Making bold color choices in design can be fun and at the same time intimidating. There are so many to choose from. With different undertones and which color goes with which it can be a bit stressful. On top of that how and where to use them.
So I’ve narrowed down few of my go to color choices that look both bold and beautiful and at the same time keeping the lived in cozy aesthetic.
1.Dark Blues especially dark navy and cobalt blues
Blue color has a certain sophistication and calming feel to it. If used in the proper way it can look really cozy and at the same time glam. Use it in bedrooms, kitchen cabinets, living and dining room as accents. If you do not wish to paint a whole room in blue, try it in pillows, rugs, vases; there are endless options.
My favorite dark blue is:
In the navy from Sherwin Williams
In the Navy from Sherwin Williams is a blue color with an LRV of 3.84 which makes it quite a dark blue which can look almost black in a dark space. It has a slight green and gray undertone. I personally like to pair it with Pure White from Sherwin Williams. It can be used both interior and exterior. Favorite choices are in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, paneling and moldings. Would look equally dramatic in color drenching.
2.Warm grays
If you’re thinking gray is out of trend, think twice. Nothing goes out of style if it’s your style. It’s one of those neutrals that would always look chic, elegant and timeless and when paired with the right accessories and finishes, it won’t look dreary or boring, instead it can give the most stunning interiors.
My go to gray shades are:
Peppery from Behr – It is such a beautiful color; elegant, sophisticated. it comes from gray color family with serious brown undertones. With an LRV of 10 it’s a quite dark color which would add so much depth to the space. Depending upon the direction of the room it can look different. My favorite ways to use it is in a home office, built-ins, kitchen cabinets especially in a two tone one, trims and moldings.
Urbane bronze by Sherwin Williams– it’s a gorgeous griege color with brown and green undertones. In spaces with low light, it can look almost black. It goes really well with warm metals, woods, natural stone like marble (light), white trims. My favorite ways to use it to paint the whole room to create boldness and drama. Or doors, trims, kitchen, bathroom, furniture pieces like this one.
3.Earthy dark greens
There is something about those earthy green colors that always grabs my attention. What I like most about these greens….it’s like bringing a little nature inside, gives a fresh and cozy look yet maintaining the chic essence.
Couple of my favorites:
Rosemary from Sherwin Williams – With an LRV of 14, it is quite a dark shade. It has a gray undertone and pairs well with warm white, brown and wood tones. Different light situations brings out the different undertones of this shade.
Its a favorite choice for built-ins or kitchen cabinets but I don’t mind painting a whole room (color drenching) for an earthy and organic neutral vibe.
Black bamboo from Behr – It’s a dark green that looks great in modern style and also timeless. it has gray undertone making it a very sophisticated interior and exterior color choice. I like to use it with white paint, wooden accents and other sagey green and grays. Using it in a monochromatic scheme would look really dramatic.
4.Reds and orange
Firstly, red is not for a faint-hearted person. It’s a bold, energetic at the same time quite dramatic color choice. In interior design it’s often used by toning it down a few notches. Think of it like adding a little black to a bright red saturated tone and the color you get. It adds opulence and character to any space.
Some of my favorites:
Rock wood red from Sherwin Wiliams – with LRV less than 5 (4.84) it’s quite a dark shade. With warm red undertones it’s a great choice for living rooms, kitchen, exterior moldings. It makes even a bigger space look so much more inviting and cozier.
Eating room red from Farrow and Ball – it’s a rich warm deep burgundy. As the name suggests, it looks really elegant and chic in a dining room. My favorite place to add is in a study, kitchen cabinets for that extra drama and in accent areas in the living room.
Sierra Redwood by Sherwin Williams – It is a beautiful rich terracotta color with an earthy undertone and LRV of 12 which makes it quite a dark shade, great for exterior, accent wall, trims and furniture pieces in interior. Looks great with dark blues, warm whites and grays
Different ways to use bold colors in your home:
Color drenching -if you want to go total bold. I love this idea as it brings so much warmth and elegance and in a certain way easy to do.
Accent wall – if you want the color but do not want to be overwhelmed with it, doing an accent wall is a great idea. Just pick your favorite color and choose the other colors and textures that goes well with it.
Painted furniture – If painting your walls is not your favorite, try to incorporate painted furniture pieces. You would be surprised how a little effort can bring such a change to your interior.
Pillows and accessories– I get it you don’t want to paint the walls or furniture but still like to get a little hint of color here and there, try it in accessories and pillows. The easiest and most convenient way, you can change whenever you want.
So as you can see adding color is much easier than it looks and it don’t have to daunting. And if you want additional help book an appointment.