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» Colour Psychology Series : Orange

Colour Psychology Series : Orange

Walls: White Heron OC-57, Accent Wall: Sunflower 2019-30, Chairs: Rumba Orange 2014-20

 
The perfect mood setter to create both calming and energising effects in the home.
Orange combines the cheerful optimism of yellow, alongside the vibrancy and strength of red. The result is a warm and inviting colour that can evoke feelings of happiness, positivity and energy. According to the room colour psychology, orange breeds creativity. As with yellow, it promotes a sense of cheerfulness and can be welcoming to visitors so works particularly well in the rooms we entertain and socialise, such as the living room or kitchen.

In recent years we've seen a trend towards the resurgence of retro styles gaining momentum, resulting in orange becoming a popular choice in our interior spaces. We don't see this popularity dwindling as many of us continue to explore elevated but grounded hues that have the power to inject both positivity and comfort in our homes. 

From the more bright and zesty tones, to the softer peaches, the colour orange will add a joyous element to any space and is versatile enough to combine with many other shades.

Whatever tone you choose, orange will provide decorating schemes with energy, and warmth.

Here are three ways to embrace the colour in your interior schemes. 
The full-on colour drench.
Though it's commonly used for accents, don't be scared of making it the main focal point. For the ultimate statement create an ultra-luxe, all-encompassing, floor to ceiling finish.

By using a single shade to cover the skirting, walls, ceiling and window frames you will create a feeling of grandeur with a bold look providing the perfect backdrop for your favourite furnishings and accessories. When it comes to styling, pair with pieces in contrasting colours to ensure natural breaks are present throughout the room. To finish your scheme, accessorise with complimentary hues creating a layering effect that will add depth and tie everything together in a way that's pleasing to the eye. 
Walls: Topaz 070
A light touch.
There are many ways you can add a touch of this vibrant shade to your everyday life without being too risky. When used with confidence in a carefully considered scheme, orange can make a room sing. Try thinking 'inside' the box as you might say - or more specifically inside drawers, cabinets and architectural details and other spaces you can integrate a little oomph into your room without changing the overall look and feel of a space.

A zesty shade of orange in an otherwise neutral area will instantly lift a room. For an easy weekend project add a pop of colour to the backs of shelves or above your oven to add interest to your space. 
Image 1 - Walls: Dove Wing 960, Cooker Hood: Sunset Boulevard 082, Light Fittings: Lemon Twist 394, Hannity Green 646, Feather Soft 1431
Image 2 - Shelving Wall: Orange Sky 2018-10, Walls: Vanilla Ice Cream OC-90
Whether it's a cosy alcove, a tucked-away corner, or a quirky architectural detail, painting these areas will bring them to life and add character to your home.

A hallway, particularly the area under the stairs, can often be the last thing we think about when it comes to decorating. However, these are the first spaces our guests see and link all the adjoining rooms within the home so shouldn't be forgotten. If the rest of the walls in the space are lighter opt for an orange that has red or brown undertones, this darker shade will add a captivating depth that then works to draw the eye to interesting architectural details. 
Under Stairs: Topaz 070, Walls: White Dove OC-17
Get Decorative.
With orange being one of the most optimistic and upbeat colours there is no better shade to have a little fun with.

For those who love straight lines and order, why not add a little playfulness to any geometric designs through the use of colour. Opting for shades such as Pan for Gold 181 - a gorgeous amber hue that sits almost directly between yellow and orange on the colour wheel - will offer a deep but joyful feel. Pair with a Palm Springs inspired palette of pinks and lime greens to create a stylish focal point with painted panels.

Plan out your panel outlines very faintly in pencil using a spirit level and masking tape before you start painting, taking furniture and wall fixtures into consideration. Using intersecting panels to frame wall fixtures and artwork is an elegant way to design a space. For a unique and individual look, continue the concept onto the ceiling or window recess.
Geometric Panels: Pan for Gold 181, Golden Gate 033, Glade Green 498
If you're striving to create a more relaxed and loose feeling, take cues from the playful styling of the 1970s. Be bold and apply freestyle curved stripes in a vintage palette. These softer curves will instantly create a more laid-back ambience with retro appeal.

For added depth in your decorating scheme, choose a rusty shade that's almost verging on brown and pair with complementary colours such as Maple Sugar 2160-30 - a warm mustard yellow with toffee undertones and Manilla 2158-50. These vintage inspired hues will add a touch of elegance to your design whilst also creating a warm and cosy feel, perfect for those shorter, colder evenings. 
Feature wall (top to bottom): Spring Thaw 1508, Manila 2158-50, Maple Sugar 2160-30, Rust 2175-30
Alongside the many positive attributes orange can instil in the home, the colours true beauty is that it can be embraced in many different ways and work all year round taking you from season to season with an energising ease.
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