MAKE IT POP
My fool-proof ‘colour wheel’ rule is an interior design saviour when decorating, it always looks good
Plus the key trick to keep in mind if you want to create a specific atmosphere or mood in a specific room
AN INTERIOR design expert has shared their fool-proof 'colour wheel' rule which is a saviour when you are decorating your home.
It can be easy to get excited and carried away about redecorating when you want to spruce up the place after the new year.
2
2
But it's also important to remember certain colour rules when painting - whether it's overlooking a room's natural light, or not having matching tones.
Decorating can be time-consuming as well as expensive - so you'll want to make sure you get it right the first time to avoid having to fork out and do it all over again.
Luckily, one expert has shared their handy colour wheel trick to keep in mind as you go.
Trends expert at Tapi Carpets and Floors, Johanna Constantinou, explains that it always makes a room look good.
READ MORE FABULOUS
She explained that the colour wheel "is used to understand relationships between different colours" and is key when it comes to designing a space.
It consists of primary colours (red, yellow, blue), secondary colours (green, orange, purple), and tertiary colours (such as red-orange or yellow-green).
And Johanna explains that if you're looking for colours that complement each other, you need to combine colours that sit opposite each other.
She says: "These colours are opposite each other on the wheel, they create high contrast and vibrancy, ideal for dynamic areas such as living rooms or creative spaces."
Most read in Fabulous
However, if you're looking to create a relaxing space then you should choose colours that sit next to each other on the wheel.
These are known as "analogous colours".
Interior Trends Gen Z Might Regret (1)
Johanna explains: “Colours next to each other on the wheel are harmonious and create serene, cohesive environments, which are ideal for bedrooms or relaxing areas."
She also explains that using monochromatic colours is perfect for spaces like bathrooms where simplicity is key.
Johanna says: "Monochromatic colours are variations of a single colour, using tints, tones, and shades.
"These create a soothing, minimalist aesthetic that works well in spaces that need to convey calmness and simplicity, like bathrooms or modern living rooms."
Another rule that Johanna urges homeowners to follow when redecorating is the 60-30-10 colour rule.
Johanna explains: “60-30-10 is a timeless guideline in interior design that helps achieve a balanced colour scheme in any room.
"By allowing one colour to dominate, the design maintains cohesion.
"This versatile rule suggests dividing a room's colour palette into three proportions: 60 per cent for the dominant colour, 30 per cent for the secondary colour, and 10 per cent for the accent colour."
Moods in specific rooms
IF you want to create a specific mood in a specific room, Johanna says it is important to use the warm vs. cool colours rule.
She explains: “Warm colours, such as red, orange, and yellow, create a sense of energy, comfort, and warmth, making them ideal for lively, social spaces.
“Conversely, cool colours, such as blue, green, and purple, induce a calming, soothing effect, perfect for where relaxation or focus is essential.
“While a predominantly warm palette can make a space feel inviting, adding cool tones provides contrast and depth. Similarly, a primarily cool-toned room can benefit from warm accents to avoid feeling too sterile or cold.
“Coloured carpets are becoming increasingly popular. At Tapi, we offer a vibrant array of coloured carpets for those ready to make a bold style choice.
"A deep burgundy or plum carpet can create a striking design feature.
"Alternatively, you might consider having a carpet turned into a custom rug for a similar effect, with the flexibility to refresh your decor more easily in the future."
The dominant colour should cover the largest portion of the space which "serves as the foundation of the room and sets the overall atmosphere".
This is often used on walls, large furniture pieces, or flooring, and it "should align with the overall mood and purpose of the room".
While the secondary colour adds depth and contrast to the dominant colour and is "often applied to larger pieces of furniture, window treatments, or accent walls".
The accent colour makes up the remaining 10 per cent of the space and is used sparingly to add vibrancy, interest, and focal points.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Johanna explains: “The accent colour can be an unexpected pop of colour that draws attention to key features like artwork or throw pillows.
"Accent colours can be bold or vibrant, offering an opportunity to experiment with trendy hues without overpowering the room".
Topics