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.
The right light can do much more than just illuminate a room. It can create a more inviting atmosphere in the room and give the illusion of a larger space. When selecting lighting for your home, there are multiple factors to keep in mind, such as size, amount, and placement. Since it is an essential part of designing an area, we thought it would be helpful to share five key considerations when selecting your lighting.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
