Using Color Intentionally in Your Home or Cabin
If architecture is the foundation on which our home designs begin then adding color is what transforms a house into a home. Color has the power to create moods and energy that simply can’t be attained any other way.
Color in your home and cabin can make a small room look larger. It can energize a space, or calm it down. Color can evoke tranquility or romance. Understanding the subtle changes color can give to a room, space, even the architectural theme of the structure, is essential to creating the home you desire.
For today’s post I’ve rounded up some essential information to help on your journey to adding color to your space. In addition, I’m excited to include images from some of my favorite creators and designers on Instagram and the blogging world.
The Intention of Color
It is often said that color has a psychology. When considering the impact of color on an interior space the fundamental question for each room centers around its purpose. How will the room be used? When these questions are answered honestly a family can begin the process of determining the design and items for the room.
A rec room will likely take on an entirely different tone than a study. An art studio should energize or inspire the creator each time she enters the room. A kitchen is a room of replenishing, energy, and groundedness for a family. The colors chosen for each space in a home can add to (or detract from) the purpose of the rooms.
Grounding a Room with Color
Color has the power to transform the mood and energy of a space. Often designers choose a natural or neutral palette of color to be the foundation of the room’s color scheme.
Choosing a simple fresh white, beige, gray or greige (gray and beige combined) as the primary wall color allows for you to create feature and accent colors throughout the room. The accents can change with the seasons because the foundational color of the room remains neutral.
Elevate a Space with Texture
Cozy throw blankets draped across deep arm chairs clustered around a stone fireplace. The deep pile of a soft shag rug resting under the clean curved lines of mid-century modern furniture. Billowing blankets trailing the edge of a chippy bed frame. The textures of wood grain, harshness of stone, and softness of fabric give depth to a room.
Strategically choosing the right color of the room’s furniture, textiles, wall features, and stonework (when possible) contributes to the overall color palette and nature of a space. The mood of a space is highly dictated by the colors found in the textures within the room.
What Color Will You Choose?
Coming to the point of color selection is a critical component of the design process. Gaining an understanding of the emotions created by color is a powerful tool to help in the process. This article is an excellent resource.
To have a basic understanding of color theory is very beneficial when considering the impact of a muted sage green versus a deep forest emerald green. Each color brings its own set of characteristics.
Cool colors typically evoke tranquility and rest. Warm colors are more grounded, steady, steadfast, and even intense in nature. All colors have a pendulum that can swing the emotional temperature of the room in several directions. This article on the psychology of color is a wonderful starting point for anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of color and interior design.
Spaces that work for you
As your understanding of color in design grows the final thought I wish to share is that your space should work for you. It should complete the task of functioning as you need it. Taking the time to deeply consider the ebb and flow of each area within your home or workspace is powerful to unlocking its potential especially when considering color.
Selecting the right color for your space’s function in effect makes that space work for you in the right way. If the space needs to inspire then select colors that carry inspiration with them. In a restful room consider muted calm colors throughout. An area that brings life and energy; warm tones help celebrate and welcome all who enter.
The correct color in a space is part art, part science, and a whole lot of gut instinct for the home owner. Your wants and needs should remain front and center. It’s a journey I continually find myself on as I edge our modern cabin closer to its potential with every passing year. Hopefully today you are one step closer as well.
With hope for you and your intentional home,
