Cooler temperatures are setting in and we’re spending more time indoors. This is a great time of year to freshen up the interior of your home. A fresh coat of paint and a few throw pillows in trendy patterns are great ways to bring new life to a room. I’ve compiled some of my favourite tips for working with colour and patterns to help get you started.
1. Design with consistency
It is important that you tie all the elements, big or small, in a given space. If you have trouble colour-matching, shop with a fabric and paint swatch. Analyzing colours under the same lighting conditions is the best way to get a perfect match.
2. Add visual interest
Incorporate printed patterns within a neutral colour palette to add visual interest. Common places to use a patterned fabric are accent chairs, bedspreads, pillows, or an area rug. Depending on your comfort level, choose one or two areas where the pattern will best suit the look of the room.
3. Mix and match pattern and colour
Don’t be afraid to mix and match pattern and colour on accent pillows. A bed’s colour configuration should be a direct reflection of the room’s overall colour scheme. To layer pillows, simply start with the biggest pillows at the back and layer medium ones in front of the bigger ones. To finish off the look, add a few decorative pillows in front of the medium-sized pillows.
4. Embrace bold colours
Don’t be afraid to use bold colours on your walls and pair them with neutral-coloured furniture. Lively wall colours create a dramatic backdrop for art pieces.
5. Choose artwork that works
Choosing the right artwork boils down to a matter of personal choice. Some love abstract oil paintings while others prefer framed photography. No matter what your budget may be, there is always an art option for you.
TIP: When selecting art, make sure your room’s accent colours are found in the art pieces. Also, shy away from art pieces where the dominant colour is also your wall colour. Artwork should visually “pop” and make a statement.
Marc Atiyolil is a celebrity designer, the Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Home Trends Magazine, a design expert on CTV, host of the TV series DIY Hotline and the host of the Marc Atiyolil Show on www.MarcAtiyolil.com. To subscribe to Home Trends Magazine visit www.CanadianHomeTrends.com.
COPYRIGHT 2013 - Marc Atiyolil Media Inc.
