Color Can Change Your Home

Using color in home design is about much more than trends. It’s about creating a mood, directing attention, expressing personality and bringing life to interiors. Colors, whether neutral or bold, can provide visual interest and reflect the homeowner’s personality.

To help frame the atmosphere of your home, choose a neutral color scheme. Too many “look-at-me” colors can make a space and the people in it anxious. Grays, creams and browns are easy to live with and will allow you the flexibility to change your look if and when you get tired of them. Plus, a neutral palette allows works of art involving bold colors to take center stage.

Use subtle textures in the same hues to create a luxurious room. The use of linen, raised patterns in rugs, curvy pillows and light fixtures provide visual interest and classic luxury. Layering patterns is pleasing to the eye and can add drama to the flow of the room.

Add detail by creating areas of interest with a well-placed light fixture and a few modern pieces. Curvy pieces keep modern spaces from feeling too boxy and will make the space feel more comfortable and welcoming. Choose your accessories to add your personality to a room and perhaps bring in the “it” color of the season. Jewel tones are the key to the coming season and will work beautifully with your neutral palettes. Choose colors like plum and red to add a little holiday flair. Repeat the chosen color or some version of it at least three times in one room.

Most importantly buy the things you love; it will help you pull it all together.

Heideh Fardi is the owner of Simitree Fine Home Furnishings in Geneva.

This article first appeared in the November 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.