Colour for living 101 - Part 1

I have been asked many times by friends and clients what the best colour is for their home.  Most people are looking for a textbook answer and when it comes to decorating for living, there really isn’t just one.  I have found that some people think that whatever the design magazines are showing is the colour that is “in” and what they have to follow.   I don’t think that one needs to be a "follower" when you are decorating for living even though the magazines are great for ideas and inspiration. 

Colour consideration should be a combination of things.   Decorating style (modern, contemporary, country, eclectic, casual, formal, traditional) can have an impact on the best colours to choose.  As well, personnel preference is also very important.  Lighting and the specific room also are important factors to consider.   There are so many colours to choose from in both the warm and cool shades. 

My husband and I have repeatedly received comments on how warm and inviting our home is which is one of the best compliments we can ask for.   Your home should really be one that you feel comfortable living in and reflects your tastes and styles. 

Give your home some PUNCH with colour

Colour is everywhere you turn.  It's not just a physical presence in our lives but also has a real psychological impact. Not only does color affect our perception of space, it can also influence our mental state and is associated with particular psychological elements (for example red has been connected with love and romance).

You can incorporate colour in many easy and budget friendly ways beside just using paint.

If you like to add colour depending on the season or your particular mood, here are a few ways it can be used without having to paint the walls each time: 

For those who love pink, some pillows,
flowers and drapery really bring out some
vibrant colour.  The accent chair also helps
add some of the green to the room.



Here is a very simple white colour scheme
that has just some simple plants, a vase and a
throw to add some colour. 



Here is another simple white
colour scheme that uses
a simple throw and some pillows to
add colour.  It also blends smoothly
with the accent wall in the next room.



A simple use of a patterned rug along with
the lamp and flowers help pull this room
together.



For more subtle colour, some simple
accessories such as pillows and a throw
were added.  The curtains also help
coordinate the colour scheme.

So as you can see, adding colour doesn't have to be a complicated thing.  Personalizing your home can be as simple as adding some pillows, rugs or pictures.  

Stayed turned for more on colour in Part 2 - Cool and Warm colours!

“Mere colour, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.”  Oscar Wilde