Page 10 - ROSEDALE Lifestyle November 2022

Living in Colour
10 ROSEDALE Lifestyle NOVEMBER 2022
by Designer Amanda Shields www.amandashieldsinteriors.com
Colour is a multi-faceted decorating tool, that can be used in about a thousand different ways in your home. Perhaps you want to make your space feel bigger, or brighter, more modern or warmer. Perhaps you want these feelings to translate into your life, too. Here are three ways you can use colour, where and how to do it!
Use colour to evoke emotion. The theory behind why we’re drawn to colour is quite amazing. Different colours are proven to stir certain emotions, and oftentimes the effect is subtle or even subconscious. For example, reds may evoke passion and power, a perfect choice for a kitchen or dining room. Whites and blues are known for being fresh, restful and relaxing – a common palette for living rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. Yellow is enlightening and inspiring, while green represents nature and life. When choosing a colour scheme, consider how you want to feel in your home, the activities you’ll be doing, and how colour can help you achieve that vibe.
TIP: Choosing a colour theme doesn’t mean you have to fully commit. Colour can play a dominant, secondary or tertiary role in the space; it’s all about hitting the right proportions. Ask your designer about the 60-30-10 rule!
Highlight focal points with colour. Colour can naturally attract the eye to key areas in your home, or in the absence of a focal point, it can become one! When using colour as an accent, choose a contrasting hue that “pops” against the principal palette, like rich mustard accents against a dark blue backdrop. This decorating trick is especially impactful in a monochromatic room. For example, a neutral room with bold, black accents to highlight focal points or an unusual architectural feature. On the other hand, colour blocking is a great way to create a focal point in a space, like a feature wall.