October 29, 2013

Blue Velvet Banquette (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood) — Blue Velvet Banquette (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

Colour is the single most powerful tool in the interior designer’s toolbox that makes the most impact for the least amount of money. For the cost of a can of paint, you can transform the atmosphere of your space, and if you hate it, it’s only another can of paint. Hopefully though, you get it right by doing large samples on the wall - something I do on all my projects.

The biggest key to picking a successful colour is to ask yourself what kind of atmosphere you want the space to have. A good way to figure this out is to ask yourself what spaces that you have been in that have made you feel invigorated. You may want different moods for different spaces, i.e. you may want a cozy feeling dining room or restorative spa atmosphere for your bathroom. You may be someone who loves fresh pure colours, or soft neutrals, or jewel box gem colours. Whatever your preferences, start with some images that you can use as your visual reference and pick your colours with these images in mind. I love the variety and scope that can be achieved with a simple can of paint. See some examples of the spaces I have designed with these ideas in mind.

Colour and Money

October 29, 2013