Natures colour palette
For the last few years my insta feed, and the magazines, have been filled with shots of white on white homes. And while I can admire this aesthetic for it’s clean simplicity, and the crisp backdrop it provides, I know it isn’t for me.
Embracing colour in your home can be daunting and painting everything white, or a shade thereof, it often seen as the easier option. Its ‘safer’ to introduce colour in your furnishings which can be changed out at any time. And if that’s your preference then go for it! If you find white calming and fresh, then stick with that look. But if you’re only painting things white because you’re scared to ‘get it wrong’ then keep reading…
Often when starting a room you’re looking at a empty space and the design and colour choices can be overwhelming, it’s hard to know where to start! Choosing a piece of artwork for a space and using that as the foundation for your colour palette is a well known place to find inspiration. Artists have either done colour theory in their training, or have an innate knowledge of how to bring various colours together harmoniously.
‘Colour is a power which directly influences the soul’
- Wassily Kandinsky
Stunning flowers by Nicci Goodin Designer Florist
However if you have a room, or whole home, that is a blank canvas and are unsure of where to find inspiration one of the easiest places to look it out the window! Mother Nature has been pairing colours together since the beginning of time. Whether the colours are contrasting or complimentary if they’re side by side in nature chances are they’ll look seamless side by side in your home.
Pinterest of course is a great place to go for inspiration - but so is walking out your front door! Next time you’re on the walkway or watching your kid play soccer take a look at the colours around you. What colours do you naturally gravitate to? Do you adore the sea on a stormy day? Or just love that spring bloom popping up out of the grass. When you see a particular colour you like in nature snap a picture as a reference point. Then look closer. What colours are immediately next to it? What pairings has nature given us? How is the soft light filtering through the trees making you feel?
‘mere colour can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways’
- Oscar Wilde
What’s most important is how you want to feel in your space. Colour has a strong psychological impact on us. If you’re wanting to feel relaxed and tranquil in your home think of a place that makes you feel that way. Is it a walk through the bush? Look to shades of green. Do you want to feel energized and uplifted? Seek warm tones like yellow and orange. Take a moment to think of the seasons. Do you love spring with the feeling of hope and fresh starts, or does autumn and the changing of the leaves set your soul on fire?
Plants of all kinds are always a great place to look for inspiration! Next time you’re at your local farmers market take a good look at all of the colours surrounding you. Take a closer look at flowers. They’re very rarely one solid colour. There are distinct tonal variations that subtly shift and meld into one another. And often there is a distinct contrast like in the the hydrangeas above, or the beautiful orchids by Nicci Goodin. A soft peach paired with a strong burgundy/maroon would be perfect for a bedroom or living space. Choose your base colour then bring in accents just like nature has done.
If you struggle with colour and don’t know where to start I’m happy to come to your home and give you a consult. I love chatting about colour and helping people find their voice when it comes to their interiors, creating a home that truly reflects who they are. Contact me today about transforming your space.