The color we choose for our apartment has a substantial impact on the space’s look, lighting levels, and atmosphere. Should we choose soft pastels or bright, intense colors? Should we select warm or cool colors?
When we enter a certain space, the first thing we’ll notice is its color palette. Are there soft pastels, or bright, intense colors? Is the palette monochromatic, using several shades of the same color, or varied? Are the colors warm or cool? The answers to these questions will influence the space’s feel, its lighting, and atmosphere.
Colors affect us physically and sensorily, even if we aren’t aware of it. Color affects our nervous system and causes physiological change such as increased blood pressure or heart rates. Color also affects our spatial perception; choosing a certain hue can make the room seem smaller or bigger. It can also be used to accentuate important elements in the room, as well as to blur less aesthetically pleasing elements or to “fix” proportions such as asymmetry, a particularly low space, and so on. Colors also have symbolic meaning, which varies according to the culture we live in; green is associated with growth and nature, blue evokes the sea, and red is for romance.
When choosing a color palette for a home design, you should address all the parameters above, and bear in mind that colors that fit one space won’t necessarily go well in another, even in the same home. Different activities take place in each room, and so we need to imagine what sort of atmosphere we wish to create in each place before choosing colors. We should also examine the characteristics of each space – size, height, lighting levels, and various structural elements – and decide the optimal strategy for color use in each space.
Walls
Painting the walls and ceiling can completely change the room’s look, atmosphere, and style. Because this is a fairly approachable component for other interior design elements and materials, we can refresh the colors of the walls from time to time and be bold with our choice of colors. We’ll use color when we want to draw attention to a certain direction, toward an accent wall, for instance, a special piece of furniture, or a significant item. You should approach the ceiling as another wall for all intents and purposes and decide whether to keep it neutral or paint it a surprising color as well. When choosing the color, keep in mind that warmer shades make the painted element feel closer, while cooler shades make it feel farther away. So, if you want to create a sense of larger size, you should paint the wall a cooler hue. If your space is relatively well-lit, don’t hesitate to use a darker tone, which would help create the illusion of a space that has depth.
Woodworking
Wooden furniture such as closets, bookcases, and cabinets help us create a personal, unique style, thanks to a near-unlimited freedom of finishes, materials, and detailing. These are typically pieces with a substantial presence. We invest time and planning in these items, to fit our exact needs and the size of the space. So usually, we’ll want to accentuate them and lead the eye to them. One way to do this is using color, which can manifest on the furniture itself or on parts of it. Painting a large piece of furniture like a bookcase, kitchen cabinet, or wall closet has the same principles as wall paint. Painting smaller elements or only part of a large piece of furniture, on the other hand, allows us to be daring with surprising colors and to create interesting compositions by creating a harmonious combination of several colors.
Accessories
Decorative pillows, pictures, light fixtures, carpets, and ornamental items are just a few of the things you can use to add a touch of color. These smaller elements can be frequently replaced, allowing you to easily create an original colorful design. Combine several colors, textures, and patterns to create a sense of depth and layers. We recommend positioning the elements (or photographs of them) beside one another for a successful eclectic look, and to make sure that you like the combination. If there are any other substantial shades in the space, such as the color or coating of a wall, we recommend taking a sample of the color while visiting showrooms.
Disclaimer: Everything said in this post is strictly a recommendation. Culpability for use of any products purchased as a result of this recommendation lies solely with the purchasing party.
