Why Colors & Patterns Are Essential
Colors and patterns are my jam. They bring the personality to a space, creating mood and visual interest. They transform a plain box of a room into a vibrant place that you want to spend time in, whether you're working hard or hardly working. Today I'm sharing three reasons why patterns and colors are essential elements in every room I design.
Reason #1 - Varied Hues for a Healthy, Happy, Vibrant Home
Color is a super-power. It's one of the most important tools that designers use because it sets the entire mood of a space: exciting, relaxing, motivating or nurturing. We respond to color psychologically, and the response can be positive or negative (have you ever walked into a room that’s painted in a color you hate? Then you know what I mean by negative response!).
Color makes a bee-line to our emotions and memories. That's why it's vital to choose colors carefully, always keeping in mind the intended use of the room. If relaxation is your goal, you need to know which colors give you that sensation because they’re unique to each person. That means that your best friend’s color palette won’t necessarily evoke that same mood for you in your own home. Your colors must align with your own preferences and experiences, not to mention your home’s lighting and orientation.
Reason #2 - Plentiful Patterns for Treats and Tricks
While color can evoke emotion or inspire creativity, patterns add another dimension to a room. They bring visual interest with repetition, shape and scale. They give a space some personality, like a great sense of humor. I like to say that they delight the eye. And several different patterns in one room can make it really delightful! Best to leave that mix to the professionals, though.
Patterns with vertical lines or curves can amplify or distract from the physical features of a room, making it seem bigger, or softer. You could call them masters of illusion. Curtains with vertical stripes are a great example; they emphasize a room’s height and direct the eye up, which tricks our brains into thinking that the room is taller than it is. Patterns are full of treats and tricks.
Reason #3 - Blending Colors & Patterns for a Harmonious Home
One of my goals as a designer is to achieve a sense of harmony. When the elements of a space relate to each other aesthetically, we feel settled and peaceful in that place. That's the key to a successful design.
One of my clients was tired of everything in her living room except the window blinds, which were covered in a colorful floral pattern. I based her room design on these, reflecting the green of that pattern in the upholstered chairs and plants. I contrasted the organic curvy lines with sleek, tailored furniture and subtle stripes in the rug. In this way, the colors and patterns balance each other out and create that sense of harmony within her room.
One of the absolute joys of my job is helping my clients bring colors and patterns into their homes. We begin with the color palette, basing it on their personal associations with color, plus their inspiration piece. Then we layer in the patterns that support the palette and resonate with the client's aesthetic. The shapes and lines of the furnishings add more depth to this mix, creating a cohesive design that sings in harmony.
Looking for a designer who can combine design strategy with your personal aesthetic to create harmony in your home? Book a free Clarity Call with me today.
I’d love to help you with this.
Cheers,
Nan
About Nan
I’m an interior designer who helps people turn their homes into their sanctuaries without the pain of renovating. I’ve been a professional designer since 1995, and one thing I love about my work is how it can evoke a mood and create whatever feeling you want in your space. In that way, it’s kind of magical.
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