Interior Design Color "Rules" Debunked

If you’ve been trying to understand how to choose the right color palette for your interiors and you understand the importance of color in interior design and think you’re breaking all the color rules, here is our interior design color scheme guide of 5 ways to correct your interior design color myths, once and for all. Whether they are true or not, every interior can be an exception to the design rules, right?

Myth: Neutral color palettes are for the unadventurous. Many homeowners believe that if they can't choose the right color scheme then settling for neutral colors is boring and lifeless. At JAC we adore monochromatic and tone on tone spaces with loads of texture. Start with warm golds, rich camel browns and buttery caramel colors then layer in nubby throw pillows and blankets and wall hangings. Or use the cooler color spectrums of grays and layer in tonal greiges to good effect. Use them in conjunction with black, and heather gray to put a new twist on neutral colors. 

Myth: every room should have a different color to show individuality Wait, what? Have you ever walked through a home that every room showcases a new color and by the time you walk through the entire home you feel like you’ve gone to the circus? Individuality in rooms doesn’t have to be as dramatic as finding an entirely different color, in fact choosing a coordinating palette of colors for the entire home at one time will help rooms flow together visually and won’t feel so jarring. remember that the colors actually need to have a flow of feeling and can beed into the next to achieve individuality and character but not a circus feel!
Myth: all white kitchens are stark and uninviting. At JAC, we think the opposite applies, that an all white kitchen feels clean and modern and fresh given the right materials are used in an interesting way. And even though white seems like it would be the most favoring color in the spectrum, it can often feel cold and uninviting if you don’t layer white with creams, off-whites or other warm finishes. Instead of shying away from white in your kitchen use it freely in your countertops, tile, and cabinet selections and pair with stainless steel, warm wood floors, and textiles that bring warmth to your white kitchen.
 
Myth: a room that uses all dark colors feels depressive. JAC urges you to remember many color rules are based on lighting and how much natural light is sourced into your interiors. Dark colors when used in small rooms or on accent walls, with very little natural light can cause a “cave effect.” To correct this consider using darker colors in rooms with plenty of windows and bring in lighter color trim, furniture, and flooring materials to balance out the dark colors. We love putting lighter color furnishings on darker floors, as the furniture, like a dining table and chairs for example, aways looks like its dancing! 
 Myth: Monochromatic colors CAN'T feel warm and welcoming, right? Many people think black and white when used together can create a high contrast interior that can often be jarring and uncomfortable. While this can be true it's not always, but if you are one of those persons that needs a tone on tone feel then use monochromatic colors with subtle patterns and and create a color blocked room of dark walls with dark furniture and only a few hints of white. Black is the new 'it" color these days to add dimension and highlight. Consider bringing in subtle neutrals such as tan and gray in small proportions to balance the monochromatic scheme. This will help keep your room relaxing.

TOP