grays to form stunning and sophisticated designs. Lighter colors like lavender and heather make a space feel brighter and happier, while darker colors like violet and plum create distinct focus points or depth in a space. Because it is associated with fantasy, think fairy tales, it is a color that works well for children’s rooms and craft rooms too.
The color blue
Located across from red on the color wheel, blue is the opposite of this strong color in many ways. It is a color of calm and certainty. It is also a versatile color that can be used practically everywhere in the home. Blue remains a popular color choice with interior designers and is one that was used for thousands of years by Chinese dynasties as well as the Greeks which speaks to its endurance. It is a color that can be used to have contrast, especially when paired with white or it can blend in seamlessly with other colors to create harmony. For those who enjoy coastal vibes, blue is the natural go-to color to create a sun and sand relaxed atmosphere in the home. The sky’s the limit when you opt to use blue, a true classic.
Don’t forget about neutrals
Though color is often thought of in rainbow terms, neutrals are also a part of the color wheel and include white, black, gray as well as others like tan, beige, and cream. Perhaps lacking in the bright and glamorous tint as their more colorful companions, neutrals play a big role in the world of interior design. They can accomplish a bold, luxurious look with an emphasis of blacks and dark grays or a more warm and inviting feeling with soft whites and creams depending on what are the requirements of the room. Neutrals also work well with nature’s materials like wood, glass, and metal creating elegant designs. There is also a simplistic beauty when working with mostly a neutral color palette especially if a minimalist style is your goal. Whether blended together with the brightest of colors or standing on their own, never underestimate the power of neutral colors.
Bringing it all together
There are many different design components that come together in a home to express what a place is to you personally. Color is one of the key components in expressing your unique style because it is in everything from fabric to finite details. Browsing places like Pinterest can help spark creativity or help you discover what color or combination of colors best tell your story. When you start planning your makeover, you can get help from our design staff.
Our very own hometown talent, nationally recognized photographer Randy McNeilly, has earned multiple prestigious awards for his exceptional artwork—proudly on display in the Greenbrook Design showroom.
Will kitchen islands go out of style? The answer is no. The kitchen island is often the focal point in the kitchen and one of the most sought-after features in a kitchen renovation; in fact, it is one of the most versatile areas in the kitchen. Need a place to do some homework? How about a family dinner or brunch? Looking for a surface where you can spread out when cooking? Some extra storage for large pots and mixers would be nice, too. All of this and more can be accomplished with a kitchen island; some might even call it a mini kitchen within the kitchen. This flexible workstation can be created to reflect any style, accommodate any size, and suit any need. Today, we want to answer some common questions about the kitchen island, explore the benefits, and explain why it will never go out of style.
As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly comes to an end, you may be ready to update your home and make a few changes. Perhaps being stuck inside during lockdowns gave you time to identify areas that needed cleaning, upgrading, or other home improvements. If you want to start rebuilding your house but aren’t sure how to get started, see how these tips can help, brought to you courtesy of Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
