How to add soft or bold hues to a space

nook

Colour is a major influencer in the world of design. It’s not simply about making a space pretty, we can also use it to evoke an emotional response within a space, to energize or to calm while in the surroundings. Colour can enhance and punctuate a monochromatic space, play up – or play down – drama in a room, and create a relaxing serene environment. Whatever your goal is in designing a space, colour will surely play a key role.

Whether you enjoy the simplicity of white walls while incorporating colour with your furnishings and accessories, or you are drawn to a colour and use it prominently throughout, the trending colours we are seeing will inspire you to create an exciting home and leave you feeling all the love for colour in your life. Rich jewel tones, deep plums and purples, bright exciting corals and blues, warm pinks and browns, calm earthy greens and cheery yellows… there’s a broad spectrum of possibilities that will inspire you.

Richly patterned fabrics and area rugs, colour-saturated tiles and bold wallpapers lend themselves to creating a space with a personality all its own. However, if this all seems a bit too much for you and your comfort zone lies deep within the monochromatic white-on-white look, colour can still find it’s way into your home in the subtlety of artwork, or even the lushness of fresh green plants. Whatever your heart desires, there is an abundance of ways to colour your world. And, colour can find it’s way into every room in your home – especially the kitchen, where traditional white cabinetry has moved aside for everything from shades of soft and pretty blue-greys to deep blues, greens and reds. However, it’s not just cabinetry that has seen a surge of colour over the last few years. Hardware, faucets and appliances, both large and small, have taken on a life of there own when it comes to colour.

Whether you desire a calm, grounding and comfortable space or are looking for some energy and drama, give your home a little facelift with an inspirationally stylish and sophisticated blend of colour, pattern and texture then sit back, relax and enjoy all the beauty you have created.

Here are a few tips to start your colour inspiration:

  1. Paint is always a great place to start; any “weekend warrior” can easily liven up a room with a gallon of paint, and when you’ve tired of the colour, it’s easy enough to change.
  2. Wallpaper is a fun and fantastic way to inject life into your room. With an abundant selection of patterns and colours, you’re sure to make a great impact.
  3. Be bold in your selections and use of colour. If you love a particular colour but are unsure, use it in smaller doses as an accent instead of on a larger scale, such as a wall colour.
  4. Add a touch of black to your mix, it doesn’t need to be a large item – a black box, vase, picture frame or other accent. This way, you clarify and enhance all the other colours within the space.
Linda Mazur
Linda Mazur
"Linda Mazur is a nationally publicized designer and Principal of Linda Mazur Design Group. With almost two decades of experience this in demand multi-disciplinary design firm is known for creating relaxed stylish spaces and full-scale design builds within Toronto, the GTA and throughout Canada. LindaMazurDesign.com @LindaMazurGroup"
9 articles