When it comes to interior design basics, a great place to start is colors. In other posts, I’ve used the term “color story.” Because that’s exactly what colors do for a design. They tell a story to every person that walks into the room about the person that room belongs too.
That’s why each of us have different preference when it comes to design styles or trends. Bold extroverted people tend toward bold extroverted color choices, and vice versa. Neither choice is wrong or bad, it’s just one of the decisions we make when telling our own stories. It’s also one of the first decisions you have to make, which is why we are starting here with our interior design basics!
If you missed the intro, check it out here: What Makes A Good Design
A Neutral Color Story
Neutral color palettes have become very popular in the interior design world. Which is A-OKAY for me, because they happen to be my favorite! Why do I LOVE them so much? Here are just a few reasons….
The Benefits of a neutral color palette
If you’re just getting started with interior design or decorating, which is why you’re reading about interior design basics, neutral is a great way to go. The reason I say that, is because neutrals coordinate with each other pretty well. So you’re usually safe with however you choose to combine them.
Another reason I’m such a fan of neutrals is because they have an intrinsic sense of minimalism or an orderly, clean feeling. (Which you can get with bolder color options, it just has to be more intentional)
But probably my absolute favorite reason for a neutral color story is because of its versatility and long life. How do I mean? I’m glad you asked! Since you don’t get to hang out at my house on a regular basis (which you’re more than welcome to do! This is your official invitation to visit.) you will just have to trust me when I say that I change my room decor…..A LOT! By starting with a neutral color story, I have the option to redecorate….A LOT!
Whichever accents I choose on that particular day, coordinate with the neutral palette of the room they are going into. Which means, whenever I’m feeling like a change I can switch up the accents without a whole room remodel. As an added bonus, that means the room design has a longer life span. Which brings us to….
How to design around a neutral color palette
Now, I know I said that a neutral design isn’t a bold choice. I’m gonna elaborate on that a little. The canvas or foundation color palette may be neutral, but you can then make bolder color choices in decor, accents, or accessories.
One of my favorite neutral combinations is black and white. Classic right?! But I’ve heard it described as boring or cold. So to warm up a space, you can choose accent colors, like green (my favorite), to give the room more character. A bolder option would be red. Or, include organic pieces like wood furniture, plants, or textiles in interesting colors. See….the possibilities are endless!
You’re color story has a lot to do with where you want the viewer to focus, but we will talk about that more in a future post.
A Bold Color Story
Now that we have talked about neutrals, let’s dig a little deeper on a more bold color story for interior design basics. Interior design is all about how someone feels when they walk into a space. Living rooms are cozy and inviting, bedrooms are soothing and relaxing, laundry rooms are clean and tidy (or you want them to be), you get the idea.
And one way that feelings are transmitted are through colors. There are certain colors, for each of us, that make us feel a certain way. But that doesn’t mean the same colors are associated with the same feelings for everyone. Which is why your color story has to be all about you!
Check out this post on the Psychology of Color to read more about the connection between colors and emotions.
How To Be Bold
Your home is your space that not only represents you but is also your retreat. It’s where you go when you feel empty and need to be filled up. So choose the colors that do that for you. If that is orange and turquoise walls with purple furniture and kaleidoscope curtains, then be bold!
But bold isn’t always about extreme colors in extreme combinations. Sometimes it can be about making one unexpected or bold choice, like a dark accent wall, black ceilings, or an elaborate colored wallpaper. Whatever it is, start with that and choose coordinating pieces that compliment and emphasize its character rather than distract or compete with it. It’s all about being able to balance.
How to make a moody space
Moody spaces are one of my favorite ways to design with colors in a bold way. Probably because I prefer darker tones than bright. It’s no secret that dark colors tend to illicit feelings of comfort, calmness, or tranquility. So, when you’re creating a space intentionally for those purposes, go bold with your design choices. Maybe paint a study all black! Or design a bedroom in a deep green color.
What’s Your Story?
Alright, now you’ve heard some of my ideas and thoughts on how to create a color story when it comes to interior design basics. What are some of your thoughts? What colors are you drawn to? What story do you want to tell, and how will you tell it through your color choices?
If you’re excited to start using colors in your interior designs but aren’t sure how to choose those colors, check out my other post on How to Choose a Color Palette in my Home Decor for Beginners Series.
And be sure to stay tuned for future posts on Interior Design Basics!
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