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What colors go with what interior design?

Published in Interior Design Color 3 mins read

It's not possible to provide a definitive, one-to-one mapping of colors to specific interior design styles because color choices are incredibly subjective and depend heavily on personal preference, the specific space, lighting, and the desired mood. However, we can explore common color palettes associated with different design styles. Keep in mind that these are guidelines, not strict rules.

Understanding Color Palettes for Interior Design

Color palettes are crucial for creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing interior. They typically consist of a dominant color, secondary colors, and accent colors. Here are some examples of color palettes often associated with various interior design styles:

1. Modern

  • General Feel: Clean, minimalist, sophisticated.
  • Common Colors:
    • Neutrals: Grays, whites, blacks, beiges.
    • Accent Colors: Bold primary colors (red, blue, yellow), metallics (chrome, silver).
  • Example: A living room with gray walls, a white sofa, black accents, and a pop of red in the artwork.

2. Scandinavian

  • General Feel: Light, airy, natural, cozy.
  • Common Colors:
    • Neutrals: Whites, light grays, light beiges.
    • Accents: Soft blues, greens, pinks, natural wood tones.
  • Example: A bedroom with white walls, light wood flooring, a gray bedspread, and pale blue cushions.

3. Bohemian (Boho)

  • General Feel: Eclectic, vibrant, relaxed, artistic.
  • Common Colors:
    • Rich, saturated colors: Reds, oranges, yellows, browns, greens, purples.
    • Neutrals: Warm whites, creams, tans.
  • Example: A living room with a patterned rug in reds and oranges, a velvet sofa in emerald green, and walls painted in a warm beige.

4. Traditional

  • General Feel: Formal, elegant, classic, comfortable.
  • Common Colors:
    • Rich, warm colors: Reds, golds, browns, greens.
    • Neutrals: Creams, beiges, ivories.
  • Example: A dining room with dark wood furniture, red patterned wallpaper, and gold accents.

5. Coastal

  • General Feel: Relaxed, airy, beachy, serene.
  • Common Colors:
    • Blues: Light blues, navy blues, aquas.
    • Neutrals: Whites, creams, sands.
    • Accents: Coral, seafoam green, natural wood tones.
  • Example: A bedroom with white walls, a light blue bedspread, and accents of natural seashells and driftwood.

6. Farmhouse

  • General Feel: Rustic, cozy, charming, comfortable.
  • Common Colors:
    • Neutrals: Whites, creams, grays.
    • Accents: Soft blues, greens, yellows, natural wood tones, black.
  • Example: A kitchen with white cabinets, a farmhouse sink, and a butcher block countertop.

7. Mid-Century Modern

  • General Feel: Retro, sleek, functional, stylish.
  • Common Colors:
    • Earthy tones: Browns, oranges, yellows, greens.
    • Neutrals: Grays, whites.
    • Accents: Mustard yellow, teal, avocado green.
  • Example: A living room with a walnut coffee table, a mustard yellow armchair, and gray walls.

Tips for Choosing Colors:

  • Consider the lighting: Natural and artificial light can significantly affect how colors appear.
  • Think about the mood: Different colors evoke different emotions.
  • Start with a focal point: Choose a color for a rug, artwork, or piece of furniture and build your palette around it.
  • Use a color wheel: Understand color relationships (complementary, analogous, etc.) to create harmonious palettes.
  • Test colors: Paint samples on your walls and observe them at different times of the day.

Ultimately, the best colors for your interior design are the ones you love and that create a space you enjoy being in. Don't be afraid to experiment and break the "rules"!

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