Have you ever considered using cool or warm colors when decorating an area? You may have your favorite colors and paint swatches. Have you ever considered how colors can create excitement or calm in a space? Did you know that you don’t have to stick with saturated, loud colors? You can also use neutrals but with a subtler undertone.
It’s time to get educated if you answered “no”, and aren’t familiar with the use of warm and cool colours. Color can elevate or depress a room. If you use warm and cool colors correctly, they can enhance your decorating. Are you ready to master the basics of interior design? How to use warm and cool colors when decorating.
Use flooring with undertones.
The flooring of a room is a foundation that covers a large area. It’s important to select the right warm or cool undertones for decorating. There are many types of flooring to choose from. Hardwood flooring does have an advantage. Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of wood species, including deep red mahoganies, light white oaks, and even deep red mahoganies. Each creates a different mood for your home. Some hardwood flooring manufacturers and brands offer dual stains, which can give subtle color changes. View a sample of the flooring in your space before you make a decision.
Understanding The Color Palette
Color palettes are divided into warm and cool colors. Reds, oranges, and yellows are complementary colors on the wheel of color, while blues and greens are cooler. The exceptions are violets and greens, which, depending on their tone, can be either warm or cold.
It can be a little tricky when it comes to neutrals and blacks. Black and white, while not saturated, do have warm and cool undertones. White has a cooling effect, while black is said to be warming. Neutrals fall somewhere between the two and offer a versatile and flexible look for any space or room. The neutral shades can be used in any decor, from warm browns to taupes and greys. Let’s now explore how to incorporate these cool and warm undertones.
Use Warm Colors in Communal Spaces
Warm colors are a good choice for spaces where people gather to socialize. Reds and oranges are stimulating colors, while off-whites and yellows add a little energy to a room. This energy, in turn, creates an environment that is more active and friendly, where people are more likely to interact with each other. This is why fast-food chains and sports brands are often in warm colors.
Warm colors work best in living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. Use a neutral, warm color on the walls of an open-plan floor that connects all the rooms to create a social, inviting space for your family.
Cool colors in private areas
Cool colors are on the other end of the spectrum. Cooler colors, such as blues, cool browns, or whites, evoke a calm atmosphere in the room. Cool color palettes are often used in home offices, libraries, and bathrooms to allow visitors to relax or concentrate. They are also perfect for bedrooms, as they calm the mind and help you sleep.
A room can also appear larger by using cool tones. If you have a tiny bathroom or living area, this optical illusion will help to make the space appear larger. Ceilings painted in cool colors can make a space appear larger and airier.
Be Consistent
Stick to a cool or warm color scheme when decorating a space. It is possible to mix warm and cool colors, but it is important to keep in mind that the warmer your decor and walls appear, the more you will want to move toward them. A warm wall color can be used to create a balance and contrast to the cool colors. Grays are great for creating a neutral palette. While you can combine cool and warmth, true design skill is required to do so. Stick to a simple, consistent palette to start to create an effortless design.
Use the 80/20 rule
You want to use pops of color over a neutral background when putting together your decor. Combining colors according to the 80/20 rule will help you achieve a balance. This means that 80 percent of your colors should be neutrals and 20 percent accents. You might want to make the bedroom cool, but add a pop of bright yellow or red. A warm taupe kitchen could be enhanced with a navy backsplash and bright teal lighting fixtures above the bar. The neutral colors, whether they have cool or warm undertones, should be the most dominant.