The basics are essential. Selecting the best colour for your room and getting the lighting right will transform an average room.
Colour scheme options
Tonal schemes - a single colour in various tones. Look at paint colour charts - any colours on one chart will be tones of the same colour and will complement each other. This creates a soothing, simple colour scheme.
Harmonious schemes - using colours next to or close to each other on the colour wheel. The colours work well together and allow for a little more experimentation.
Contrasting or complementary schemes - using colours on opposite sides of the colour wheel will add drama to your room. Always ensure that one colour dominates, the other colour is your 'accent' colour.
If you're decorating a small room then make a feature of one wall or chimney breast by painting it a rich darker colour and lighter colours on the other walls.
Colours - pink and green shades work well with blue. Try warming up blue with yellow and orange for a lively look. Chocolate, burgundy and olive colours work well with natural or stained wood or leather furniture.
The 60:30:10 rule
Choose your colour scheme to appear in the following proportions: 60%, 30% and 10%. For example your walls and floor might be cream (60%), your sofas/seating might be terracotta (30%) and a few cushions and accessories might be pale blue (10%).Use cushions and other accessories to pick out a colour from the overall scheme to accent it, they don't have to be an exact colour match, in fact tones can work better as the overall look won't be too contrived.
Each room should have a focal point. Don't dismiss the floor as a potential. A brightly coloured floor works wonders in a room with simple/neutral colours.
Getting the lighting right
- Decide on your 'ambient' lighting first - a central pendant light (or wall lights if you prefer).
- Chose areas which you would like to pick out with lighting eg features in the room or particular items.
- Add task lighting for areas where you might be reading or working.
- Add light to areas which seem dark e.g. an extra table light or floor light.
- Dark woods soak up light so don't have too many cupped together.
- If the room is dark, then try building the exterior wall with glass bricks to let light in.
Design tips and tricks
If your room is dark use pale, neutral tones to create a feeling of space.
If your room is long and narrow painting an end wall a dark colour can shorten the room and make it feel less 'corridor-like'.
If your room is small, a dark floor and pale walls will make the room seem bigger.
If your room is big, place big pieces of furniture in it to make it feel more cosy. Using small pieces of furniture can make the room feel even bigger.
If your ceilings are very high painting them a dark colour will lower them. You can also use deep skirting boards and dado rails to create the feeling of a lower ceiling.
If your ceilings are low use light colours on the floors and ceilings to create the feeling of space. Stripes (in the curtains or furniture) can also add height to a room with low ceilings.
To highlight tall windows or unusual features in a window don't have curtains but use plain blinds instead.
It's easy to get carried away when you're in a homes interior shop. Only buy something if you love it.
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