If you want to change the ambiance of a room, changing the color is one of the most effective ways to go about it. Color alone does not create mood. Rather the atmosphere of a room depends on a number of factors, including the furnishings, lighting and the contours of the space. Color schemes can not simply be imposed on an existing room and architectural style may also need taking into account.
Decorative styles and color often go hand in hand. Modernist minimalism demands neutral color schemes to accompany un-fussy lines and forms. Tuscan interiors are textured and informal, and unsuited to colors that are too pale or too sharp. Though some decorative styles go with any color scheme, a mismatch can interfere with your attempt to evoke a particular mood.
Your furniture and decor style may give you inspiration for an appropriate color scheme. Taking your lead from your room instead of trying to make a room fit a color scheme is the sensible route. That doesn't mean you have to be timid, but breaking the rules of good interior design can produce a jarring effect that is antithetical to ambiance. A color wheel can help you choose contrasting and complementary colors.
Which Mood?
If you are intent on creating a certain mood, first ask yourself if the room and the furnishings will support it. If not, you may need to refurbish. If your furniture is stylistically reasonably neutral, you will be able to utilize most color schemes to create the mood you want.
Colors and Atmosphere
Pastels and Neutral Colors:
These colors are useful to create a sense of space and calm. Neutral colors help create a sophisticated modern look and will go with many different decor styles.
Primary Colors:
Bright basic colors can complement a contemporary room as well as adding cheerful accents to a room featuring cottage furniture. The mood is casual and informal.
Rich and Deep Colors:
Deep reds, greens and purples go well with antique decor schemes and dark woods. Their opulence can create a sensual effect that may be ideal for the bedroom.
Earthy Colors:
Versatile earthy colors can be warm and sunny or deep and moody. Both can usefully contribute to establishing the ambiance in a master bedroom.
Blue and White:
This is a simple, cool and timeless color scheme that has rustic and traditional overtones rather than evoking the passion of the boudoir.
Black and White:
Black and white is a bold, high contrast color scheme that goes well with contemporary furnishings and strikes a sophisticated note.
Browns and Burgundies:
Traditional master bedrooms are often frilly and feminine, perhaps with a 'boudoir' look. Deep, dark colors can create a more neutral or masculine atmosphere and an elegant feel.
Lighting, Color and Mood
Light, both natural and artificial, can powerfully affect color and therefore atmosphere. Different types of light can intensify colors or bleach the life from them. Always bear in mind that a cold room may demand warmer hues of your chosen color and vice versa. Getting color values right is essential in creating mood.
You can make dramatic changes to the atmosphere of a room with soft and hard lighting, and colored lights can completely transform the ambiance. With soft lighting you can even have a master bedroom that is neutral by day but warm and glowing at night.
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