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How to use Colour

When it comes to decorating, pouring over paint charts is undoubtedly one ofthe most exciting things, and the moment when you first take the lid of that tin of paint is even better. Colour is perhaps the most personal and dramatic statement you can make in your home. It can create atmosphere instantly and effect and improve your mental well-being.

Choice

It doesn't seem that long ago that the choice for colour was either extreme magnolia or 'tint with a hint'. These days there are endless possibilities and, as with clothes, the major companies bring out new colours each season. One minute 'lime green' is all the rage, the next it's the 'new neutrals'. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the choice and even sticking to tried and tested white can have its pitfalls.

Pitfalls

You may know exactly which colours you want to use but you can still hit a stumbling block. Why does the colour that looked so great in the tin look insipid and lifeless on the walls? What's more, you've spent hours trying to get everything to match exactly, but your room has just ended up looking bland.

Helpful Hint

Accent colours can help in this situation, they are strong contrasting colours which complement the scheme adding life and injecting drama and charcter to the room. By maintaining a neutral backdrop and adding two or three accent colours in small doses with feature walls, cushions, rugs or throws in current fashion colours is more economical as the colour scheme can be updated easily when you feel like a change. Rotating your accent colours for a summer and winter scheme is also a popular option, for example, add cool, crisp greens or blues to a warm summer room to beat the heat or cosy reds and terracottas to a cool winter room to create a sense of warmth.

Colour Schemes

Planning and carrying out your own colour schemes is easy once you understand the principles of colour. Interior designers often seem to have a built-in instinct for what goes with what, many also refer to a colour wheel to assist in their planning which you may also choose to do. Or simply use nature for your inspiration, natural colour combinations always seem to work.

Dont be afraid to ask for help. Home Innovations offers a free colour consultation with one of our qualified designers. Call now to make an appointment Ph:: (03) 5976 4661