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.

See more of this bold cabinet color project!

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.

Too much clutter can detract from your home’s wellness and leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and even depressed if it sticks around long enough. It can also make it difficult to concentrate, which can affect the entire family. It’s important to set about decluttering in an eco-friendly way to ensure that you aren’t throwing out things that could be put to good use elsewhere. With so many landfills already overflowing, it’s imperative for us all to do our part and keep recycling.

Keep reading for some great tips from Greenbook Design on how to declutter your home in an eco-friendly way.

Warmer weather is just around the corner, meaning we can finally spend more time outside doing what we love, like grilling, swimming, and sitting around fire pits. One thing that all of these have in common is that they can be done in your own backyard. Outdoor spaces are trending this year and for good reason, since they provide a change of scenery for homeowners without having to drive somewhere, plus they add more usable space to your home. Enjoy fresh air, cool summer nights, and time with family all within the safety of your own home. Here are a few reasons and benefits to adding or upgrading your outdoor space.

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 kitchen sink is probably one of the most important elements in the kitchen, since it’s where we wash dishes, rinse food, and wash our hands. There are so many options, such as stainless steel, porcelain, and ceramic. Then, of course, there are multiple styles and sizes. At Greenbrook, we are always looking for new items that will meet a need for our clients, and sinks definitely are one of them, which is why we are an authorized dealer for the Karran Sinks.

Old meets new to create a blend of something beautiful, which is one way to summarize grand millennial style. While minimalism is still a popular trend, many millennials are finding comfort and freedom of expression from their beloved family heritage. Grand millennial is a combination of the new with things of the past, like that old wingback chair from grandma’s attic, and breathing new life into it through reupholstering it. This style also pairs perfectly with many people’s desire to recycle and reduce waste by repurposing existing materials. Let’s unpack this style a little more and find out if it is right for you.