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Breathe and relax - soothing colour pairings for restful living
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With Christmas behind us and the decorations down, there's no denying our interiors can look a little lacklustre and in need of a refresh.
For many of us, January is the time we shift our focus from the holidays to our own well-being - a time we seek tranquillity and welcome a more calming environment into our homes. Colours can have a profound effect on us both mentally and physically. Colour therapy, in fact, is becoming an increasingly popular practice of using colour to stimulate positive emotion and improve mental health.
Applying paint is one of the quickest and easiest ways to encourage this 'reset'. But where do we start? And which colours and combinations will work hardest to help build spaces that calm and restore us?
Here, we discuss how to create serene homes that counter the chaos of our lives.
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Harnessing the soothing powers of pastels in the bedroom�
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The bedroom is a place we want to feel cossetted and safe, a peaceful sanctuary we use to decompress at night and wake feeling refreshed.
In the world of interiors, where bold and bright colours often take centre stage, there exists a tranquil alternative - soft pastel hues. Their calming qualities have a soothing effect on the eyes and the mind and enhance the feeling of harmony. Their soft, muted hues offer limitless possibilities for colour coordinating.
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Pinks and greens go hand in hand. They work beautifully together to create soft and delicate interiors.
This complementary paint duo is more harmonious than the contrasting combination of green and red which can feel harsh. Pink and green, on the other hand, maintain a sense of tranquillity whilst still elevating a space.
There are many ways in which to create interplay between the shades yet keep the overall scheme sleek and ordered. Combining lighter ice cream hues will feel soft and subtle but also deliver a fresh and optimistic look.
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If you're looking to inject a sharper splash of colour, pair a peachy orange with a shade of mint green such as Adam Green 2037-40. Highlight architectural features such as picture rails to add an element of interest without disrupting the ambience.
Accessorising with light, natural materials and curved elements will keep an element of softness to the design.
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Creating a calming sanctuary in your living space...
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Living areas are spaces we relax in with family and friends. On average, we spend 20% of our time in these rooms so they have a huge impact on our overall mindset.
Understated and refined, the 'quiet luxe' trend continues to be popular as we head into 2024. It's a look that is understated yet sophisticated, subtle but never boring. A contemporary style that is the definition of the 'less is more' ethos.
In a living room, pair warm neutrals such as cream, beige and white to create an effortlessly chic space that is luxurious in design without feeling ostentatious. Add depth by integrating layers of mixed materials such as dark woods, marble and tactile boucl� textiles.
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Take inspiration from wellness spaces as their design is centred around promoting health and harmony. Often, you'll see these spaces use greens, due to their association with growth and renewal, combined with whites, to create a fresh and clean atmosphere.
In the home, pair these colours with organic accessories such as rattan and linen alongside elements of biophilia. Incorporating plants and maximising natural light by keeping window areas open will have a positive impact as both activities support physical health and psychological well-being.
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Although paler and more gentle hues are synonymous with relaxation, don't disregard darker shades. Earthy colours, such as browns, reflect less light and therefore make a room feel restful and nurturing.
A rich burgundy paired with dark brown woods or accents will bring a rustic warmth to any room. Soften the look by incorporating natural materials such as ceramic clay vases and textured fabrics.
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The perfect entrance for peaceful living
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Whether it's a grand entrance or a modest hall, the transitional spaces in your home deserve as much care and attention in their design as any other room. These are the spaces that set the tone as guests arrive.
Pick shades that marry well with the connecting rooms to create a seamless and considered flow between spaces.
Often known as the 'new neutral', plaster pink flatters any area and works perfectly as a blank canvas. A soft, dusky rose alongside a grey-green will create a sophisticated, elegant atmosphere. Playing with finishes can elevate the look. A chalky matt finish next to a gloss wall, rather than woodwork, is a simple way of delivering an eye-catching look with minimal effort.
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A tonal or monochromatic scheme uses varying shades of the same colour to create slight contrast whilst still creating a sense of simplicity. This uniformity is incredibly easy to live with.
Always consider the undertones of the colour pairings. As a rule of thumb, cool undertones offer a soothing space that work particularly well in areas that receive more natural light, whereby warm undertones will instil a cosy, welcoming feel.
For a calming environment we suggest you pick colours that have the same undertones to provide a harmonious feel.
A beautiful combination is to combine a dark chocolate brown with hints of red alongside a rosy taupe. These two shades will blend effortlessly to provide a reassuring and restful environment.
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