Creating calm in your interior with colour

Do you crave more colour in your home but fear it might turn into a chaotic mishmash? Fear not! These tips will help you bring harmony and tranquility with colour into your living space.

Contrast and harmony

Contrast refers to the difference between colours, whether in temperature (warm vs. cool), saturation, or brightness. Generally, more contrast creates more visual interest and tension. For example, pairing warm brown with cool blue in varying light and dark shades can make elements like tiles and dishes stand out significantly. If the wall were pink instead, the effect would be less pronounced.

In another example, alongside light-dark and warm-cool contrasts, there's also intensity contrast. Soft pink derived from red with added white appears calming, while the more vibrant blue on the floor, lacking added black, stands out vividly.

White is a colour too

Many interiors feature one painted wall with the rest left white. While this can work if the accent wall has a specific purpose, like highlighting a fireplace or elongating a space, it's often driven by fear of overwhelming busyness. Yet, using more colours actually adds vibrancy, and yes, white counts as a color here too.

Less colour contrast for tranquility

Painting an entire space in a single color promotes a tranquil ambiance, enveloping you in a soothing hue that enhances its impact. If you wish to accentuate a part of the wall while maintaining serenity, consider painting that section in a darker shade of the same color as the rest of the room, rather than opting for stark white.

What are you aiming for?

Understanding how colours interact influences whether a room feels lively or calming and directs the eye. Decide how much dynamism or serenity you want in your home. Some prefer constant stimulation, while others seek tranquility. Not every interior suits every individual, so choose what aligns best with your personal preferences.

By leveraging these principles, you can confidently add color to your home while maintaining a sense of peace and coherence. Discover what works best for you and enjoy crafting your ideal living space!


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Annemarie Jansen