A past client, ready for a living room makeover, was confident in what she wanted and envisioned for her space. Above everything, she wanted a royal blue tufted sofa. Even after we chatted about the possibility of growing tired of the colour and the expense of changing the colour if she later wanted another change, she wasn't deterred from her decision. That's perfectly fine as long as you understand the limitations of that decision. In the end, she loved her new room.
Not everyone is that committed to colour. If you are one of the many people who are a little timid when committing to colour, this blog is for you!
Colour Without Commitment: Decorating a room With Longevity in Mind
If you are afraid of choosing the wrong colour or feel intimidated by using colour, you are not alone. Many people have the same fear. But fear not!...I am here to tell you some ways to use colour without the commitment.
Then again, many of you are equally afraid of having the dreaded "Builders beige" that lacks personality and interest. It doesn't have to be all or nothing, so let's dive in and chat about your options!
Using Colour That You Can Live With
Furnishing a home can be a daunting prospect. There are many things to consider such as size, shape, number of items and...most feared...what colour? Many people will splurge on a colourful sofa to avoid the builder's beige look, thinking this will solve the problem. However, fast-forward 5 years, and you are utterly sick of the colour. You may want a change by then, and it's not so easy (or inexpensive) to purchase a new sofa every five years. I always have this conversation with my clients to help them realize what they really need and want. So, how do we proceed if you want longevity and colour? Here are a few tips:
1. Consider a neutral colour when purchasing large pieces (sofa & armchairs). Off-white, beige, grey, or camel are colours that can accommodate pairing with many other colours.
2. Add colour through custom throw cushions. A combination of cushions, some could be a patterned fabric with your desired colour, along with other plain cushions with a coordinating trim colour.
3. Throw blankets are a great way to add colour inexpensively. Choose one that you can fold at the end of your sofa or store a basket with a few different throw blankets to be used by anyone relaxing in your space.
4. Choosing colourful artwork can elevate your look by showing your personality and introducing colour.
5. Add colour through accessories. This can be a vase of flowers or hardcover books with a chosen spine colour.
6. If you have bookcases (either built-ins or stand-alone), another way to create interest and add colour can be to paint the interior of the cabinet in a colour that compliments the room. This not only adds personality but can also help to showcase your accessory items showcased in them.
7. Lastly, you can choose an area rug with some colour in it if you like. Or the rug can be a quiet colour and just introduce texture. I like changing my look for the seasons, including changing my area rug. If you do not want to do that, I suggest purchasing a more neutral area rug.
All the above suggestions provide affordable and flexible ways to incorporate colours without making a long-term commitment. They can be easily modified to different colour schemes as your preferences evolve, allowing your larger and more expensive items to remain unchanged.
Neutral Mono-Chromatic Colour Scheme
I can't write this blog without mentioning a white/cream colour scheme. After all, white and cream are colours too! The current trend is farmhouse style which often includes a mono-chromatic colour scheme. Many people prefer the calm of a neutral mono-chromatic colour scheme. So let's chat about achieving a neutral mono-chromatic scheme without falling into the dreaded "builders beige". Follow these suggestions to get the look:
1. Integral to this look is choosing the right colour for walls and ceiling. Selecting a warm white or cream colour for the walls and the ceiling will create the start of a room that will feel bright but cozy. The picture here shows some of my favourite go-to warm white colours...
2. I suggest mid to light-tone flooring if you are choosing new flooring. This can be hardwood, laminate, or a luxury vinyl plank. Try and stay away from the red tones and stay within the brown and caramel tones. These tones have longevity and will not dictate other colours you may choose later.
3. When purchasing a sofa and chairs, you can look for a cream-toned fabric or go a little richer and look into caramel or brown/taupe. (If choosing taupe, make sure it doesn't have overwhelming pink tones, as this can throw off the whole look of your room. Undertones are super important!)
4. Now we can add our accessories. And this is key....the magic to creating this look is through texture. Look for throw cushions, throw blankets, area rugs, and other items that will add interest through texture. Use different textures around the room. Examples of various texture combinations are, but are not limited to, velvet, silk, hemp, cotton, fur, wood, and grass cloth. Use these items in various tones of cream, brown, & caramel.
5. Also adding to the texture are metals. Choose warm metals like brushed gold, brass, and bronze. It's okay to mix metals, so use gold with bronze.
6. Use a little bit of black. This can be from the bronze or integrated by some accessories. If you have black-framed windows, that is a plus.
7. Lastly, let's chat about the artwork for this room. I like black and white photographic prints framed in a brushed gold-tone frame. Also very beautiful are framed etched prints, again framed in a gold-tone frame. It's the warm metals that help with warmth.
When the large, more expensive items are neutral, you will have much more versatility as your taste changes. With a neutral base, you can go colourful but also neutral and calm. What is your commitment to colour?
Looking for help or inspiration choosing vibrant colours that last? We would be thrilled to help create your unique and inviting outdoor kitchen. Contact us today to book your discovery call!