9 ways to master primary colours in your home
Going back to basics can offer a fresh perspective. Primary colours – those cornerstone hues of the colour wheel – bring a timeless charm that’s hard to beat.
With their own vast ranges of shades, these classic colours work well on their own or in combinations, bringing a fresh, dynamic edge to any space, be it bathroom, bedroom or living room.
Rediscover yellow’s charm with its soft buttercup, golden sunflower and warm honey tones, bringing a vibrant mix of optimism and joy or explore different reds, ranging from fiery crimson to rich burgundy, offering energy and sophistication.
Meanwhile, blue – through soft sky blue, tranquil aqua and deep navy – provides a calming breath of fresh air.
Why not embrace their vibrant simplicity and see how they can transform your interiors? Read on for how to master every colour in your home...
Mellow yellow
Pair dusky yellows with similar pastel shades
Combine pale yellow hues with similar pastel shades to create a soft, cohesive look. For instance, yellow is the perfect backdrop against dusky pink in Sanderson’s newly recoloured Sommerville lilac and rose wallpaper. Team traditional wallpapers with fresh white cabinetry, rustic brick floors, marble and brass detailing to modernise.
Go for small doses of bright and bold yellow
Great for stimulating physical activity and mental alertness, yellow brings more to rooms than just uplifting colour. This makes yellow a strong colour option for kitchens and offices. Add a burst of sunshine without overwhelming the space – use a saturated yellow on lower cabinets with white walls at eye level. Pictured above is Gorse by Fenwick & Tilbrook.
Use the colour wheel as your guide
Primary colours can shine when used in smart combinations – especially yellow and blue, and blue and red. Keep each colour contained to an area in similarly weighted tones, perhaps with the addition of a secondary colour, such as green, (secondary colours are made from mixing together two primary colours).
Soft red
Disperse strong bursts of red across a room
An intense scarlet red is a bold choice, so use it strategically to avoid overwhelming the space. Balance its intensity by combining it with warm oranges and pinks to soften the effect. Introduce blue for contrast, and use patterns and varied placements to spread the colour evenly throughout the room to create a dynamic yet cohesive look.
Use a muted shade in small spaces for a cosy feel
Muted crimson, with cool undertones, is unashamedly classic and elegant (think 1920s speakeasy). Sumptuous on walls, its warmth intensifies in snug spaces but keep the ceiling painted white to stop the space from feeling oppressive. Black accents through the painted window frame and in the artwork amplify the drama creating a strong, graphic look.
If in doubt, pair with white
For a striking yet classic look, combine red with white. Graphic striped tiles add intensity and originality to this tried-and-tested palette. This encaustic design in chalky rhubarb stands out confidently in a mix of narrow and wide bands to reshape a bland room.
Moody blue
Colour drench your bedroom for an enveloping effect
Embrace mid shades of periwinkle and cornflower, enriched with undertones of grey and purple, as a sophisticated alternative to navy. Rich, relaxing and cocooning, it can be used on walls, ceilings, furniture and fabrics to colour-drench a bedroom that will look even more inviting in evening lamplight.
Counter deep, dark blues with brighter contrasting shades
When using a mid-blue on kitchen cabinets, choose contrasting lighter shades for splashbacks and walls to keep the room feeling light and airy. Combining warm and cool in equal measure creates a balanced and sophisticated scheme.
Build interest by layering different textures and patterns
Anchor your room with a deep indigo shade, whether through a sofa, wall colour or rug. Then, add layers of visual interest with accessories in the same core colour. Mix and match patterns; contrast a large-scale floral with a delicate ditsy print or combine classic stripes and ginghams for a timeless look.
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