We tell you how to choose colors for a bright interior and arrange a beautiful design in different styles.
In interior design, colors play a key role. The selected shades not only create an atmosphere but also affect the emotional state of the residents. And yet – they can visually change the feeling of space, make it larger or smaller, and adjust the proportions. In this article, we will tell you how to decorate the interior of an apartment in bright colors – a universal solution for any area and style.
Advantages and disadvantages
Even though the color scheme is a matter of taste, there are reasons why interiors in light colors are so popular.
Pros
- Versatility. Among the variety of light colors, you can find the perfect palette for any interior style, whether classic or minimalist. Even in the design of a loft, gray, beige, and white can prevail – especially if it is a stylization in a small typical apartment. And in some areas, the basic tones are the basis at all: for example, in Scandinavian or eco. That is why developers design apartments with ready-made finishes, mainly in gray-white-beige tones.
- Optical effect. One of the main advantages of white, light gray, and similar shades is the effect they have in space. The room immediately fills with air, it seems larger than it is, the ceilings are higher. And if you add mirrors and other translucent elements, then even a room with small windows will look much brighter. Properly using colors, ornaments, and textures, you can make the tiniest room visually twice as large. This is actively used by the owners of studios and small spaces.
- Ease of design. White, gray, beige, and light brown are universal basic shades that go well with other colors. Therefore, with them, it is easier to independently assemble a palette that will look harmonious. A win-win technique is neutral finishes, calm furniture, and bright local accents (for example, textiles or decor), with which you can change the mood of the entire room and quickly update the interior.
- Availability. Most often, it is easier to find certain home and renovation products in a light design than in a dark or multi-colored one. In some segments, this is especially noticeable: for example, the range of black and even more colored plumbing is less than classic white, and such models often cost more.
There are very few arguments against light design.
Cons
- Facelessness. The main complaint about the neutral palette is too flat and hackneyed. But what makes the design interesting is not the color of the finish or furniture, but the thoughtful details. Not always bright wallpapers or dark walls look advantageous, and white ones are boring or sterile in a hospital way. Use accessories, beautiful furniture, unusual planning, and decoration ideas – they will make the interior truly memorable. In addition, not always the apartment should clearly reflect the character of the owners. For example, if you’re renting out a property, a versatile design is better than an experimental or overly colorful design.
- Impracticality. It seems to many that white furniture or light gray walls are incompatible with real life and look beautiful only in the picture. But in fact, the ease of cleaning and the freshness of the interior do not depend on specific colors, but on well-chosen materials, high-quality finishes, and furniture. Moreover, on dark surfaces, dirt and fingerprints are even more visible, especially if it is, for example, matte kitchen facades or a black bathroom sink.
Color spectrum
The design of a room in light colors can be different: from completely white to monochrome beige or multi-colored pastel. The easiest way to work is with neutral base shades that blend well with each other and with any other colors.
These include:
- White is the most versatile color that can be paired with just about anything. Visually enlarges the space, emphasizes the beauty of other tones and textures, and does not distract attention from the furniture, decor, and art on the walls. Most often used in decoration, but if you like spectacular design techniques, you can, for example, put a white sofa in the living room. An ivory set will decorate both a small Scandinavian and a spacious classic kitchen. And the white bedroom will set you up for rest in the evening and invigorate in the morning.
- Gray is the second achromat that can be safely combined with any color. The main thing is to choose the right temperature. For example, if the second base color in the palette is beige, use a warm tone of gray so that there is no dissonance. And, for example, snow-white or pastel blue can be supplemented with colder variations.
- Beige – despite the stereotypes, it still remains at the top of the most popular. The right shade on the right texture will give a stunning effect: the space will look beautiful and cozy even in a monochrome palette. And so that the beige does not look too monotonous, refresh it with white and add some dark accents.
Ideas for different styles
Modern apartment design in bright colors
Unlike the classical trends, the modern interior is not built according to clear canons. There are no strict requirements for colors.
However, the general philosophy of the style suggests open spaces filled with light and air and a calm palette based on natural shades. In the design of the apartment, you can use any color:
- White.
- Pearl.
- Cream.
- Ivory.
- A hint of cappuccino.
- Light grey.
- Pastel colors, etc.
The main thing is to avoid too active and acidic tones. The color scheme should be soft, pleasing to the eye. For bright accents, choose slightly dusty shades: for example, peach or rose quartz instead of fuchsia. To prevent the room from looking too pale and monotonous, dilute the basic palette with local dark details: fittings, small decor, skirting boards, etc. They will shade delicate shades and add dynamics to the interior.
Minimalism
Visually, minimalism is similar to contemporary but involves more restraint in design and some asceticism.
There should not be anything superfluous in the apartment, the emphasis is primarily on textures, and not on the brightness of the palette. Neutral colors are suitable as a base: white, variations of gray, and beige. Often, minimalist interiors are made monochrome, using different shades of the same color. To prevent this design from looking too simple, use textured materials: wood, natural and artificial stone, glass, brick, concrete, leather, and various fabrics.
Scandinavian
A similar palette is the basis of the Scandinavian style because it appeared in the northern countries, where there is little sun.
The classic color scheme for Scandi is based on a combination of three achromats: white, gray, and black. The first should be the most, and the last only places accents. Beige is also often used (especially on the texture of wood), and pastel or darker tones can be used for spot color blotches. The space should look restrained and even a little ascetic, and natural materials add comfort, as in the photo below.
Eco
The whole essence of eco-style is reflected in the name. The priority is the maximum environmental friendliness of the design.
This applies not only to the choice of materials but also to the visual design. The space should be simply cozy, and warm and reflect the connection with nature. Natural warm tones are best suited for this role: sand, straw, white, mint, coffee, mouse gray, and quartz. They can be diluted with natural shades of green, sky blue or cornflower blue, brown, or terracotta.
A simple life hack for choosing a palette is to take as a basis any natural landscape that you like: mountains, a flower field, a beach, dunes, or a forest edge. The surface also matters: instead of an unnatural gloss, it is better to choose matte (or at least semi-matte) textures that are characteristic of nature.
Classic and neoclassic
In a completely different way, light colors are revealed in classical directions: in combination with expensive high-quality materials, they look very smart.
The main association with classics is elegance. Use deep natural shades (mainly in the warm spectrum) and combine them with noble materials. Gloss and shine are appropriate here: for example, mother-of-pearl finishes can be complemented with gold elements, crystal, glass, and marble surfaces. Mirrors in large frames and pendant lamps of complex shapes will look good in the bathroom and hallway.
For the classic style in its purest form, shades of white and beige are most often used, but in neoclassical styles, variations of gray and muted pastel colors are popular: from dusty pink to pale blue.
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