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A Guide to Bold Choices and Harmonious Spaces

Many people love the idea of adding colour to their homes but hesitate when it comes to putting it into practice. Colour has a way of transforming a space, energising a room, and even impacting our mood and energy levels. But if you’ve ever found yourself holding back, thinking, "Will this really work?" or "Is it too bold?" – you're not alone. Colour is powerful, but with a little guidance, it’s easier to find combinations that fit your style and create a space you’ll love.

1. Start Small and Build Confidence

• Try Accent Colours: Begin with smaller accents if you're unsure about diving right in. Cushions, vases, rugs, or artwork are great ways to add pops of colour without committing to paint and can easily be swapped out depending on your mood.
• Colour on a Small Scale: Consider accent walls or smaller pieces of painted furniture. For example, a deep blue or burnt orange accent wall can make a bold statement without overwhelming your space.
• Introduce Colour Through Art and Wallpaper: My own artwork and wallpaper murals offer a range of colours, often centring on a main hue with multiple accent colours to choose from. By picking colours you’re drawn to, you can create a cohesive scheme that can be complemented with other pieces or accessories.

• Nature is a fantastic guide for finding colours that harmonise effortlessly. Think of serene ocean blues paired with sandy neutrals, or a lush forest-inspired palette with deep greens, browns, and mossy accents. You can read my nature-inspired colour schemes blog for more on this.
• Find Comfort in Natural Hues: Natural settings combine colours in a way that feels organic and restful, making them easier to bring into your own space without worry of clashing or feeling overbearing.
• Using Wallpaper Murals to Bring Nature In: Consider using a mural that captures the essence of a natural scene, like a sunset-inspired gradient or a forested landscape. These murals set a tone for the room, and the surrounding décor can play off the colours within the artwork to create a calming, nature-inspired palette. Why not start by checking out my range of wallpaper murals?

• Grey, White, and Beige as Anchors: Having a neutral base allows you to experiment with bolder colours on top. For example, grey walls or furnishings provide a sophisticated backdrop for colourful accents that can evolve with your tastes.
• Balance and Play with Proportions: Follow the 60-30-10 rule, where 60% of your room is a neutral or base colour, 30% is a secondary colour (like a sofa or curtains), and 10% is a vibrant accent (accessories or cushions). This rule allows you to add bursts of colour without overwhelming the room, keeping it balanced and easy on the eyes.
• Integrate Colour Through Art and Murals: Choosing a mural or artwork as your 30% or even 10% accent can work beautifully with a neutral backdrop. My wallpaper murals, for example, often contain rich, layered colours that allow you to pull complementary colours into your décor, achieving a thoughtful, cohesive look.

• Different colours have different psychological effects. Warmer tones like orange and yellow are energising and inviting, making them ideal for social spaces like living rooms or kitchens. Cooler hues like blues and greens promote calm and focus, ideal for bedrooms or workspaces.
• Pick Colours Based on the Room’s Function: Colour psychology can serve as a guide. For instance, a soothing, nature-inspired green in a home office can boost concentration, while a vibrant coral in the kitchen may add warmth and cheer.
• Bring In Colour with Purposeful Artwork: If you’re looking to create a particular feeling in a room, consider artwork that reflects the mood you want. A tranquil blue seascape, for example, can be perfect for a bedroom, while an energising abstract in warm tones might fit well in a home gym or creative studio. I wrote a whole blog post on colour psychology which you can find here.

• Before committing to a colour, visualise how it will look in your room. Free apps like WallApp, iArtView, and ArtPlacer let you see artwork or wallpaper in your own space.
• Experiment with Colour Placement: Upload images of my artwork or wallpapers and see how they’ll fit into your room, helping you imagine how different hues will interact with your existing décor.
• Consider Lighting’s Impact on Colour: Colours can shift dramatically in different lighting, so check how your chosen hues look in both natural and artificial light at different times of day.

• Many people hold back on bold colours due to fear – fear of clashing, of making the space feel chaotic, or of getting tired of the choice. But adding colour is about personal expression and creating a space that feels authentically you.
• It’s OK to Start Bold and Scale Back: Don’t be afraid to try something bold! If it doesn’t work, you can always adjust with softer tones or by rebalancing with neutrals. And remember, colour can always be changed and refreshed.
• Artwork as a Flexible Option: My artwork allows you to introduce colour in a way that isn’t permanent. Because murals and artwork are statement pieces that can transform a room, they’re easier to change than painting all your walls or committing to an expensive sofa. However, I’m confident that you won’t want to change them once they make a striking impact on your walls!

 

Final Flourish: Making Colour Part of Your Life

Embracing colour doesn’t have to feel daunting. It’s about finding what resonates with you, balancing your choices with your lifestyle, and experimenting in a way that feels safe and inspiring. Whether you’re ready to introduce bold colours with a few new accessories or are excited to commit to a statement mural, there’s always room for more colour in our lives.

Explore my wallpaper murals and artwork collections to discover pieces that not only add a splash of colour but also make it easier to visualise and achieve your dream colour scheme. Surrounding yourself with hues you love can turn any room into a space that truly feels like home.