For over 20 years, Canadian interior designer Patricia Gray has helped clients worldwide realize an exceptional and beautiful working and living environment. With training from Parsons School of Design in Paris, projects throughout the U.S., Japan, Singapore and Africa, and an astute eye for detail, it’s no wonder Gray is in high demand. The designer du jour recently shared some tips and tricks on how to choose the right colours for your newlywed nest.
1. Forget about trends–think long-term. It’s important to choose hues that you can love and enjoy.
2. Trust your instincts. If you love a certain colour, but think another shade would look better, it’s best to go with what you feel is right.
3. Choosing colours can be overwhelming, especially with new mixes and patterns being developed each year. When in doubt, start with a neutral palette for big items, and add touches of colour with accessories and artwork.
4. Still having trouble deciding? Here’s a neat tip: step into your closet and see which colour palette is significantly present. People tend to gravitate to the same colours in their home that they have in their closet. If you’re the type who enjoys the basic black look, chances are you’ll have touches of black–and maybe more than just touches–throughout your home.
5. Compromise! There are two of you living in the same house, and it’s important that you both provide input.
6. Have a theme? Great! But that doesn’t mean you have to carry it through the entire house. Your choice of colours and patterns depends on the type of home you have, and most importantly, your personality. Some people do better with a neutral scheme, while others will enjoy spicing it up.
7. If the two of you are at opposite ends of the colour spectrum, work on finding a print that incorporates your fave shades. Or consider having your own rooms where you have sole control over the decor.
8. Still don’t know what palette to choose? Look to Mother Nature for inspiration–there’s no colour clashing going on in her yard.
Colour Tips
White: Nothing says “chic” like white on white. In fact, using white in a room can give it depth. You might use several shades to bring out the architectural details in a room; or layer the space with strong forms in different tones and textures of white. Strong contrasts may be used to outline, and bring the white into focus.
Yellow: Colour researchers believe yellow increases self-esteem and can strengthen your overall well-being. Yellow wakes up a room; it’s cheerful and uplifting. Selling your home? Research shows yellow houses sell faster.
Green: Green is timeless. It’s a wonderful colour that works especially well with white and dark wood. Abundant in nature.
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