Color pallets for interior spaces are always a hot topic. Many homeowners have commented that they choose to follow either a warm or cool palette of colors for their home…
Today though, I’m here to dispel and argue against this common misconception about interior color pallets. Warm versus cool colors is actually the yin and yang of interior design.
While it absolutely is possible to create a fabulous interior scheme with either a warm or cool palette depending on your personal preference, you don’t have to commit to either if you really don’t want to! You can create a really beautiful space by combining both as it will feel much more balanced and wholesome.
So you’re probably wondering, “OK that’s great and all, but how can I use both warm and cool tones together to create a great-looking space?”
Here are my top tips for creating a beautiful interior that combines both warm and cool tones.
Don’t Start with A Paint Color
No – seriously! Stick with me on this one – starting with a paint color can tie you down too much and too soon. The paint color you choose is a relatively easy decision to make when you compare it to a new sofa, armchair, or area rug and the costs associated with these items.
For that reason, the paint color should be the last thing selected for your interior space. You can then make a call as to whether you want (or need) to warm the space up or cool it down.
While this space may look warm and inviting, the paint color cools it down! It is a real mix of both warm and cool tones and it works beautifully. By choosing the larger furniture pieces first, you can choose a paint color that brings all of those elements together.
Start with the Bigger Pieces
Following on from the above, you should start with the main pieces of furniture and accessories. We’re talking about the sofa, accent chairs, dining table and chairs, and area rugs.
Choose the big furniture pieces that you absolutely love. I can’t stress this point enough! You’ll have to live with these pieces of furniture for far longer than your paint color choice so focus on choosing the styles and fabric color that you really love, and will continue to love for years to come.
Warm vs. Cool
While there is an interior design trend circulating that predominantly gray interiors are out and brown/beige interiors are in, there is a place for each of these types of spaces, irrespective of interior design trends at that moment.
Warm colors and pallets include wood and timber accents, orange and yellow colors, olive green, burgundy, or dark tones of red, brown, beige, and cream. Generally, warm colors and materials will have undertones of red – this is what makes them appear warmer than other “cooler” tones or colors.
Cool colors and pallets often include shades of blue and purple, pinks and violets, black, and white. Generally, cool colors will have undertones of blue to them and will appear colder than those with red undertones.
This is why you often hear the terms “that’s a warm gray” or “that’s a cold gray” because of the different undertones to the color. Because gray can be either warm or cool, you shouldn’t tie yourself down too quickly with either pallet.
Mixing warm and cool colors in an interior helps to create a well-balanced space while injecting some color and personality. Take this example… The wood accents (floor and table) help to warm the space up while the blues used to add a coolness to the space. A great mix of using warm and cool tones!
Finalizing a Space
So you’ve chosen your big furniture pieces, an accent chair, and an area rug… The only thing left to do is to bring it all together! You can do this through a paint color for the walls and any additional accessories, such as decorative pillows and blanket throws.
Choose a paint color that will work with your bigger pieces. Do you want to warm things up or take them down a notch? Choose a color that will bring all of these pieces together and then accessorize with complementary items.
And remember – whichever paint color you choose for your space – it will be easier to update than a more expensive furniture item like your sectional sofa!
Don’t be afraid of mixing warm and cool tones in your interior, and you shouldn’t commit to either a warm or cool color palette. Instead, focus on creating a well-balanced space with a combination of both warm and cool tones.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about how you can successfully mix warm and cool colors in your interior space! Have you mixed warm and cool tones in your home? What are your thoughts on mixing these colors? I’d love to hear them in the comments section below! And don’t be afraid to reach out if you need any additional interior design help!