Ask a Designer: How Can I Add Colour in a Stylish Way?
A touch of colour can wake up a white interior and boost your mood. Here’s how to introduce your favourite shades in small but potent ways
User
16 September 2014
When it comes to colour in the home, most Brits tend to shy away. White, cream, grey, green and dark blue were the key hues Houzzers confessed to using in a recent survey. Reactions to colour are individual, but, as brand gurus know well, they can have a profound effect on our mood and choices. Whether you prefer clashing or complementary hues, colour can liven up your interior no end. Even the smallest of touches can make all the difference, as these schemes demonstrate.
Pick and mix
There are no rules when it comes to using colour, other than choose hues you like and make sure they create the look you want. Here, the soft tones of the pastel blue kitchen work beautifully with the bolder kitchen light fittings and chair.
There are no rules when it comes to using colour, other than choose hues you like and make sure they create the look you want. Here, the soft tones of the pastel blue kitchen work beautifully with the bolder kitchen light fittings and chair.
Unite styles
Contemporary with Victorian, wood with chrome… A bold, bright colour can help to pull together different design eras and materials in a purposeful clash of styles.
Contemporary with Victorian, wood with chrome… A bold, bright colour can help to pull together different design eras and materials in a purposeful clash of styles.
Accessorise with colour
Unless you want to live swathed in colour, adding touches through your lighting and furniture brings an elegant white room room to life.
Unless you want to live swathed in colour, adding touches through your lighting and furniture brings an elegant white room room to life.
Compare and contrast
Long, heavy curtains bring elegance and gravitas to a room. To keep the scheme a little more light-hearted, try different colours for each window. These drapes tone with each other and pick up colours used elsewhere in the room.
Long, heavy curtains bring elegance and gravitas to a room. To keep the scheme a little more light-hearted, try different colours for each window. These drapes tone with each other and pick up colours used elsewhere in the room.
Add an element of surprise
A simple touch, like painting these ceiling beams red, catches the eye and lifts the space. This red streak draws the eye up and along, opening out the room.
Find out why white isn’t always right for your ceiling
A simple touch, like painting these ceiling beams red, catches the eye and lifts the space. This red streak draws the eye up and along, opening out the room.
Find out why white isn’t always right for your ceiling
Don’t forget the furniture
One of your biggest expenses (other than structural work) is likely to be your furniture. Don’t be afraid to pick a colour, especially if your walls and floor are kept quite plain. Just as with the accessories you wear, it’s the furniture and quirky pieces that will make or break your design.
One of your biggest expenses (other than structural work) is likely to be your furniture. Don’t be afraid to pick a colour, especially if your walls and floor are kept quite plain. Just as with the accessories you wear, it’s the furniture and quirky pieces that will make or break your design.
Bring your holiday home
Moroccan tiles have been paving the way for centuries. Here, the random mix of colours and patterns adds excitement to the elegance of the bathroom fittings and furniture.
See other ways to add vibrance to your bathroom floor
Moroccan tiles have been paving the way for centuries. Here, the random mix of colours and patterns adds excitement to the elegance of the bathroom fittings and furniture.
See other ways to add vibrance to your bathroom floor
Add a splash
Not keen on going all out? Hints of colour makes for a stylish, restrained interior. The hot pink pendant cord and chair legs give this kitchen a playful, contemporary edge.
Not keen on going all out? Hints of colour makes for a stylish, restrained interior. The hot pink pendant cord and chair legs give this kitchen a playful, contemporary edge.
Go for a clash
Forget matching and go bright and bold for a room with sunny energy. Here, the chandelier adds to the furniture colour injection, while the charcoal sofas counterbalance to keep it cosy.
Forget matching and go bright and bold for a room with sunny energy. Here, the chandelier adds to the furniture colour injection, while the charcoal sofas counterbalance to keep it cosy.
Be brave
Ditch the traditional white and rev up your bathroom fittings with colour. This fantastic red bath, made from recycled plastic, will brighten up your morning no end. Luxury and colour combined!
Inspired to add some colour? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Ditch the traditional white and rev up your bathroom fittings with colour. This fantastic red bath, made from recycled plastic, will brighten up your morning no end. Luxury and colour combined!
Inspired to add some colour? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Decorating
Where Do I Start When Renovating or Redecorating My Home?
By Eva Byrne
Keen to get going on a project but not sure where to begin? Read this practical guide to getting started
Full Story
Gardens
How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
By Kate Burt
As summers heat up, plants that need less water are increasingly desirable. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful options
Full Story
Architecture
21 Ways Designers Are Incorporating Arches Into Homes
By Kate Burt
Everywhere we look on Houzz right now, a cheeky arch pops up. How would you add this timeless architectural feature?
Full Story
Lifestyle
How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Want to ensure your home environment is clean and healthy? Start by assessing the quality of your air
Full Story
Gardens
Can I Have a Lawn-free Garden That’s Kind to the Environment?
Try these tips to help you plan a garden without grass that’s still leafy and eco-friendly
Full Story
Sustainability
How Can I Incorporate Biodiversity Into My Building Project?
By Kate Burt
If you’re renovating, you have a brilliant opportunity to plan in nature-friendly touches at the outset
Full Story
Lofts
How Do I Begin a Loft Conversion?
Wondering where to start when converting your loft? Ask yourself these questions to ensure you plan well
Full Story
Living Rooms
Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Living Room
By Cheryl F
It’s your main relaxation space, so what should you splurge or scrimp on in the living room?
Full Story
Architecture
Japan’s Riken Yamamoto Wins the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize
The architect is known for creating indoor-outdoor homes and buildings that foster a strong sense of community
Full Story
Working with Pros
How to Choose an Electrician
By Cheryl F
From what to ask to getting the best result possible, here’s what to know when you’re hiring an electrician
Full Story
We are in the Hillingdon area
Hi Anne Hoy. Please do send me a message to info@avocadosweets.com so we can have a chat about what you need. Best wishes, Evros.