Looking to redecorate with a change of colour? I would always recommend looking in your wardrobe as inspiration for room colour ideas in your home. If you love the colour of an item of clothing, then that could be the perfect start for your new design scheme. If a colour looks good on you and makes you feel good, then you will be looking and feeling good in a room carrying that colour.
The other day I discovered that there are four colours that are universally flattering. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, says these colours suit everyone whatever your skin tone, eye or hair colour. Fantastic, why did I not know about this before? No more struggling to decide what colour jumpers/scarves/T-shirts etc to buy at Christmas!
So, if you are looking for room colour ideas then how about decorating with one of these? That way you and your crew will all look great. Perfect for the beautiful Instagrammable party shots. Anyway, what are these four colours? Read on to find out and see them used in some gorgeous interiors.
1. Mellow Rose
A natural blush colour, Mellow Rose is perfect if you want to keep things neutral. Last year’s Millennial Pink has mellowed into more muted blushes, like this. Although a colour trend for 2019, Mellow Rose is timeless. Using it in your home will create a relaxed, calming, peaceful environment.
The blush coloured chairs add a warm layer to this neutral colour scheme. Gold accents really lift the space. Pair muted gold metal with Mellow Rose for understated modern glamour.
In Skye McAlpine’s London home the blush walls complement both the grey units and the green dining table and chairs. This colour infuses the space with warmth and, together with the open shelving, welcomes you in.
I had to include the Bertie, from Cold Harbour Lights. This lampshade makes quite a statement. It would fit well in an opulent, maximalist room. Equally though, it could be the focal point in a neutral space, adding texture and a soft, whimsical vibe. In this marketing shot they have offset it beautifully against a teal wall. Which leads us to colour number 2…..
2. Indian Teal
A mixture of calm blue and renewal green, teal is the colour for rest and rejuvenation. This makes it well suited for spaces in which you relax. I am obsessed with all shades of aqua, turquoise and teal, would love to one day have a bedroom this colour.
A gorgeous combination of teal and blush in this room staging for a shoot for Barnaby Lane, an Australian home shop. This space feels restful and charming. Imagine the sweet dreams you’d have in this room. And, with two universally flattering colours, you’d be looking pretty sweet as well 🙂
Teal is everywhere in this Parisian Haussmann apartment by Laurence Simoncini. Painting the classical moldings and ceiling gives a bold, modern feel. The shaggy cushion seat and layers of textures add casual comfort and interest. The huge gold framed mirror, Christopher Boots’ Pythagoras wall sconces and flash of citric yellow flowers create a frisson of excitement and movement in the space, which, otherwise feels very relaxed.
In the powder room of this home in the Catskills, the teal panelling pairs perfectly with the brass mirror frame and bathroom hardware for a casual luxe look. Easy to achieve at home.
3. Aubergine
I used to love purple when I was a teenager. However these days I have abandoned it in both fashion and interiors, though I am not exactly sure why. Eggplant or Aubergine feels like a sophisticated, sultry version of purple. Not very Spring like….but if you are planning your revamp for autumn this could be a winner.
Because of its darkness aubergine feels like quite a masculine purple. Here the dark wood furniture adds to that, creating a relaxed, sombre space.
In this bathroom the panelling is painted in Farrow and Ball’s Brinjal. This colour combined with the white bathroom fixtures elevates the space and creates a bold, elegant air.
The aubergine, velvet, padded window seat is balanced by the armchairs, clad in the same fabric. Paired with white and the 2 gold wall sconces this look is all relaxed glamour. Maximalist meets minimalist.
Another space with a more masculine feel by New York interior designer, Caleb Anderson. The aubergine wall helps anchor some of the more flamboyant elements of this scheme. Such as the Louis XV style desk juxtaposed with a Charles Rennie Mackintosh chair.
4. True Red
Red is bold, attention grabbing colour. It is the most intense hue in the colour wheel. Red increases energy and stimulates conversation. So, it is perfect for social spaces like kitchens and dining rooms. If you would like to try it but are a little nervous how about starting somewhere smaller like a bath or powder room. For a dramatic but not fully committed look, paint the ceiling red and keep the walls cream or white. Add a few red accessories to tie the look together. Try Benjamin Moore’s Heritage Red or Designers Guild’s Strawberry Jam No122.
A heavy dose of white keeps these red walls from being too overwhelming and dark. Fresh and classic.
These lacquered bookshelves make quite a statement, yet they also bounce the light around in this all red library. A Manhattan apartment conversion by designer Bruce Bierman.
Red lacquered walls, animal print and gold accents create high drama in this room by artist Mickalene Thomas. This was designed as an art installation in an empty Manhattan apartment. Not for the faint of heart!
The high drama from the walls is amped up further by the huge chandelier. The chic modern bathroom fixture keep the look clean. Super glamorous, party for 2??
Strictly speaking the walls in the image above are a darker red, but I want to show you the different styles that can be achieved with the colour. The first bathroom is very modern, clean and glamorous, whereas this one is classic, early 20th century style and the overall feel is cozy, a bit cluttered and familiar. Deep berry shades are on trend for 2019, this is Sherwin Williams’ Salute.
So what do you think? Will you be adding any of these flattering shades to your home? Which one is your favourite? I hope you have found some inspiration here. XO
