Like us, when it comes to paint, you’re probably tired of seeing the usual suspects – variants of grey and white. But if we’re honest, these ‘safe’ colours can be rather uninteresting and even more so when you consider that the colour wheel offers so many other choices. We get it though, neutrals allow you to mix things up in a way that stronger colours often don’t which is where the latest Haymes Paint release comes in.
Wall painted in ‘Siesta,’ floor painted in ‘Shell Pink’ and sofa upholstered in the fabric equivalent of the Haymes Paint ‘Gem’
Titled ‘Blended Neutrals’ (Volume 9 in their colour library series), the collection is comprised of peachy, fleshy tones combined with warm blues that prove that neutrals don’t have to be bland. “I’ve developed this palette of nine neutrals to inspire, influence and engage consumers to use more colour in their homes. It’s a palette that contains hints of pink, peach and blue, which contrast well with the greys, injecting life and soul to interior spaces,” says Haymes Paint colour and concept manager Wendy Rennie who explains that the range was inspired by a recent trip to Milan.
Haymes Paint in ‘Sun Dew,’ a warm powder blue
Challenging the accepted definition of what constitutes a neutral, the washed-out tones are super versatile. “This more playful and relaxed approach to neutrals provides an opportunity for people to shift their approach from always using greys and whites to seeing how colour can be translated into making spaces warm, balanced and liveable,” says Wendy.
Wall painted in ‘Siesta’ and floor painted in ‘Shell Pink’
“What I love about this palette is that it creates a wonderful conversation around the definition of neutrals and how we can use them in our homes to create playful, unique and relaxed spaces,” says Wendy.
Wall painted in ‘Sun Dew’ and chair on left upholstered in the fabric equivalent of the Haymes Paint ‘Gem’
The hero colour of the palette, Siesta, is a soft peachy tone that perfectly illustrates the way in which subtle colour is as utterly versatile as a traditional neutral. “Siesta can be used to create a relaxed and comfortable vibe in a bedroom, open plan living space or even a bathroom,” says Wendy. We’re sold!
If there’s one element of interior design that we agonise over, it’s colour. How many movies have you seen that feature a scene where a couple are debating the colour of a nursery? It’s become an old trope in film comedy.
But there are good reasons for careful consideration. Colours are like musical notes or chords for the eyes, and can be incredibly subjective, hence the common decision to go with neutrals. Let’s take a look at the options so you can decide whether to be daring or conservative with your colour palette.
Image courtesy of Mademoiselle Rose
Build off an existing pattern in your space
If you have patterned upholstery, a multi-coloured rug, or a striking piece of art, pull colours from this element to create your base colour palette. For a neutral base, focus on the whites, beige and grey tones. For a more striking, moody room, look to the deeper tones.
Focus on one room and let that define your scheme for the home
Working on your main living room’s colours first, and perfecting them, sets the tone for the entire home. For example, if you go for a neutral palette with deep blue textile accents, and rustic wood furniture in your living area, draw on those elements for your other spaces. Take that deep blue tone, go a little darker and paint your walls in the den, creating a cosy inviting space. Accent with white and mid blue textiles to help balance the palette. In your library try rustic, timber built-in furniture, again tying your design elements from the main living area but in a varied proportion. Use similar tones but various degrees and intensities.
Image courtesy of Mod Muse
Work on a dark to light philosophy
An old trick of the trade is to work dark to light, vertically. Use dark colours on the floor, mid tones on the walls, and light values on the ceiling. The floor can be any hue; just ensure it is the darkest in the space. Simple but very effective.
Follow the ratios 60-30- 10
Think of your space in three sections. Your highest percentage 60%, which is your walls and your dominant colour, 30% is your secondary colour for your main furnishings and fittings. Lastly 10% is your accent colour for your finishing touches and accessories. A Martha Stewart classic!
Image courtesy fo Architectural Digest
Trust the old Colour Wheel
Going back to basics is often the key to creating a sensitive palette. An analogue palette is one where the colours sit next to each other on the colour wheel like red and orange. Remember that this can be any tone, light through to deep. This is a slightly less daring take on a monochromatic room (focusing on one key colour in a space is a strong trend at the moment) but no less impressive!
White’s not always right
Don’t assume white is best to give small spaces that larger, brighter feel. Instead use darker or wow colours to bring punch or warmth for a room that envelops you. Embrace a space for what it is and resist the urge to go against the grain.
Image courtesy of Bloglovin
Grey is the way!
It’s certainly become the neutral flavour over the last few years. Paint colourist have responded with breathtaking options within their collections, making it hard to move past grey’s appeal. Grey’s also have this unique ability, similar to white, to absorb and reflect surrounding colours, becoming a chameleon of sorts.
Set the mood
Colours invoke a mood. Be mindful of this when working in areas that require a definite vibe. Let’s say that in a casual living area, you want a vibrant, fun feel. In that case, opt for warm, contrasting or vivid colours. For a more relaxed and calming space, use neutrals, deeper blues and dirty greens—nature’s primary palette.
Image courtesy of Domino
Hot flushes and cool currents
Blend warm and cool tones to bring an exciting tug of war into your space; it will keep the senses guessing and the mind curious. A warm caramel tone against a cool winter grey is calming yet interesting; a good option when a compromise is needed between butting personalities.
Black & white – is it right?
People will always debate whether these are actually colours (technically), yet they still prove to be a match made in heaven in the design world. From Modern, to Country spaces, this combination has a home. One could say they are a timeless combination; a safe yet powerful one!
Image courtesy of Home Adore
There were three in the bed…
If you are yet to find your match then work to the rule of three. Use only three colours within your space and this should erode confusion, headaches, or debates. It’s almost fool proof.
Like what you like
There are a million design philosophies, principles and thoughts on how to select colours and why. But when you whittle it down, all you need to do is surround yourself with colours that bring you happiness, patterns and textures that support and encourage your lifestyle (even if it’s a little quirky) and a home that says ‘You’.
Kerena Berry is an interior designer and Co-founder of Designbx, Australia’s online interior design solution.
Move over boring animal prints – the new metallic stencilled hide rugs and cushions from Art Hide and sister brand Amigos de Hoy are here to add subtle glamour to floors and couches.
Designed in Sydney, the Arlequin sees premium, sustainably sourced Brazilian cowhide elegantly embossed with a fine metallic diamond pattern.
Base hide colours include cream, light grey, light caramel and black, and are completed with beautiful gold, silver or copper metallics. Their neutral palettes are perfectly suited to any interior, from sophisticated bedrooms to playful kids spaces, creating looks that range from bohemian luxe through to polished modern.
Hides come in medium ($995) and large ($1295), and the range also includes small matching scatter cushions. Find the perfect hide here.
Having not released a major colour collection since 2006, we knew Porter’s Paints‘ Colour Collection 2015 wouldn’t disappoint.
With a whopping 238 new colours (plus 90 essential signature colours) it is full of beautiful and complex neutrals, along with vibrant and unique brights.
Embracing complex neutral soft greys and browns, whilst trending towards the “new neutrals” of dirty blues and moody soft greens, it offers unrivalled choice and depth of colour that will enable you to create your own inspired interiors.
Created with not only broad wall areas in mind, but also furniture, floors and everyday objects that are enlivened with even the smallest addition of colour, the collection offers a myriad of opportunities to create a layered experience.
Safari is the latest collection from Dinosaur Designs, available from today. If you’re more into earthy neutrals than pops of colour or pastels, this could be right up your street.
We might be heading into summer but I’m loving these autumnal colours! The collection is a team effort by Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy.
