Working with Warm Colors in Your Home

While researching paint colors for your home, you may see descriptions of specific colors, and one is described as “warm” or “cool.” In interior design, this is simply the way colors are represented on the color wheel per Color Theory. Warm colors are reds, oranges, and yellows, while cool colors are greens, blues, and violets. Warm colors tend to excite the senses, while cool colors exude a sense of calm.

Setting the Atmosphere

Differentiating between the two is very important when deciding to decorate your home. Whether it be the paint on the walls or the accessories you are using in a room, the colors you choose will naturally lend certain energy to the space. By taking into account where warm colors are showcased to their best advantage, you can make your home cozy and inviting.

Take into Account Room Size

When using warm colors for painting the walls, keep in mind that these hues have a tendency to make the space feel a little smaller and more intimate than cool colors. It is best to choose a larger room, so the space does not appear too cramped. Popular warm wall color choices are a light tan, beige, or a shade of ivory. If you want to use bolder colors with the warm side of the color wheel, choose the rooms in your home where the most action takes place like the living room or recreation room. It will be sure to keep you and your guests energized while you are in there.

Remember to Accessorize

The accessories in a room are where warm colors shine the most. Throw rugs and pillows, upholstered furniture and beautiful paintings are all great ways to incorporate reds, oranges, and yellows into a space without overwhelming it. Even if the room you are working with is on a smaller side, using some warm pieces in it will give the space a more inviting feel. Be sure to space out warm colored pieces so it will give the room a more even look and tie everything together.

Come and see us today to learn more about striking just the right balance between cool and warm colors in your home for a look you and your guests will not forget!