1. CHOOSE SOFT, PALE COLORS FOR A CALM SCHEME
Soft, pale colors are most people's first choices for calming color schemes, and for good reason. Easy on the eye and creating a restful backdrop for everyday living, pale blues and soft greens are classic shades that work well in calming color schemes, typically as part of cool color schemes. For schemes with a little more warmth, the gentlest hints of yellows might fit the bill.
2. USE WHITE AND CREAM, BUT ADD TEXTURE TOO
White and cream might not seem the most imaginative options, but they are the most universally popular choices for calming color schemes. Keeping to an all-white or all-cream palette will be effective in creating a relaxing, uncluttered space free of visual 'noise', but it's important to make sure it doesn't feel too empty and one-dimensional.
3. TRY BLUSH OR CORAL FOR A WARMER SCHEME
There's no reason why some warm color schemes can't also double up as calming color schemes. Designer Liz Williams is a big fan of the warmer pastel shades and suggests pairing soft pinks or pale purples with white and soft neutrals to create a calm environment with colorful character. Lathem Gordon and Cate Dunning say, 'We typically avoid warm colors when seeking calm, but a light coral or blush really does bring a sense of calm and cozy into a space.'
4. REFLECT NATURE'S CALMING SHADES OF GREEN
We've already looked at calming pale green paint ideas above, but since greens of all hues are having a moment right now, it's worth knowing that darker shades have a restful effect too. 'Green can be very calming,' agrees Juliette Spencer. 'It dosn't have to just be on the walls, but green can be bought in through furniture, textiles and rugs for a vey calming room.'
5. TRY DARKER SHADES FOR A COZY TWIST ON CALM
This may seem counterintuitive, but dark colors can also create calming color schemes. If you want a more cocooning style of room, rather than a wide, open light space, then dark living room ideas might be right for you. Interior designer Heather Hilliard favors this approach and says: 'I find that enveloping a room in a dark, moody shade – painting the trimming, walls and any built-ins the same shade – can create a sense of calm and coziness.'
6. AVOID THESE SHADES IN CALM SCHEMES
Having discussed the shades that work well for calming color schemes, what about the colors to avoid? The designers we spoke to were unanimous. If you want to create a haven of calm and tranquility, then steer clear of vibrant brights at the hotter side of the color wheel. 'The colors to avoid are red and orange,' says Juliette Spencer. 'They're very fiery colors, so while they can make you feel courageous and create positive feelings, calming is not one of them.'