Interior design is all about creating a certain ambiance in a room. And one of the most important aspects of interior design is figuring out how to pair colours, textures, and materials. Done correctly, this can create a warm and inviting space that feels unique and personal. Done incorrectly, however, and you’ll end up with a cluttered and dissonant space that feels like it’s lacking in personality.
So, how do you pair colours, textures, and materials the right way? Read on to find out – you can also invest in hassle free online interior services if you’d rather get expert guidance.
Colours
The first step to pairing colours correctly is to decide what mood you want to create in the room. Do you want the space to feel calm and serene? Bright and exciting? Or something in between? Once you’ve decided on the mood you’re going for, you can start picking out specific colours.
For a calm and serene feeling, stick to a soft colour palette of whites, blues, and greens. For something brighter and more exciting, try pairing playful pinks with bold oranges or primary colours like reds and yellows. And for a happy medium between the two extremes, consider using jewel tones like purples or gemstone greens.
Once you’ve settled on a basic colour palette, you’ll need to start mixing and matching different shades to create contrast. For example, if you’re using mostly light colours, consider adding in one or two darker shades for visual interest. Or if you’re using mostly muted colours, try injecting a pop of brightness here or there. The key is to create contrast without making the space feel too busy or overwhelming.
Textures
In addition to colours, textures play an important role in interior design. Different textures can create different visual and tactile effects in a room. For example, smooth surfaces like glass tend to reflect light more than rougher surfaces like stone; as a result, smooth surfaces can make a room feel brighter and more open while rougher surfaces can make it feel cosier.
When pairing textures together, it’s important not to use too many different kinds at once, as this can make the space feel cluttered. Instead of trying to mix a bunch of different textures together haphazardly, focus on creating texture contrast by using items with different levels of roughness or smoothness.
For example, if your sofa is upholstered in a smooth fabric like velvet, try pairing it with some rough-hewn throw pillows made from burlap or wool. Or if your coffee table has a glass top, consider adding some baskets underneath for some extra visual interest and textural contrast. By playing with different levels of roughness and smoothness within your overall colour palette, you can create an interesting and inviting space without overwhelming the senses.
Materials
Last but not least are materials! Like textures, different materials can create different visual effects in a room. For example, wood furniture tends to give off an earthy, natural vibe while metal furniture has more of an industrial edge. You can use materials to help reinforce the mood you’re trying to create with your overall design.
If you want your space to feel natural and calming, stick mainly with wood furniture and accents. On the other hand, if you want your space to feel modern and sleek, metal furniture is definitely the way to go. Of course, there’s no need to pick just one material for everything; a little bit of variety can actually help break up a room and add some extra visual interest. Just be careful not to put too much of any one material in the room or it might start to feel overdone.
Tastefully mix and match different materials with each other as well as with different textures and colours to create an inviting and stylish space that feels uniquely yours.
Ready to get started?
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into pairing colours, textures and materials in interior design. But don’t let that discourage you! By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and welcoming space that expresses who you are perfectly. So get out there and start mixing and matching to your heart’s content! You might just be surprised by what you come up with.