Tips for creating a colourful but calm home

Since working with clients to help them make décor decisions, I’ve found a lot of people are nervous about adding colour in case it makes their homes feel chaotic.  Colour definitely adds personality but I think a room can still feel calm if you do the following things:

•  Make sure there is some ‘colour cohesion’ – i.e. don’t throw too many colours in the mix!  Stick to 2-3 core colours and use these colours across your room (or even throughout your home) so things connect together and flow

• Less is more! Sometimes the chaos isn’t from the use of colour as such but it’s because there’s a lot of ‘stuff’ around.  I am definitely guilty of this!  De-clutter and / or improve your storage and in doing so, you home will look and feel calmer

• Tone & balance colour use. Try and balance the number of really loud / bold colours with softer ones.  If everything is bright and bold your home will feel intense.  I personally still like to use plenty of white/ cream / beige(!) / neutral shades.  For example, if you have colour walls, go for white bedding with a couple of colour cushions or vice versa