Choose something, however small it might be in the room to start your planning of colour. It might be a painting or a rug or even just a favourite scatter cushion.
Always use a mood board for your colours and patterns, even if you just do fabrics, paint colour and wallpaper. Not on a computer screen but actually pieces; it’s important to see textures when it comes to fabrics and any patterns.
Don’t feel you need to stick to just one or two colours. Many people feel it’s best to stick to the same colour but in a few tones or at best to add in another one contrast colour. Whilst this can look effective in some schemes, with some added confidence just add another two or three colours. It can make a room look more interesting and designed. It’s effective to use one colour in a darker tone, you could use this just a little or quite a lot but it does seem to give a room more depth and holds the scheme together.
Be bold with mixing a range of patterns and plains. Just as long as the patterns are of different scales it can work well. If you’re not sure ask an expert to help you do this or just look at those fabric pattern books, some do it for you, all within one collection. Our clients love the Ian Sanderson books for that, they seem to mix patterns and colours in such inspiring ways. We love mixing florals with stripes and small geometric designs.
Textures can play an important part in creating an interesting room décor. Mixing textures works really well particularly if you don’t want to use too many colours. We love to use wool combined with plush velvets and leather. While fresh linens and silks and fine textured weaves work well alongside each other. Using contrast piping and buttoning detail on upholstered furniture and scatter cushions adds texture interest. Also, using different fabrics on back and side panels of chairs and sofas can look fun.
I think it’s such a great outcome when you’ve created a room that with some thoughtful planning and brave use of colour flows with ease. You want a room that looks like been properly designed by an expert but not one that is overly coordinated and matching. Think of it as moving away from a ‘three piece suite look’ to individual pieces that compliment each other.
There’s a designer in us all and we’re always here to help inspire you! Let’s get creative.
