We spoke to various interior designers who explained what vignettes are, as well as shared their favorite ways to create vignettes in various styles and situations. Essentially, vignettes are about creating thoughtful styled moments throughout the home to elevate a space with design interest. 

They’re a great way to transform an otherwise empty or purely functional space into an intentionally styled area, so if you want to make your home decor feel more design-led, lean into the designers’ expertise below

What Is A Vignette?

Vignettes are artfully styled areas throughout the home. Whether that’s on a bookshelf or styled corner of a room, a vignette is a specific arrangement that acts as a standalone portrait to add design interest. 

‘I love memorable moments that exist throughout a home, we call these vignettes, and they are always my favorite spaces,‘ says interior designer Kendall Wilkinson. ‘I think of vignettes as a portrait without a defined border, a snapshot if you will, that captures a moment, and I often design this way, with materials, or a piece of art, or a sculptural or essential piece of furniture, and build this story around this small and intimate space.’

Interior designer Meredith Owen of Meredith Owen Interiors adds that vignettes elevate a room with design interest and allow personality to be added. ‘A vignette is a small, curated arrangement or display of objects that tell a story, evoke a mood, or showcase a particular theme or style. Vignettes are commonly used in interior design to add visual interest, personality, and depth to a space. They can be found on various surfaces throughout the home, such as coffee tables, console tables, bookshelves, mantel decor, and countertops.’

Vignettes can be created in pretty much any area of the home. You can get creative by considering how you can elevate an otherwise pared-back space by transforming it into a vignette with carefully arranged items. When you do so, it’s important to consider how it looks not only close up but in the room as a whole.

Interior designer Melissa Read, creative director at Studio Burntwood adds: ‘Particularly in larger spaces, like a bookshelf, it is imperative to step back and consider the styling as a whole, being mindful of color, texture and proportions – striking the right balance across the shelves ensures a cohesive feel.’

8 Ways To Create Vignettes Throughout The Home

Below, we’ve rounded up eight of interior designers’ favorite ways to create vignettes. From coffee table decor to creating a standout seating area, there are lots of ideas here to spark inspiration for your styled areas and displays.

1. HIGHLIGHT A STANDOUT PIECE OF FURNITURE

One way to approach creating a vignette is to focus on one standout furniture piece that you want to highlight in your home. Whether that be a sentimental piece of vintage furniture or a colorful item, making this the focal point will let it stand out.

Kendall Wilkinson explains how she created a thoughtful vignette pictured above, centered around a handmade chair that has historic and sentimental value: ‘After a light restoration and new fabric, I created this moment, this magical vignette in my living room that highlights and frames this extraordinary chair and its history with cherished art, jewel-like light fixtures, and original architectural moldings and details all white-washed to brighten the space.‘

2. WALLPAPER THE BACK OF A BOOKCASE

Bookshelves are having a moment, thanks to the viral bookshelf wealth trend. But beyond the current craze of letting books add personality to a space, you can also use bookshelves to create vignettes. Consider adding wallpaper to the back of a bookcase to transform it into a stylish area of the home, taking your bookcase from being a purely functional area to one that reflects your interior design style. 

‘You can add visual interest to a large amount of blank space and create the perfect backdrop for a vignette by wallpapering behind a bookcase,‘ explains interior designer Betsy Wentz, who designed the above space. ‘Layer in accessories, books, and greenery in a similar color palette to make your bookcase a design moment.’

3. INCORPORATE PERSONAL DECOR ITEMS

‘Artifacts, trinkets, and all kinds of  “object de art” are some of my favorite relics to display in a home,‘ says Miranda Cullen, founder and principal designer at Inside Stories. ‘For smaller items, a collection can sit nicely on a bookshelf, dresser nightstand, or anything with a flat surface! These types of accessories create unique collections around the house that represent personal stories about life’s adventures. We love to put these personal touches into all of our projects because it makes a space feel more specific, distinctive, and homey in a special way.‘

‘You can aim to make separate pieces cohesive, but I say the best collections are the ones that are all unique and then combine to create an amazing and eclectic vignette. The look you’re going for is cohesive, not cluttered, so opt for pieces with similar characteristics or color schemes to bring home.’

4. MAINTAIN A SENSE OF BALANCE

While vignettes are a great opportunity to display a wide range of meaningful decorative pieces, it’s also important to maintain a sense of balance to ensure the overall look appears intentional rather than cluttered. 

Decide on which items you want to center your vignette around and then carefully incorporate extra pieces, but refrain from adding so many pieces that it ends up losing its focal point. ‘I’d recommend choosing items with purpose that are meaningful and visually appealing to display,’ suggests Meredith Owen. ‘Avoid overcrowding and give items some breathing room. Layer small items in front of taller items to create depth and balance.‘

5. CREATE A DESIGN-LED SEATING AREA

A vignette can be created with a simple seating area by pairing other decor items alongside a chair to create a separate moment. Not only does this serve as a practical space, but it can elevate a living room or bedroom with design interest. 

‘I love to create an unexpected seating moment,‘ says Laura Chappetto, owner and lead designer at Element Design Network. ‘Everyone expects there to be a sofa and chairs in a living room facing the TV. But what about placing a chair strategically in a room facing the other direction? Here I have an original mid-century armchair next to the fireplace and TV. While you expect to have furniture facing this direction, you may not think this placement could work but instead, it showcases the chair. Artwork, coffee table books, a sculpture, and a plant in the background perfectly frame this vignette.

6. CREATE VIGNETTES ON A COFFEE TABLE

A coffee table presents a natural opportunity to create a vignette. Styling both practical and decorative items into different groupings will allow this space to appear considered, rather than cluttered. Trays are a great way to order and group a coffee table, allowing you to store items such as remote controls whilst decorative items, such as a vase of flowers elevate the space into a design-led moment. 

Melissa Read also recommends stacking books to create different heights in a vignette on a surface, ensuring it doesn’t look flat. ‘To add dimension, laying books flat with an item on top can create various heights that can be crucial when styling.’

7. KEEP IT FUNCTIONAL

Vignettes don’t have to be solely for aesthetics. They’re also a great way to elevate a functional space by styling items around a practical piece of furniture used for storage.

‘We love creating vignettes that not only look beautiful but are also functional,‘ says designer Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors. ‘The idea isn’t to fill space just to fill space but to add purpose as well as style. A staircase of photographs that get rotated quarterly with a family’s most prideful moments. A chest styled with a statement lamp that lights up a thoroughfare during the evening.’

8. GET CREATIVE FOR A UNIQUE DISPLAY

A vignette allows you to have fun with your home decor and channel your creativity. See them as an opportunity to decorate with items that bring you joy, whether that’s through bold color trends, decorating with patterns, or styling playful decorative objects. There are no specific rules to follow with a vignette, so as long as you love it, get creative with your displays and you’ll surely add interest to your home. 

‘Don’t let it intimidate you,’ says interior designer Brittney Ferguson. ‘I love stacking books, adding a short bowl or candle, something tall like a picture frame or art, and a flower arrangement.‘

Styling vignettes in your home is a simple way to ensure your space feels design-led and curated. There are endless opportunities to create vignettes, but as a starting point, consider what areas of your home naturally lend themselves to becoming their style moments.

The post What is a vignette? Interior designers explain this artful styling concept – and how to create them appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

Green is a classic, timeless shade, and unlike some other colors the ‘in‘ tone to use doesn’t come and go all that quickly. It’s always on trend in all its forms from sage green to the ever-popular deep greens. However, we are noticing that dark green paints are being used far more easily than they once were, not only on kitchen cabinets where they have lived for decades but in softer rooms too.

That’s something you don’t often think of when you think of dark green paint, but it can be such a soft and calming shade despite being dramatic. Pick the right paint and it can be such a versatile room color idea, getting the perfect balance between soothing and striking. But what is the best dark green paint? We asked interior designers for the favorite shades they have worked with.

The Best Dark Green Paints

Decorating with green creates timeless spaces, no matter what shade you go for, for a dark green feels particularly classic. Plus, it works with any interior design style, from sleek and modern to rustic spaces. 

‘When using green paint, I love to ensure that the color feels organic, saturated, and rejuvenating,’ explains designer Marie Flanigan. ‘As a bold wall color, it transcends mere aesthetics, transforming rooms into verdant sanctuaries that truly envelop you in a space.‘

‘Moreover, when employed as an accent hue, green paint offers a captivating moment that’s both elegant and a statement. Further, the colors that typically complement a lush green are beautiful gem tones that give a sense of understated opulence.’

1. GONDOLA RIDE, BENJAMIN MOORE

Dark green as a kitchen cabinet color has been a trend for years now, a softer more liveable than the once-love navy blue it’s one of the most popular cabinet shades right now. And it looks so fabulous in a high gloss finish in this kitchen, it’s an unexpected shade for this style of rustic kitchen, but it very much works.

‘And for the kitchen in this Boston project, we’re making a statement with Benjamin Moore’s 602 Gondola Ride – an assertively rich green that’s reminiscent of the grandeur found in old-world studies. These colors are not just reminiscent of the outdoors; they bring an intense, confident flair to our interiors, marrying the beauty of nature with luxurious sophistication,’ explains Kati Curtis.

‘As someone obsessed with deep greens, Benjamin Moore’s 644 Garden Cucumber was also the perfect choice for our new office paint color. It commands attention and energizes the room without overwhelming the senses, and creates the perfect moody backdrop for our design presentations,’ she adds. 

2. ROSEMARY, SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

For a soft version of dark green, you want to look for paints that have a more olive or brown undertone. Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams is exactly that, described as a ‘deep, organic green.’ 

‘SW6187 Sherwin Williams Rosemary is a favorite saturated green that gives a major bang for your buck.  And in a semi-gloss finish like this one, it feels quite magical. If you want to be transported to a forest, this is your color,’ says Mollie Ranize founder of Dmar Interiors.  

This is the kind of paint color that works well in smaller rooms, especially if you color-drench the whole space. It’s not so dark it feels overwhelming or gloomy, but it’s dark enough that you get that cozy, cocooning effect. The semi-gloss Mollie used in this bedroom also helps bounce a bit more light around and lift the walls slightly.  

3. PEWTER GREEN, SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

‘Pewter Green by Sherwin-Williams was a gorgeous paint stain in the kitchen of this Rocky Mountain home, unifying the warmth of copper, stone, and reclaimed wood details,‘ explains Kara Childress.

It’s interesting how dark green paints are typically considered cooler shades. However, as this modern rustic kitchen demonstrates, they can work so well amongst warmer color schemes and almost become a warm shade themselves when you pair them with wood and copper tones. Sherwin-Williams describes Pewter Green as ‘a cool green that complements natural elements like wood and metal.’ So spot on for this space. 

4. GREEN SMOKE, FARROW & BALL

‘Green is the ‘ultimate’ color group that color psychologists always suggest to imbue calm. Green Smoke will always deliver an effortlessly sophisticated atmosphere, from kitchen cabinets to living rooms and outdoor spaces. Its gentle blue undertone ensures it looks magical in both sunlight and candlelight for a cozy, immersive feel,’ explains Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador and color expert at Farrow & Ball. 

As the name suggests, this is a very smokey dark green with a very heritage feeling. That’s not to say it would only suit more traditional styles, it’s a very versatile paint that despite being dark is very serene and calming. It pairs well with plenty of other shades too from bold primary shades to neutrals – for a fresh look pair with crisp whites, but if you want to up the smokiness, choose soft blacks and browns. 

5. TATE OLIVE, BENJAMIN MOORE

‘Benjamin Moore’s Tate Olive was used on our kitchen cabinets and in our butler’s pantry,‘ says Anastasia Casey, editorial director of The Interior Collective. ‘It balances yellow and blue undertones for the perfect green that still reflects light while feeling like a commitment to color. This shade of deep green will transition through trends as it acts as a neutral, making it a timeless option – especially in kitchens.‘

Using green as a neutral is such a good way to make this color more accessible. Even in a slightly darker form like Tate Olive, these sagey, olivey shades work beautifully as part of a tonal neutral scheme, layered with warm grays, creams, beiges, and whites. 

6. RIPE OLIVE, SHERWIN WILLIAMS

Another olive-toned dark green paint, Ripe Olive by Sherwin-Williams is much darker than Tate Olive, but it’s still a very useable, liveable shade. And despite being darker, Sherwin-Williams still notes this shade as a very ‘neutral green‘, describing it as a ‘deep green with blue-gray undertones, this neutral can offer a well-lit space an intriguing, sophisticated mood.’

It’s the perfect shade for this nook designed by Dmar Interiors, creating a cozy but calming feel that gives the area depth without darkening the corner. Mollie Ranize explains, ‘Ripe olive is the perfect dark green with plenty of depth to handle custom wall treatments with sophistication. Depending on how much light it receives, it can feel dark and moody or even brighter and welcoming,‘ 

7. HUNTER’S GREEN, BENJAMIN MOORE

‘My favorite dark green paint is Hunter Green from Benjamin Moore,’ Kathy Kuo told H&G. ‘I love how this color reads both as dark and green. It’s perfect for a space that you want to add elegance and timeless sophistication to – it’s very reminiscent of stately English manors and Ivy League studies. If you’re into upscale aesthetics like Dark Academia and Quiet Luxury, Hunter Green is a perfect choice!‘

8. NANTUCKET GRAY, BENJAMIN MOORE

‘Surprisingly, Benjamin Moore’s Nantucket Gray color appears fairly pale in the swatch book but reads with immense depth in person,’ says Anastasia Casey. ‘We color-drenched our bedroom with it for the perfect, calming, deep green hue.‘

‘Remember when selecting your paint colors, to hold them up vertically, instead of laying flat on a table, to ensure you’re seeing how the light will be reflected on your walls. It can change the color immensely if not holding it upright.’

Green is such a chameleon shade, especially in darker forms, so do be sure always to order samples to see how they change in your space. As Anastasia mentioned, greens that appear pale can get much darker depending on the amount of light. And undertones can look different depending on the colors you bring into the rest of the room. 

The best dark green paint will always come down to your tastes, the colors you intend to pair it with, and the light in the room. However, these picks are a good place to start, all tried, tested, and loved by the experts. 

The post Decorating with Green: 8 Designer Dark Paints for Calm Drama appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

Decorating with orange is a great way to create vibrant rooms, especially smaller spaces, such as powder rooms, and there are so many easy color combinations to use. However, orange needn’t dominate your rooms; orange is a wonderful accent color that boosts neutrals and happily steals the scene. 

Below, we’ve talked to color experts about which colors to match with orange.

What Colors Go With Orange?

Using the color wheel is the easiest way to define the best colors that go with orange, but our experts can help you find great matches, too. First, you might want to define the best tone of orange for your room’s natural light versus the proportion you intend to use it in comparison with others. This will help you decide whether to go for lighter, brighter oranges or a shade that edges toward terracotta decor.

1. ORANGE AND PALE GRAY

Pale gray is a wonderful color match for orange since each will temper the other’s intensity and effect. You can use orange as your main color and use touches of gray to cool down the effect, as in the room below, or, in our preference, use orange as an accent color for gray. 

‘We choose paints that are rich in earthy pigments as they give an exceptional depth of color,‘ says Tom Cox, founder of interior design agency Ham Interiors. ‘Once we’ve got the tone right, we like to disrupt it by adding a vibrant color, this unexpected twist brings the scheme to life.‘

2. ORANGE AND DARK GRAY

Decorating with gray has been falling out of fashion, with many asking which color is replacing gray post-pandemic. This is, however, because gray is often paired with other neutral room ideas that, while elegant, can feel cold. This makes orange the perfect antidote, either as an accent or in a space such as a powder room, the perfect choice of principal color.

‘It brings warmth and an uplifting energy, whether you use it on a whole wall with paint or wallpaper, or bring in pops of orange throughout,’ says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs. ‘I often pair orange with teals and pinks as they work effortlessly together.‘

More on pink and orange, below.

3. ORANGE AND BLUE

Just like using gray, decorating with blue can leave you with a cool-feeling room, unless you use teal, as suggested above by Emma Deterding. For the same reasons, whether you are using a pale blue, a navy or a very dark blue, orange can bring warmth.

‘Orange is perhaps not a color people think about when designing a scheme, which is a shame as it can stand out from, but also complement, a more neutral background as we have here with this blue and gray palette,’ says Sarah Peake, founder, Studio Peake.

4. ORANGE AND PINK-PEACH

Decorating with pink but want to avoid saccharine? Match it with an orange to keep it contemporary.

‘As Emma Deterding says above, another color that goes with orange is pink, with tones veering towards peach the most successful,‘ says Jen Ebert, Digital Editor, Homes & Gardens. ‘, if you consider the various tones you might see on a peach, this will give you an idea of what can work with orange, and which shade of orange to choose to match with the pink. It’s all about getting the balance right.‘

‘Color will always look great when scaled and balanced correctly,’ continues Tess MacGeachy, interior designer at Amber Yard. ‘We incorporated orange elements in the rug in the room above, pattern on the chair, and artwork to make the tangerine closet feel suitably at home in the room.’ 

5. ORANGE AND SPICE SHADES

‘Orange is, of course, a great match for other tones of orange and all the colors that sit in the spectrum of spice shades. And while it’s brave to use it as the main color in a room, the kitchen above shows that it can look smart and contemporary, assuming the rest of the room is filled with natural colors and textures and little fussy detailing,’ says Jo Bailey, Editor, Homes & Gardens magazine.

‘Orange is the perfect color for an open-plan kitchen, providing a dramatic yet familiar backdrop to a hive of activity,’ says Andy Greenall, creative director at Paint & Paper Library. ‘Rather than opt for the habitual white on kitchen cabinets, consider a warm pink hue, which will provide a playful touch when paired with orange.’

6. ORANGE AND GREEN

Decorating with green walls a little safe for you? Why not use orange on the walls and temper the boldness of the shade with green accents? As Emma Deterding says above, decorating with teal and orange works well, but this blue-green shade isn’t the only option; other colors that go with orange include softer, apple greens. 

The key is to match the orange’s tone with the green’s strength to create a harmonious scheme.

7. ORANGE AND BEIGE

Orange and beige are natural partners, with orange one of the best accent colors for beige. It’s a more comfortable fit for orange than either cream or white, though it’s worth choosing earthier oranges to match with beige than brighter tones.

‘Terracotta allows you to create a space offering a soft, warm light which captures the enveloping sensation of a sunset,’ says Damien Langlois-Meurinne, interior designer and founder of Damien Langlois-Meurinne Studio Paris.

FAQS

WHAT COLORS GO WELL WITH BURNT ORANGE?

For a harmonious scheme, burnt orange is best matched with other earthy tones, so think sage green, muddy blues, mustard yellow, and dark gray. For more impact, colors that go with burnt orange include starker, clashing colors, such as bright teal, apple green, and even black.

WHAT COLOR SUITS DARK ORANGE?

The color that most suits dark orange, if you want an accent, is beige or off-white. Yellower shades of cream should be avoided; instead, look to pale gray-toned ivories. 

As you can see, many colors go with orange; the trick is to choose more than one accent for an intriguing layered scheme, but to ensure, since orange is such a bright, dominant shade, that one of them is a neutral, natural color, whether brown, gray or beige. That way, your secondary accent can bring contrast to the orange.

The post Colors that go with orange – 7 perfect matches for this bold bright appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

From the ‘Unexpected Red Theory’ to a love affair with cobalt blue, 2024’s biggest color trends are embracing the power of primary colors to infuse energy and personality into our living spaces. These bold, bright, vibrant hues represent the purest forms of color and are starting to establish themselves as the ultimate mark of a well-dressed home.

At its core, the trend is about an injection of dopamine decor. The difference, however, is this trend is not maximalism though nor is it minimalism, but instead a rather harmonious blend of the two. It’s an interior design trend that fills your home with joy, invigorating a space with bold color and paint, but not in a way that dominates or overwhelms. It’s about making a case for the surprising and the unexpected with bursts of primary colors, mixing of periods, and clashing of prints and patterns. 

Here, we take a deep dive into this retro-embued palette and consult the experts to get their take on embracing this vibrant interior design trend in your home.

What Are Primary Colors?

Put, primary colors are the 3 most fundamental: red, yellow, and blue. These pigments cannot be made by mixing any other color, and, together they can then be combined in a myriad of combinations to create every hue on the color wheel. 

In interior design, the color wheel is used to best inform room color ideas, looking at how different colors can either complement or contrast with each other to affect the feel and mood of the space. And while the primaries may be the foundations of all colors, often they’re decidedly less popular than their derivatives. Until today.

This resurgence of popularity for using pops of primary colors is, like most trends these days, in part thanks to TikTok. According to creator and Brooklyn-based interior designer Taylor Simon of @intayriors who coined the ‘Unexpected Red Theory’ (and went viral for it), these bursts of bright ‘work in any space, because it’s so bold you’re making a statement.’

She explains, ‘You don’t have to have a super colorful home to incorporate these colors, the one pop is more than enough.’ And in fact, it’s more desirable. The idea is that once your pop of red, blue, or yellow is added to a space in moderation, it automatically looks better.

However, because of their impact, decorating with primary colors can be daunting. To find out the easiest and most on-trend ways to introduce these vibrant shades into your homes, we’ve corralled the experts for their very best advice below.

How To Use The Unexpected Red Theory To Decorate With Primary Colors

1. DIP YOUR TOES IN WITH ACCENTS AND ACCESSORIES

If the idea of decorating with primary colors feels a bit overwhelming, fear not. 2024’s take on a color pop is more, well, random. According to TikTok, the idea is to add one item that’s bright and bold (big or small) to a room where it seemingly doesn’t match, and it instantly elevates it. And with that, accessories are the perfect starting point.

Pieces like a throw pillow, blanket, lighting, art, or a decorative object in a pop of color can instantly uplift a space, providing a pop of energy without committing to a full-blown color scheme.

Katie Logan LeBlanc, co-founder of Logan Killen Interiors who designed the space above, finds pops of red one of the easiest colors to use as it can take on many personalities, depending on the shade. 

‘Red is often considered a bold color, but we often use it in slightly desaturated tones almost as a neutral,‘ explains Katie.  ‘It warms up any space, making it feel cozy and alive, and also has the added benefit of being a unifier with any woods layered into the room. Pillows, lighting, rugs, and accent furniture offer easy ways to layer in bright colors,’ she adds.

Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish, finds primary colors to act almost like a punctuation mark, adding a moment to stop and pause within an interior. 

‘Embracing bold colors in accessories is the easiest way to introduce them into a scheme,‘ says Caroline. ‘It is a good idea to consider balancing the strength of color with a healthy dose of white or neutral shades to ground the brighter tones, and combine with stronger patterns such as geometrics or stripes as these dramatic motifs can temper the strength of the color.’

2. CONSIDER PAINTING SOMETHING UNEXPECTED

For a bolder statement, consider painting the unexpected elements in your home in a lively color. Doors, frames, trims, and even inside cupboards are often overlooked opportunities for injecting personality into a space. A sunshine yellow front door, blue window frames, or a red cupboard interior can add an element of surprise that sparks joy. 

‘Introducing beautiful bold primary shades like Stone Blue, Babouche, and Bamboozle to unexpected areas is the perfect way to add mood-boosting color to every space, without feeling too scary,‘ suggests Charlotte Cosby, creative director at Farrow & Ball. 

‘Thread these shades into neutral schemes to inject energy by painting furniture or areas you wouldn’t initially think of decorating, such as the back of bookshelves, fireplaces, or the interior of a cupboard – this will bring a room to life without being too overpowering,’ she advises. ‘Alternatively, for a bold scheme that evokes pure joy, use across greater expanses or over walls, woodwork, and ceiling for an incredible color-drenched look.’

 ‘Opting for primary colors is a great way to add visual interest to any scheme,’ agrees Benjamin Moore‘s director of marketing, Helen Shaw. ‘Even if you’re a little color-shy, just featuring a few bright accents will create a fun and uplifting space.’ 

‘Painting a single wall, ceiling, or elements of the woodwork is a good way to use such color so it doesn’t feel too overwhelming,’ she suggests. ‘If you are lucky enough to have architectural features such as picture rails and cornices in your home, adding a burst of red, yellow, or blue to create highlights is guaranteed to boost your space.’

3. USE THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE AND LOOK UP – OR DOWN

To fully embrace the unexpected, look beyond eye level and consider the vertical and horizontal opportunities in your space. Ceiling lights, statement-painted ceilings, flooring, and rugs are all powerful tools to either ground a space or draw the eye upward. A primary-colored pendant light or a vibrant rug can redefine the entire atmosphere of a room.

When an otherwise neutral room calls for a bit of energy, an injection of color can give that space a much-needed jolt. Take the space by Farrow & Ball seen above, for example, the tones in the space are entirely muted with a subtle base note of pinky tones which is then accented with a bold lick of red on the ceiling. 

Because the room already has these undertones of the primary color in its palette, the red feels unifying and of course, intriguing.

‘Introducing pops of yellow into a room creates a gentle warmth, injecting energy into a scheme without overwhelming the overall aesthetic,’ adds Gemma McCloskey, founder and creative director of Cúpla. ‘Yellow accents against neutral backgrounds, such as whites, greys or natural tones, tend to stand out beautifully, creating a visually striking contrast.’

A rug can play the starring or supporting role within an interior scheme. 

‘Primary colors are so bold that many can be fearful of embracing this palette within an interior, and yet they can be an easy way to bring energy and life to a space,’ observes Layla Holmes, founder of carpet and rug makers Holmes Bespoke. ‘One of the brilliant elements about rug design is that a rug can be either the statement piece that you take your lead from or by taking colors and pattern from an existing space and weaving these details into the room.’

‘For example, a bright rug will make a wonderful impact, deliver instant warmth, and create a visual statement, adds Layla. ‘Or, if you have elements of that shade already in your scheme – whether that is on the walls or a key piece of furniture – by threading that color through the rug as a highlight, it will create an instant sense of harmony and balance, allowing this bolder pop of color to be gently suffused across the room.’

A space injected with vibrant tones is one infused with personality, sparking joy and conversation all at once. And while it might be a trend that doesn’t inspire everyone, take note of the principles and inspiration from the experts and try a little color experiment of your own. 

‘Primary colors can be used to inject color and add a youthful touch to an interior, especially when used in contrast with more pared-back tones,’ says Dominic Myland, CEO of British paint brand Mylands. ‘A bold red can create a graphic accent when used on shelving or woodwork, and pairs well with light, bright blues for a striking color palette.’

Whether you choose to tread carefully with a few well-placed vibrant accessories, paint some unexpected elements of your home, or boldly look up and down to redefine your space, primary colors add a retro and playful spark to any space.

The post You’ve heard of the Unexpected Red theory but does it work with all primary colors? Designers say this is how it’s done appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

The theory of color trends plays an important role in how a room feels, so it’s important to get it right when it comes to painting ideas. ‘The use of color in interior design is not just about aesthetics but also about creating a space that evokes desired emotions and serves its intended purpose,‘ says interior designer Nicholas Kaiko.

Once the colors of a room are mastered, it’ll make the rest of the decor easier to work around and ensure a cohesive and balanced look.

What Rules Do Designers Use When Working With Color?

According to interior designers, these are the most effective rules that they use when designing any room in the home, to ensure that the color choices work well together and establish the desired tone.

‘Adhering to these principles, derived from color theory, can help in achieving a well-balanced and harmonious decor,’ adds Nicholas.

1. DECIDE ON THE MOOD YOU WANT TO CREATE

When choosing colors for a room, you should always consider the way color will make you feel. Color psychology can be a powerful tool in creating an atmosphere, so this should always be carefully considered when selecting colors. 

Luis Carmona, designer at VERDE Interior Design says: ‘I first start with the mood that we want to achieve or what we want the person in the room to feel. Certain colors have specific emotional associations. Blue is often associated with calmness and serenity while green evokes nature, harmony, and balance.‘

Kara Piepmeyer, Founder of design studio Studio Kosma also highlights the importance of selecting colors for the desired mood, saying: ‘If the client is looking for high energy and wants to make a big impact, then I often choose dark, cool colors and go for complementary and highly contrasting shades on the color wheel. If the homeowner is yearning for a deeply relaxing space then I lean toward warm, subdued earth tones. Selecting analogous colors on the color wheel will help foster that sense of tranquility.‘

2. STICK TO USING THREE COLORS

‘I usually have at least three colors or tones in a project: light, medium, and dark,’ says Tyson Ness, Founder of NYC-based Studio Ness. ‘This helps to create depth to a palette and can be done with any scheme. I balance these colors in the room by thinking of a triangle and making sure that each point has each of the tones represented, with the center point being the main feature of the room.‘

‘This will help to create balance in the room by making sure the tones are evenly balanced and spread throughout the space through decorating with art and decor. You can also approach these as the main color, complementary color, and accent color,‘ Tyson adds. 

Luis Carmona also advises sticking to between two and three colors to create a balanced look: ‘We like to stick to two to three dominant colors for any single space so that the room appears well designed and balanced. If we are designing a room with a neutral palette, a similar rule applies. We’ll stick to two to three shades to give the room depth. We then fill in any design gaps with textures and different surfaces to add dimension to the space.‘  

3. USE THE 60-30-10 RULE

The 60-30-10 rule is a traditional color rule and helps to create a cohesive look by using three different colors in different amounts. Interior designer Rudolph Diesel explains: ‘60% of the room is in a dominant color, usually a calming or neutral shade.‘

‘30% of the room is in a secondary color that complements the dominant color’, and ‘10% of the room is an accent color, which is complementary while being bold and offering a contrasting hue.’ 

He adds that if you’re not sure where to begin with selecting colors, it’s always worth referencing the color wheel to spark creativity. ‘The color wheel will guide you toward harmonious combinations using: Complementary colors that are placed opposite each other on the wheel; Monochromatic color schemes which are variations of a single color; and Analogous colors that neighbor each other on the wheel.‘

4. USE A LAYERED APPROACH TO BALANCE WARM AND COOL TONES

‘You can’t go wrong with pairing warm and cool colors to create a harmonious space,‘ says interior designer Naomi Astley Clarke.

Interior designer Matthew Williamson agrees, saying: ‘In most spaces, there should be a balance of complementary colors for contrast. I love decorating with a sense of layering, which is incredibly important. It’s not just about bringing bold, massive swathes of color in.’

Rudolph Diesel also recommends mixing warm color schemes and cool color schemes, adding: ‘While color schemes and styles differ in many homes throughout the world, it’s always a good idea to achieve a balance in the combination of warm and cool colors that you use. For example, using cool colors for larger areas like walls or furniture is often complemented by accents in warmer colors, like a throw or artwork.’

5. ALWAYS CONSIDER NATURAL LIGHT

As with any rule, it’s always important to consider this in the context of the specific room you’re working with. The amount of natural light a room receives will heavily impact how color looks, so make sure to understand this before settling on your colors.

‘Natural daylight can dramatically shift a color’s tone, so I always evaluate hues at different times and under various light sources,’ says interior designer and Founder of Arsight Artem Kropovinsky. Nicholas Kaiko adds that: ‘Rooms with abundant natural light can handle darker colors better than rooms with limited light, which might feel even more confined.’

6. TEST BEFORE COMMITTING

Before deciding on any colors for your interior schemes, designers say you should always test before committing. Color is complex and can look different depending on many factors, so it’s always worth testing out color in a small amount before fully committing to a color scheme.

‘Always test paint colors on a small section of the wall,‘ advises Nicholas Kaiko. ‘Observe them at different times of the day, under artificial lighting, and in natural light.‘

FAQS

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT COLOR RULES TO CONSIDER?

While there are lots of color rules that designers use to create a cohesive and balanced look in a room, they also add that color is subjective so rules should be used as a guide only.

‘Not all room designs are so strategic,’ says Luis Carmona. ‘With every rule, there is an exception. Sometimes a client wants a fun, colorful space full of color, textures, and patterns. We have just as much fun designing these spaces as the neutral, monochromatic designs that have become our signature.’

Matthew Williamson adds that it’s important to remember that color can easily be changed, so don’t worry too much about making mistakes: ‘No matter what you go for, always remember that color is one of the few interior design elements that can be changed quite easily, quickly, and affordably if you don’t like it. It’s not something which once chosen must remain forever, so it’s well worth giving it a go, having fun, and trying something new.‘

These color rules are supposed to be used as a guide and can be helpful as a starting point when choosing initial colors can feel overwhelming. You should also be wary of color decorating rules to ignore ahead of designing any room as color experts say these feel dated and can be too restrictive. 

The post 6 Color Rules Interior Designers Swear by to Create a Balanced Decor Scheme appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

Colors that go with blue, or in fact any other color, will always be limited by the tone that you pick, hence why we’re looking more closely at a particular shade of blue: namely, navy. Decorating with blue of all tones, however, offers you plenty of color combinations to try, whether you’re using navy as the principal shade or as an accent color.

Below, we’ve talked to color experts for their take on which colors to match with navy blue.

What Colors Go With Navy Blue?

Using the color wheel is the easiest way to define the best colors that go with navy blue, but our experts can help you find ideal matches, too. 

1. NAVY BLUE AND DARK BROWN

Decorating with brown, particularly deep, dark shades, is having a moment, but brown room ideas do need a contrast, which a vibrant navy blue can offer.

‘Navy blue, a favorite of artists and ceramicists for centuries, is such a great choice for interiors due to its sheer intensity, brightening even darker spaces with its visual design punch,’ says Robert Whitaker, creative director, Claybrook.

‘The shade pairs well with lighter hues for a sense of Riviera chic, or partnered with rich chocolates it creates a beautiful tonal balance, like the breakfast nook pictured.’

2. NAVY BLUE AND MONOCHROMES

Navy blue is the perfect match for enlivening otherwise monochromatic schemes.

‘The blue cabinetry found in my family kitchen brings energy into the space,’ says Suzy Hoodless, founder, of Suzy Hoodless Interiors. ‘It was inspired by the shades of blue used by Yves Klein and at Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Jardin Majorelle and is complemented by a much-admired, contemporary yet timeless stone floor.’ 

3. NAVY BLUE AND TURQUOISE

Color-drenching is a great way to create an impactful space, though it needn’t be monotone. Instead, think about layering tones of the same color, even if subtly, as in this entryway above, which has a smattering of turquoise amongst the navy.

‘I wanted to make a bold statement in this entrance hall and chose the Ressource Peintures Yves Klein blue – it is deep and has a warm tone to it,’ says Vanessa Faivre, interior designer. ‘The living room is very neutral, so the blue entrance, which you see from the living room, creates a great contrast.’

4. NAVY BLUE AND GREEN

What colors go with green? Navy blue. What colors go with sage green? Same answer. So if you are considering decorating with green or looking at green room ideas, include navy in the mix for a space that packs a punch.

‘The electric blue of these backsplash tiles has a wonderful vibrancy to it which is the perfect pick-me-up first thing in the morning,‘ says Brooke Copp-Barton, founder, of Brooke Copp-Barton Interiors. ‘Pairing these with the green Santana tiles in the shower further energizes the space – it just so happens to be one of my favorite color combinations.’ 

5. NAVY BLUE AND PINK

Decorating with pink needn’t be limited to gender-specific spaces; we love pink across the whole home, especially paler shades, which can be incredibly warm and elegant. Pink, however, does require a grownup shade to pair with, namely navy blue.

‘The vivid blue background to this installation of our hand-painted Houghton Chinoiserie wallpaper evokes the splendid tones that would have illuminated the first rooms of Chinese wallpapers that so delighted 17th Century Europeans – a striking recreation of historical beauty,’ says Hannah Cecil Gurney, director, De Gournay.

6. NAVY BLUE AND BEIGE

‘Whether you’re decorating with beige across a whole room or looking for accent colors for beige, and want to keep the space looking smart and restful (perhaps you’re hunting down beige bedroom ideas), why not match it with navy blue?’ says Jo Bailey, Editor, Homes & Gardens magazine. 

‘We chose a neutral linen wallpaper to act as a backdrop against the scalloped headboard of the bed in this principal bedroom. The darker putty shade makes the headboard pop and removes the need for artwork,’ says Louise Wicksteed, Creative Director, Sims Hilditch.

‘Meanwhile, the navy of the bedspread and bedside table anchor the scheme, amplifying its grownup appeal,‘ says Jo.

7. NAVY BLUE AND ORANGE

‘Decorating with orange is a bold choice but it needs a counter-color to make it feel sophisticated; one of the best colors that go with orange to achieve this is navy blue,’ says Jen Ebert, Digital Editor, Homes & Gardens.

‘That said, I would avoid putting them into a scheme in equal proportions as they’re both really strong shades; instead, allow one of the shades to be dominant, and use the other as a secondary shade, as successfully achieved in the room above.’

FAQS

WHAT PASTEL COLORS GO WITH NAVY BLUE?

All pastel colors go with navy blue. If you’re looking for pastel room ideas but want to balance the pale, romantic shades with one that’s stronger and more grown up, use navy. We think navy blue is a particularly good match for pastel pink, pastel blue, and pastel green, though you would want to use the latter two in sunny rooms that get lots of daylight to ensure it feels warm.

DOES GRAY GO WITH NAVY BLUE?

If you think of traditional men’s work suits, gray and navy are a classic combination, so yes, gray does go with navy blue. However, this is a no-nonsense color combination that can be a little severe in many settings, if you’re decorating with gray and adding navy blue to the mix, be sure to include plenty of natural textures, cushioned upholstery and detailing to soften the scheme.

When considering colors that go with navy blue, think: Do I want the room to feel vibrant and lively or smart and elegant? If the first, put colors with the navy that are warmer and lighter, such as orange, red, and pink; if the latter, choose color companions that can match the strength of the navy but which are cooler, whether brilliant white, dove gray, or even black.

The post What Colors Go With Navy Blue? 7 Combinations With This Timeless Shade appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

You can treat terracotta as you would a ‘simpler’ shade like black – and in fact, the softer tones mean this shade is actually easier to work with in many ways. Plus, thanks to its earthy associations, you can treat it as something neutral, and useful if you’re averse to decorating with color. ‘Shades range from the traditional burnt-orange to chalky pinks, making it something that can lean more neutral or something that adds a dramatic pop of color,’ explains interior designer Emma Beryl. ‘It’s all about applying the color and how you choose to incorporate it.’

So on that note, we rounded up our favorite ways to apply this accent shade to your interiors, whether you’re feeling brave (accent wall, anyone?) or a little more reserved. Scroll on to find out how to use this color in your space.

HOW TO DECORATE WITH TERRACOTTA ACCENTS

‘A splash of terracotta adds warmth and depth to any space, providing a natural grounding,’ says New York interior designer Emma Beryl. She recommends introducing the shade to walls or through select pieces of decor as a way to add color to an otherwise neutral scheme. ‘I would bring in a terracotta accent when a room needs texture or color but the chosen scheme calls for something more rustic and old-world.’

‘Incorporating terracotta into your scheme, with its earthy tones, is a great choice if you want to add warmth to a room,’ adds Nicholas Kaiko of Sydney studio Kaiko Design. ‘It’s a great counterbalance to cooler shades. Terracotta, especially in its raw, unglazed form, has a rough texture that can add depth to a space. I love it as a flooring material – brick floors are so underrated!

For Ericka Violett, founder of Portland, Oregon studio Sill Design Co, it’s terracotta’s connection to nature, and its texture, that makes it a valuable accent. ‘We find its connection to nature adds coziness to a space, making it feel inviting and comfortable,’ she says. ‘If we’re looking to add natural warmth and texture, we’ll prioritize terracotta clay in planters, sculptures, accents, or even materials like tile. If we’re looking to add some contrasting color to a predominantly cool color palette, we’ll use it as a color in textiles and rugs.’

Read on for more ideas from interior designers about how to decorate with terracotta accents.

1. USE TERRACOTTA TILES TO ADD UNEXPECTED DEPTH AND TEXTURE

Architect Anshuk Punmia of House of Lines used terracotta tiles as the thread that joins together the rooms in this Chennai home. In the earth-tone bedroom, an unexpected splash of terracotta behind the headboard adds texture and color. 

‘Terracotta tiles, with their earthy tones, impart the feeling of warmth that is required in a home. It’s very vernacular to the Indian subcontinent,’ says Anshuk. ‘Terracotta lines the walls to guard this home against the heat as other functional, vernacular elements complement it. The muddy red color of the terracotta makes the user feel deeply connected to nature – a feeling that is rather lost in today’s concrete jungles.’

2. BE BOLD WITH TERRACOTTA PAINT FOR A COCOONING SPACE

For this living room scheme by Kaiko Design, walls, and ceiling painted in two-tone terracotta helps to warm up the more fabulous shades in the sofa and rug – showing that grey can work as a color that complements terracotta. 

‘The material palette for this house all started with the client’s love of red travertine and we built the materials story around this,’ says Nicholas Kaiko. ‘There are touch points of terracotta in all of the spaces as you move from the entry through the house, where you terminate in this lounge room, which is the largest and boldest expression of the color. The dado’s textured paint acts as an anchor for the room, grounding the furniture – and it turned out to be a cute nod to the home’s 90s build when textured paint was all the rage. Everything old is new again!’

3. BRING TERRACOTTA IN THROUGH A FURNITURE ACCENT PIECE

A textured terracotta velvet sofa stands out against a grey concrete wall in this space by Sarah Rosenhaus – and provides that warm lift to a cool scheme we’ve already mentioned. Emma Beryl is also a fan of adding terracotta accents through furniture – particularly upholstery, thanks to the layers your chosen material adds to a scheme. ‘Using a terracotta velvet I can achieve a mid-century modern vibe, while a terracotta linen can be used as a neutral alternative to a brown or grey in a more California-cool lived-in space,’ she explains.

4. TERRACOTTA WALLPAPER MAKES A STATEMENT ACCENT WALL

A step down from cocooning your space with all-around color, a terracotta accent wall – particularly when it’s done with textured wallpaper, like this design by Living with Lolo – can create a great focal point. ‘‘A terracotta accent wall or ceiling can create a dramatic and eye-catching effect in a room,’ says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of New York interior design studio Arsight. ‘It can also define a zone or function in an open-plan space, or highlight a feature like a fireplace or a window.’

5. CHOOSE TERRACOTTA BEDDING TO LIVEN UP A BEDROOM

A terracotta duvet cover, throw, or even piping on a throw pillow can effectively bring color into the bedroom without investing in paint or furniture. 

And as this scheme by Gold Coast interior design studio Cedar + Suede shows, it can be a surprisingly effective addition to bedroom colors while still being easy to update. ‘I like to use color in a saturated way, which I’ve achieved with the various shades of green,’ explains founder Carlene Duffy. ‘The autumnal colors of tobacco, tans, and terracotta provide anchors of subtle contrast without pulling focus.’

6. BRING IN A SMALLER ACCENT THROUGH PENDANT LIGHTING

Clay and ceramic lamps are a growing lighting trend – so why not get ahead of the curve and invest in terracotta pendant lights to place over your dining table, above an island, or on either side of your bed? For Sydney-based architect Kitty Lee, it was the obvious finishing touch for this dining space. ‘In an otherwise neutral room of grey terrazzo floors, black metalwork, and white cabinetry, the terracotta pendant lights add a touch of warmth and dimension to the space,’ she says. ‘The rich, earthy tone complements both the timber island bench and the warmth of the pink splashback.’

7. MAKE TERRACOTTA THE FOCUS OF YOUR KITCHEN UNITS

Follow the lead of House of Lines and make terracotta the star of your kitchen color scheme – in this space, terracotta door fronts are paired with black countertops for the ultimate contrast. Or do the reverse and integrate terracotta into your work surface instead. ‘We’re just wrapping up a kitchen design with a terracotta-colored counter,’ says Ericka Violett. ‘It’s such a beautiful accent and used in this larger surface has quite an impact rounding out our palette of creams, brass, and warm woods. It’s definitely less of a bold impact compared to a strong color like black, but we love it for its understated nature.’

8. OR MAKE A SPLASH WITH A TERRACOTTA KITCHEN BACKSPLASH

A slightly more conservative approach is to use terracotta tiles in your kitchen backsplash – a classic addition that still feels a little more exciting than your average kitchen tile idea, as this space by Quality Cut and Minneapolis designer Emily Peuringer demonstrates. ‘A beautiful way to incorporate terracotta is through tile,’ says Emma Beryl. ‘It’s a nice alternative to the classic grey or beige stones used in kitchens or laundry rooms: it brings a lived-in feel while staying somewhat neutral to the eye.’

9. ADD A RUG FOR A SOFTER APPROACH TO TERRACOTTA

Considering terracotta comes from the ground, it seems only natural that the color lends itself perfectly to a rug. Go big and bold in a living room as an instant scheme-warmer, or opt for a more subtle approach – like this bathroom by interior designer Kate Marker. ‘A splash of terracotta can instantly warm up a space, and it’s a nice flooring or backsplash option,’ she says. ‘It can further the aesthetic of a house while remaining humble and timeless.’

10. USE SMALLER POPS OF COLOR IN A MUTED SCHEME

If you just want to experiment with a touch of terracotta here and there before committing to anything bigger, you’re in luck: small accessories like cushions, vases, and planters in terracotta shades are widely available now. In this bedroom by New York interior designer Joshua Smith, a single round throw pillow pops against the neutral bedding. 

‘Depending on the rest of your furniture and decor, terracotta can really pop,’ says Emma Beryl. ‘If your space uses a limited color palette of beiges, creams, and whites, a terracotta pillow or planter, or even an upholstered chair, can be a dramatic addition.’

The post 10 Reasons You Should Be Decorating With Terracotta Right Now – and They’re All Incredible Rooms That Use This Color appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

From timeless stripes and checks to flamboyant florals and bold geometrics, there are so many options available, not to mention a vast archive of historic designs to draw from, plus, depending on the scale you choose and how they are used they can be used to create all sorts of moods and looks. 

Used wall-to-wall, patterns can instantly transform a room, but using them in smaller doses over furniture or accessories can also be a valuable tool for bringing depth and interest to more pared-back schemes. There’s also the matter of scale to consider – do you want a large-scale design to bring a wow factor or a subtle small-scale design that will bring a gentle pattern that’s easy to live with?

If you love patterns and are in need of beautiful decorating ideas, we’ve rounded up an array of inspiring ways to decorate with patterns along with some handy tips from the experts.

DECORATING WITH PATTERN

It can be daunting to know where to start when decorating patterns as the possibilities within the interior design are endless. Not only is there a varied selection of wallpaper ideas and fabrics to choose from, but there’s also endless scope for layering and experimenting with different combinations. 

If you’re wondering how to mix patterns in a room, there are no strict rules, however, there are some design principles that can be a helpful guide – read on to see our round-up of inspiring schemes and handy expert advice.

1. USE A PATTERN AS A STARTING POINT FOR A SCHEME

Be it wallpaper, fabric, or even a lampshade, a pattern can be a great source of inspiration if you’re struggling to decide on room color ideas or color combinations for rooms. Similarly, patterns can also be a useful finishing touch for pulling together colors within a room.

‘Small prints that include multiple colors, are wonderful for building a scheme around,’ says Kate French, creative director of wallpaper brand Dado. ‘Pick out one or two colors to use as your palette, and then throw in a couple of details in a contrasting hue for a pop of surprising color.’

In this green bedroom, a panel from Lewis & Wood beautifully coordinates with the soft pink, sage, and deep green tones used throughout the space.

2. CHOOSE SMALL-SCALE PRINTS FOR SUBTLE DEPTH AND INTEREST

Using delicate repeat prints over upholstery is a wonderful way to bring subtle interest and depth to rooms with plain walls.

Celebrating the versatility of dainty designs, Linwood’s new Small Prints collection features 10 timeless prints designed to bring easy-to-live patterns into the home. Ranging from painterly trellis patterns to delicate trails, the prints work well on their own, but can also be easily layered together for a richer look. In this yellow living room, an armchair in Fortune Teller, a sofa in Magic Lantern, and a lampshade in Hopscotch all combine to temper the bold walls.

3. CHOOSE CONTRASTING COLORS FOR AN ECLECTIC LOOK

Decorating with patterned fabrics is a great way to introduce color without it dominating a space – for a unified yet playful feel try layering complementary designs in contrasting shades. 

‘I have discovered that pattern on pattern can look wonderful, it’s all down to the color palette,’ says fabric designer Vanessa Arbuthnott. ‘Choose about three colors and mix and match them in a room with small prints on upholstery, cushions, and even lampshades. The room will need to be ‘grounded’ by a plain fabric, maybe for the curtains or for the sofa, to create a foil for the flurry of small prints.’ In this colorful living room idea, Vanessa’s Fairford sofa in Wild Fern, Moss is paired with her Little Fern, Mallow on curtains.

4. START SMALL

If you’re cautious about decorating with patterns then limiting it to small areas is a good place to start. For a fun focal point in an otherwise neutral master bedroom or guest bedroom try upholstering a headboard in a bold, patterned fabric. For a small bedroom, a small-scale repeat design will provide enough interest to draw the eye without dominating the space.

5. CREATE A TIMELESS LOOK WITH STRIPES

If you’re looking for a timeless print you can’t go wrong by decorating with stripes. Featuring dainty floral designs inspired by folk embroideries of Eastern Europe, this small-scale Trousseau wallpaper from the Day dress collection at Dado Atelier will bring a feminine feel to any room and offers a lovely mix of tones that can be picked out as accent colors for use on furniture and accessories. You could even pick out a color for use on interior woodwork.

6. DON’T BE AFRAID TO MIX DIFFERENT PRINTS

Mixing prints in different scales is an easy way to create depth and interest. For an eclectic bohemian living room throw caution to the wind and mix colors and scales galore, alternatively, for a look that is engaging but still restful, use a small-scale pattern in similar tones. 

‘Layer together designs at different scales and in different styles a considered color palette for an eclectic look that also feels refined and elegant,’ says Kate French, creative director at Dado.

7. CHOOSE A SCALE TO MATCH THE MOOD

When choosing patterned wallpaper, consider the size of the room and the look you create, say the experts, as different designs can impact the mood and feel. ‘Wallpapers have the power to make small rooms look cozy rather than cramped and larger spaces appear grand rather than minimal,’ says interior designer Sarah Vanrenen. 

‘If you wish to deliver a light and airy atmosphere, look for designs that have space between the motifs, whilst a busier allover pattern will envelop the space making it feel intimate and cozy,’ adds Kate French, creative director at Dado.

8. USE SMALL-SCALE PRINTS AS A SUBTLE BACKDROP FOR COLLECTIONS

Simple, small-scale repeat wallpapers work particularly well as backdrops for decorating with art and decorative objects. Here the Seto Mini wallpaper in Spring by Brook Perdigon at The Fabric Collective beautifully sets off a curated display.

‘Simpler small prints in a single color work wonderfully to add design detail without overpowering a space, they act almost as a plain, providing a perfect backdrop to artwork or a host of other prints and patterns, but bring with them their personality and detail,‘ explains Kate French.

9. USE PATTERN TO BRING AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE TO PRACTICAL SPACES

As transient spaces bathrooms and downstairs cloakrooms can make fabulous rooms for decorating with patterns. With its playful, hand-painted geometric design repeated on a cream base, Ottoline’s Improvisation wallpaper makes a fun talking point and offers plenty of options for complementary colors. To balance the busy design, why not pair bathroom wallpapers with painted paneling as done here by Salvesen Graham?

10. CREATE CALM WITH NATURE-INSPIRED DESIGNS

To evoke a feeling of tranquility and calm then take a cue from nature and harness its nurturing properties with a sinuous botanical wallpaper. Decorating with botanicals is a look that works anywhere in the home, but nature-inspired prints are particularly suited to restful spaces like bedrooms.

‘There will be a small print that’s perfect for every room, with pretty florals, botanicals, and trailing designs working in bedrooms and living spaces, and bolder graphic prints or stripes working well in hallways, kitchens, and more energetic dining spaces,’ says Kate French.

‘As we continue to focus on the importance of well-being in the home, biophilic design continues to be very popular, not only giving an instant connection to the beauty of the natural world but also offering a sense of escape and relaxation,’ adds Andy Greenall, creative director at Paint & Paper Library. 

11. MAKE A STATEMENT WITH FLAMBOYANT FLORALS

If you’re looking for traditional decorating ideas you can’t go wrong with chintzy florals. Used wall-to-wall in a dining room they will bring drama and a sense of occasion, but if using them in a bedroom limit them to curtains, a bedframe, or a small armchair to make sure the room remains restful, and consider balancing the print with plains.

‘Using the same pattern on two items in a room creates cohesion, however, don’t make it too matchy-matchy,’ says John Smigielski. ‘You need to add elements of surprise – the bedroom would be rather dull without the dark blue pelmet, the footstool with its tweed-style weave, and the dash of yellow from the bedside table. It’s all about little surprises.’

HOW DO INTERIOR DESIGNERS USE PATTERNS?

There are different approaches to take when it comes to decorating with patterns and there is no right or wrong. Many interior designers suggest starting with a pattern you love, be it on a fabric or wallpaper, rug, or even a cushion is a great place to start when developing a color palette for a scheme.

‘At Linwood, we would always recommend choosing a favorite design – which will be the star of the show – and then building the scheme by layering,’ advises John Smigielski, marketing director at Linwood. ‘Throw in large-scale florals with small-scale stripes but unite the look by choosing complementary colors so it feels unified.’

IS IT OKAY TO MIX PATTERNS?

Mixing patterns is a great way to bring color and depth into interiors but it can sometimes be tricky to do. The key to success when mixing patterns is to make sure the colors and scales are balanced. If you’re looking to create an eclectic, bohemian, or maximalist look then feel free to get experimental and mix contrasting colors and tones, however, often when layering patterns it is best to keep within a specified color palette to ensure the scheme is harmonious and unified.

When decorating with fabrics, ‘choosing a selection of fabrics that repeat certain colors but which vary in scale is a good place to start,‘ says Saffron Hare, creative director of fabric house James Hare.

‘We find layering these around a room is an easy way to decorate and we try to reflect this in our decorative books. In each collection, we always include one key design that is multi-colored, as it enables the decorator to go off in all directions.’

The post Decorating With Pattern – 11 Ways to Embrace Print at Home appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

Vibrant Orange-y Reds

Benjamin Moore announced its 2023 Color of the Year as Raspberry Blush, a fiery red-orange that’s basically the best color in a really good sunset. The vivacious color marks a pull toward bold, warm hues. “We’ve had colors that are on the cooler side of the color wheel for a number of years, and now we’re really starting to see a shift to the warmer colors,” says Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore.

Bold Reds

Designer Sarah Stacey adds that red is primarily making a comeback. “Try pairing red accents, like dining chairs or smaller accent pieces, with neutrals to emphasize the color more,” Stacey says. This luscious red reading room designed by Kati Curtis features a lacquered finish, making the color pop even further.

Warm Neutrals

Warm neutrals embrace wellness and comfort. Not to mention, they can be incorporated into practically any design style. That’s exactly why Behr named Blank Canvas it’s Color of the Year for 2023. “White is the key to individual style simply because it’s so easy to change up,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr. “It’s really simple to bring in other colors, textures, patterns, and materials to individualize this color.”

Brown Ochre

While you can cover a blank canvas with pops of color, you can also lean into neutrals. “We see a trend in 2023 toward warm, non-intrusive, neutral tones and materials, which provide comfort and security,” says Max Gansow, co-founder of Vesak. “Raw, organic materials, and tones such as brown ocher, which we showcase in our genuine bovine leather collection, offer a cozy-yet-modern grounding base.” Chad Wood designed this living room to prove that this color trend has staying power.

Softer Shades of Bold Colors

Soft colors promote tranquility. “Understated tones make it easier to create monochrome looks that evoke a sense of consistency and allow homeowners to choose which areas of the home they want to emphasize by drawing the eye to where there is color,” says Christine Marvin, chief marketing and experience officer at Marvin.

Beige-Blush

Light blue is always going to be a winner, but an earthier example of the above trend is Sherwin-Wiliams’s 2023 Color of the Year: Resend Point. The blush-beige color “lends to the macro trends we’re seeing around empathy and care culture,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. Here it is in a sipping room designed by Jean Liu.

Elemental Inspiration

Deeply saturated hues in the wild are on the rise and inspired by everything from tropical flowers to carbon. With this in mind, York Wallcoverings named Amber as its Color of the Year for 2023. “An organic gemstone made from tree resin, Amber is often associated with absorbing negative energy and releasing bright, soothing energy,” says Carol Miller, trend and color expert for York Wallcoverings. “When Amber catches the light, it emanates a sense of renewal, energy, and power.”

In a bedroom by French & French Interiors, plaster walls perfectly embody the warm yellow. The emerald green linen bedding and wood bed frame complete the cozy look.

Jewel Tones

Jewel tones create an elegant moodiness that designers expect to be sought after. “I love mixing jewel tones with spicier colors, like burnt orange, for an unexpected color-blocked look,” says Stacey.

“Aubergine is a big color this year, and I think it would make for a beautiful alternative to red,” adds designer Killy Scheer. “Pair it with creams and greens for an unexpected yet still traditional-leaning combination.”

Here, MasterBrand cabinets are coated in Sherwin-Williams’s Foxhall Green, which adds liveliness to the kitchen and makes the neutral accents stand out.

Versatility

A major color requirement for 2023 is versatility. Neutrals often possess this quality, but they don’t have to be the neutrals we’re used to seeing. They can have blush, yellow, purple, or blue undertones. “A neutral doesn’t necessarily have to be white, beige, or gray; it can be a color or have colorful undertones, such as pink,” says Wadden. “It’s all about how you use it in a space.” We’re loving the purple and clay tones in this gray room designed by Lauren Nelson.

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Whatever we’ve done with our interior design, all around our homes are mood-altering cues. Set those up with intention, and our homes can go a long way to keeping our cortisol levels down. Equally, those pieces that don’t serve a calming purpose can keep us on edge without us even realizing it. 

“Visual stimulants in the home can be just as detrimental to relaxation and well-being as ingested stimulants such as caffeine,” explains the interior stylist and author Joanna Thornhill. “Both can contribute to an anxious, racing mind and an inability to switch off. Yet while we are generally conscious of our caffeine consumption, we can inadvertently binge on the brain-unsettling visual stuff.” 

The good news is that with the rise of warm minimalism and new thinking about decor there are lots of beautiful, design-led ways to wind it down in the home.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME CALM

1. ADD A WINDOW SEAT

Gazing out of a window onto a beautiful view is one of life’s simple pleasures – a chance to empty the mind and replace it with calm. So why not build comfort into the opportunity – and encourage a more prolonged spell of relaxation – by adding a window seat in front of this portrait of nature? 

“Window seats elicit a feeling of rest and quiet time for oneself,” says the West Hollywood-based interior designer Katie Hodges. “They are a little pocket of a special moment, and add a quaint coziness to any space.” 

The good news is that, says Katie, “any window or room is fair game for a window seat. Just be sure that the window is large enough or at the right height to be able to see out of, and that the window seat depth is substantial enough to actually sit down (24” seat depth is ideal).” 

It also presents an obvious solution if short on storage – Katie recommends adding drawers to the seat base to maximize function. As for finishing touches, “a soft and substantial seat cushion is a must,” says Katie, “as are plenty of toss pillows to welcome and draw you in. Drape a throw for extra coziness and a side table for that cup of tea to land on.”

2. CREATE A BATHROOM SPA

When it comes to well-being, the bathroom is a much under-rated space, argues the American therapist-turned-interior designer Anita Yokota. In her forthcoming book, Home Therapy: Interior Design for Increasing Happiness, Boosting Confidence, and Creating Calm: an Interior Design Book (out December 6th), she argues that the bathroom “is central to personal development because it’s typically the first room you go into when you wake up and the last place you’re in before you slip into bed at night. This is where you look in the mirror, maintain your skin and teeth, and escape to relax with a bath or long shower.” 

Anita believes that by elevating our daily maintenance habits into self-care rituals – with, for example, the use of incense and candles – the bathroom can play “a big role in your positive loop as well as your self-confidence”. The goal, she adds, “is to evoke an organized spa-like experience. Anita suggests tiling the bathroom walls in large porcelain panels, “to give the look of a luxurious spa space – it gives you the sense of a large marble wall like the walls in a spa, but is less expensive and is easier to maintain.” 

That said, you can also achieve a spa bathroom-like effect with just a few soft touches – a beautiful chair to sit on, some leafy plants – or even a tree, and a curated edit of inviting beauty products.

3. PAINT A ROOM PINK

Why go for neutral walls  – the tried and tested route to calm, though also not massively inspired – when you can go for pink? “Pinks have quietly overtaken grey in recent years to become a nuanced ‘new neutral’,” declares the interior stylist Joanna Thornhill, author of The New Mindful Home and How to Make it Yours. “According to the American Institute of Biological Sciences, pink can enhance feelings of empathy and love and helps to soothe the energy of a room. It even lowers heart rate and blood pressure.”  

Admittedly not everyone will be mad about pink (perhaps that’s what makes it a more interesting choice). Joanna advises opting for “less overt tones, such as peach, salmon and terracotta”, which, she says, are “surprisingly easy to live with as a backdrop – and bring a warm and welcoming virtual hug to all types of room”. 

For a grown-up twist, Joanna suggests pairing gentle pinks with deeper berry tones and warm rose gold. But, “keep the berry tones to accents only, to avoid overstimulation,” she says. And because pink sits directly opposite green on the color wheel and is one of the best colors that go with green, she adds, opting for diluted versions of both will lend harmony to your calm palette.

4. GROW AN INDOOR GARDEN

Scientists understand that a vision of lush green foliage has a calming effect on our brains – as all gardeners will attest, walking into an oasis of ready-to-pick herbs and salads is an instant “aahhh!” moment. And now it can be achieved without all the labor behind the scenes, or even having to face the elements outside, thanks to the rise of smart indoor gardens. These automated systems see the end of endless watering (or shame at having forgotten). 

There are options for all budgets, from Click & Grow’s self-watering, illuminated Smart Gardens (the LED light even rises as the plants grow) to Urban Cultivator’s fully automated hydroponic systems, which include humidity domes, water recycling, and air fans to ensure optimal growing conditions, meaning you can grow veg such as fresh sprouts, cress, micro greens, and baby leaf 365 days a year. 

“It’s a beautiful way to enhance your modern kitchen design, by bringing biophilia and well-being to life in your home,” says Emma Gannon of Intelligent Appliances. 

5. HANG A CALMING PICTURE

A well-chosen piece of art can alter the atmosphere in a flash. And if you’re keen to create a sanctuary, a calming picture can do much of the metaphorical heavy lifting for you. But what’s the best kind of art to ensure tranquility? “Art is such a personal preference, it comes down to what makes you feel calm,” explains the Australian interior designer Natalie Walton and author of Style: The Art of Creating a Beautiful Home. “This can relate to the color palette or the subject matter.” 

That said, you can’t go wrong with blues (which instill serenity) and greens (which mimic nature), or nature-inspired imagery. How you frame the artwork will make a difference, adds Natalie. “Do you want the artwork to blend in or stand out? The frame is like an accessory to the artwork.” 

If it’s a more traditional piece, you could modernize it with a contemporary box frame, she suggests, or vice versa. “If you want to unify a selection of works, use a single frame style to simplify the scheme.” 

As with any gallery wall, leaving sufficient negative space around your picture is important, she adds. “It creates visual breathing space so that you can really appreciate what’s on offer. You don’t need to fill every wall or hang artwork on every ‘gap’. Allow space for quiet moments, too.

6. STICK TO A MONOCHROME PALETTE

In a modern bedroom, you definitely don’t want any design elements screaming for attention. The way to avoid this, says the LA-based interior designer Katie Hodges, is to stick to a monochromatic color palette, which, without lots of different competing colors, will “create a serene, calming space”. Even better if that base color is natural and soothing. 

Katie advises starting the design process with your furniture choices. Next up, she adds, “a rug for establishing the foundation for our fabrics and wood finishes”. Follow that with the fabrics and wood finishes, “which is when the room really begins to shape”, and, finally, source your accent lighting, pillows, and art: “These really make the room sing”. 

Katie recommends aiming for a variety of different textures: “Texture is everything with monochromatic design,” she explains. “It provides depth, which is what gives the space without much color so much interest – a mix of linen, shearling, and velvet in a monochromatic scheme is foolproof.” 

To avoid it looking dull, Katie recommends varying color tones to create some contrast and adding visual interest and personality with the use of distinguished shapes when it comes to furnishings.

7. CREATE A WELLNESS SPACE

Whether you’re into meditation, journaling, reading a transporting book, or listening to music, carving out a “sacred spot” to do this, says the interior stylist and author Joanna Thornhill, will “help your brain’s neural pathways begin to associate that space positively” with unwinding. 

To choose the right area, Joanna suggests a “cozy armchair overlooking some greenery, or the floor space at the foot of your bed”. You might want to build it around natural light, or make it intimate with candlelight; you might want to use a beautiful screen to section it off and remove distractions. Think creatively about where you might carve out a mini wellness space, says Joanna. 

“Could a redundant area, such as the space under the stairs, be put to the task? By combining yoga bolsters and floor cushions with a cozy accent chair and a little foliage, this nook is both cozy and fit for purpose.” Keep a blanket to hand in case you feel chilly, she advises, “and you might want to bring in other ‘props’ to help you to form positive associations with the space”. She suggests candles, incense, pillows, or a singing bowl for sound vibrations, which will help you ease more quickly into a place of relaxation.

8. GIVE YOUR BATHROOM THE ORGANIZED PANTRY TREATMENT

Admit it – behind most of our bathroom storage doors is a veritable department store’s worth of barely used products, not to mention the visual disarray of all sorts of different brands. Organizer to the stars Justin Klosky, who works between LA and New York, and who counts Kim Kardashian, the Osbourne family, and Bryce Dallas Howard among his celebrity clients, says a bathroom is a key place for achieving and keeping calm, and if we could only give it the attention we give our pantries, an elevated sense of order could be ours. 

“Eliminate distracting packaging, conform to glass jars and bottles, and keep what you use daily accessible,” he says.

Just as you would for your pantry, invest in uniform storage containers and decant whatever products you can in order to get rid of all that visual noise and reduce brand overload. “The easier it is to find things, see something and retrieve it, the calmer your bathroom will feel,” he says.

9. SET UP A WFH HAVEN

“Humans are happier when we have boundaries,” notes the American therapist-turned-interior designer and author Anita Yokota. “The same goes for our homes. If we bring our work into every area of the house, it’s hard to separate ourselves from it.” Anita recommends containing all your materials and mess in a designated work area: “Work-from-home spaces are best when they are defined — I love a closed door to allow you to punch out.” And make it calm: “Science tells us that cooler, muted tones invite calmness and creativity,” she explains, “as do soft blankets, cozy chairs, and the right lighting – try to get close to a window or install a skylight if possible.”

Anita also recommends allowing yourself space to move around your home office haven: “It’s not good for our minds or bodies to sit in one spot for hours. Take that call standing up and looking out the window. Take that zoom conference outside.” Keep your space organized and beautiful, she advises: “If the Grand Canyon can move you to tears, that stack of unopened mail that you’re avoiding is having a definite impact on your system. Bunch up those electronic cables with cable ties, and invest in wall-mounted organizational systems, calendars, and pinboards: “Small changes can have a big impact like lowering stress levels and blood pressure,” she says. “Caring for these things is caring for ourselves.”

10. MAKE YOUR ENTRYWAY FEEL LIKE A LIVING ROOM

With research proving that time spent in nature is good for our well-being, why would we not want to bring that positive influence into the house? “Bringing nature into our homes gives us the opportunity to enjoy the benefits in a tangible way,” says the Australian interior stylist and author Natalie Walton. 

In her latest book, Style, Natalie points out that whatever you do in your hallway sets the tone for the rest of the house. So it seems a sensible place to start harnessing nature in order to communicate a sense of calm. A wood-paneled entryway is an elegant way of introducing character while still leaving you with the option to dress it up and personalize it. “Timber – especially when it’s left as close to its natural state as possible – creates a sensory experience,” says Natalie. 

The natural paneling serves as a neutral backdrop for artwork and objects. “The more an entryway feels like a living room,” says Natalie, “the more inviting it will become. Introduce a beautiful antique side table, a vintage clay pot, or an artwork that expresses an element of your individuality.”

The post How to Make Your Home Feel Calm – 10 Simple Design Tips That, Let’s Be Honest, We All Need Right Now appeared first on Arteresting Decor.