Color Schemes
Archive for the ‘Color Schemes’ Category
What Do You Think of Black and White Interiors?
There is something so crisp and clean about black and white interiors. The simplicity and contrast using both ends of the color spectrum are used over and over in interior decorating and design. It’s a classic look that remains timeless and that’s why we love it so much. Here are some of our favorite interior photos using black and white…
Black and White in the Dining Room
Black and White Transitional Dining Room
Typically people are apprehensive when it comes to painting walls black, however, with the contrast of a white ceiling, drapery panels, artwork and furniture, it brightens up the space and makes this dining room feel spacious and dramatic. Don’t be afraid to go dark on the walls, but just remember, you need to contrast the room with lighter colors so that your room doesn’t turn out too dark.
In Kitchen Design
Black and White Modern Kitchen Design
This modern kitchen also incorporates a bit of gray which softens the stark contrast of black and white interiors. If you want to add a pop of color to your black and white interiors, try adding yellow or red. In this kitchen, a simple bowl of lemons adds a pop of color to the room and gives the room a fresh look.
Black and White in Bedroom Design
Black and White Bedroom Design
This black and white bedroom design adds warmth by using a mid-range taupe wall color. Painting the fireplace accent wall in black creates a focal point in the room. Again, notice the fireplace and art are white so they contrast the black wall. For a lighter feel, a white upholstered bed would lighten the room, but a dark room always creates a cozy and relaxing place to sleep.
In the Living Room
Black and White Interiors – Living Room Design
The use of black and white in this living room interior creates a light feel since the use of black is used more sparingly. It’s also a room that has a lot of natural light with the large windows. Adding accents of black in the drapery trim and pillows, it keeps the space open and airy. The use of geometric patterns in the pillows and rug also gives the room a bold and interesting look.
Have you just completed a project using black and white? Let us know what you think of black and white interior decorating and if you’d use this color scheme in your home. We’d love to see what you’re working on using this color combination. Please feel free to share your design photos and add any suggestions that you like to use in your black and white interiors.
In case a thorough or partial living room makeover is on your list of changes for this year (and it definitely should be), you will have to make quite a few tough choices and decisions soon. But what if you are still uncertain as to what and how to modify your living room to make it more appealing? Fret not – we have five suggestions here on how to spruce up your living room décor and turn your family’s favorite room into a place of relaxation, style and comfort.
1. Define your Living Room with an Area Rug
If your living room floors are bare or you have old, shabby carpeting that has lost its appeal, add an area rug to freshen up the ambiance and organize the space into visually separate units. A carefully selected area rug will freshen up the room far more efficiently than a handful of colorful accessories – and the best thing is, you can use it even if you have wall-to-wall carpeting. Depending on the room color scheme, you can buy a tasteful monochromatic mat in a light tone that will instantly brighten up the atmosphere. If you want to add visual interest and liven up plain décor, however, pick an area rug with a geometrical print with shapes in contrasting tones.
Area Rugs Create Softness and Frame Furniture
2. Add Style with Modern Window Blinds
Another easy trick to revamp your living room look, modern window blinds will add a note of style to your décor while at the same time keeping out intense sunlight and nosy parkers. On top of boosting privacy and creating a snug atmosphere, contemporary shades and blinds are much easier to maintain and they also have a longer lifespan than regular curtains and drapes. In case you are not sure as to which type would go best with your room look (e.g. Venetian blinds, Roman shades, vertical or horizontal blinds), you can find discount blinds online and pick window shades that complement your room in terms of colour, texture and furnishing materials.
Add Modern Roman Shades or Blinds
3. Add Something Living
A popular 2015 décor trend likely to hang around in the year to come, use of living elements such as potted plants, terrariums, flowers and herbs will add a fresh note to your living room. On top of its stylistic features, plants are also an extremely healthy addition to any indoor area as they release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, thus improving the quality of the air you breathe and boosting your focus and mental capacities.
Add Plants to your Room
4. Use Art to Create a Focal Point in the Room
Transform a plain wall into a focal point in the room by decking it with artistic details such as paintings, vintage mirrors or inspiring photos. Accent walls offer an affordable and easy way to add visual interest to your living room, and they also allow you to be creative and add a personal touch to your space.
Add Interest to your Walls by Grouping Artwork
5. Improve Lighting
Make the year ahead a time of light and positivity by upgrading your living room lighting. You can do this by adding a chandelier to your shabby chic room, installing dimmer switches or getting a couple of vivid lampshades. When choosing new lamps, go after the ones with sturdy bases and colourful shades that will create a romantic ambiance and add vibrancy to the room.
If you feel like your home could use a change, you are probably right. Do not start the year to come with old décor – the biggest changes start off small. A living room makeover may be the easiest way to kick off 2016 with a fresh attitude to life.
Different Light Sources for Mood and Functionality
About the Author
Amy Mia Goldsmith is a literature graduate from Melbourne with a lot of different interests in life. She and her husband love DIY projects and design. You can also contact her at her Twitter account.
Images via Houzz
The Latest and Greatest Home Decor Trends
It can be difficult to keep up with the current home décor trends. The good news is that certain tendencies are timeless. Would you go for ageless styles over seasonal ones? Here are 10 home decor trends that will help you make the smartest choices for your home.
Wooden Wallpaper
In 2010, wooden wallpaper was in high demand. The pattern is both serene and alluring. Classic, symmetrical and simple, this décor idea will instantly transform a boring living room into a revolutionary space. The trend is ideal for people who want to give their homes a cottage-like feel.
Wood Like Wallpaper
Midcentury Starburst Mirrors
Starbursts mirrors are one of the most used home decor trends. They add a touch of vintage to a room but without making the space appear old-fashioned. There are numerous styles and designs you can go for. Even the simplest, most conventional model will transform a dull hallway into a beautiful environment.
Starburst Mirror
One of the Best Home Decor Trends are Butterflies
Butterflies are not just for kids’ bedrooms. This insect choice can fit into the most sophisticated dining rooms too. Nature-inspired décor items will never go out of style and one of the most popular home decor trends currently being used. There are so many chic ideas you can consider, such as butterfly paintings or 3D butterflies for the bedroom.
3D Butterfly Wall Design
Grouping of Butterfly Artwork
Real Butterflies in Frames is One of the Most Popular Home Decor Trends
Minimalistic Accents
Whether it’s 2010 or 2015, it’s never too late to abide by the principle “less is more”. Keep your living area’s design as simple as possible, and don’t overcrowd your shelves with all sorts of accessories. Stick with furniture elements that are proportional and thus your home will look organized and stylish.
Minimal Modern Dining Room Design
Accent Coloring
Colors that are in trend change from season to season. It’s always a good idea to spice things up in the home and insert color combos you’ve never had before. Instead of buying an orange couch or painting the walls in pastel blue, why don’t you consider accessories to add a pop of color? Throw pillows, new curtains made of the finest curtain fabric, rugs and flower pots are a better choice.
Functional Furniture
In a magazine every angular chair looks trendy and innovative. However, it is not comfortable and you probably won’t even use it; not to mention that in 6 months it won’t even be in trend anymore. The exact same thing goes for unconventional coffee tables, which are too delicate to be used. It’s ok to want to have a stylish living room, but you need items that are both appealing and functional.
Focus on Comfort
Comfort is a fundamental factor when purchasing furniture. If you are compelled to replace a couch just because it’s not relaxing, then that piece is not timeless. Make a smart investment and go for a couch that looks good, but feels good too.
Quality over Quantity
It’s nice to have plenty of shelves in the kitchen or living room, but that doesn’t mean you should fill them with all sorts of objects. Choose your accessories or art pieces with extreme care. Shop for less and focus on a nice simple collection of objects paired with books. This way your home will have a modern, chic allure rather than a chaotic look.
New Curtains
If you want to add freshness into your home but you don’t have a big budget, you can always change the curtains. Stick to timeless palettes of gray, black, white or red. These can have discreet patterns and prints too. It is equally important to select a good quality curtain fabric. This way they’ll last longer.
Add Curtains to Create Softness
Durability
Whenever we choose to redecorate our homes, it is important to consider elements that can stand the test of time. Focus on durable items that you can use over and over again, and avoid low quality items that scream kitsch. Shop wisely, invest in well made accessories, and your home will look trendy without forcing you to spend a fortune.
Do you think it’s time to give your home a makeover? Are you bored with the current décor? Using some of these home decor trends will add style to your interiors without breaking the bank. Seasonal flowers, rugs, linens and accessories are everything you need to transform a dull home into the chicest, most elegant environment.
By Alfred Stallion and VanessaArbuthnott.co.uk
10 Stylish Home Decor Trends and New Decorating Trends for 2016
4 Summer Decor Tips to Give your Interiors a Fresh Look
Hello Christopher James Interiors readers. My name is Edward and I am excited to be guest blogging for you all today. Now that summer is finally here it’s time to let the warm summer air in. Spring is behind us, so why not let the bright friendly vestiges of summer enter your home? When you’re decorating for summer, you’ll want to keep a few details in mind to achieve a fresh look for your DIY summer decor.
Add Color to Your Summer Decor Interiors
It’s all about color…pale blues, whites, greens and vibrant colors. Since you can’t go repainting your house multiple times per year, an easy way to influence the general color scheme for the season is to go with neutral colors in your furniture and walls, and to accent it variably depending on the season. Or if you’re bold enough, just go for it and paint your walls a bright color like the brightly painted orange living room below. I like to hang up summertime artwork with bright framed art prints, or do something as easily as switching out decorative pillows on my couch, using a pale green table cloth, or hanging up lighter linen summer curtains.
Vibrant Wall Colors and Accessories
Plants
Another item to consider in your summer decor is, of course, living and growing things. Before it gets warm go and make starters for all your garden plants and place them strategically around your house to add a splash of green near your windows. In addition, you can hang plant baskets from the ceiling that will eventually have greenery spilling down over the sides in a very aesthetically pleasing manner. If you’re not sure what you’d like to plant, place a pot near a window and simply toss seeds or food waste in there while you’re cooking to see what germinates. I’ve accidentally started kiwi plants, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, all of which make for some fairly attractive plants while they’re still young.
Add Plants and Floral Arrangements
Lighting
One important component that tends to be forgotten is the lighting in your home interiors. In the winter you’ll have heavy curtains shut tight to hold out the chill and your lighting will be artificial or from your fireplace. In the summer, it’s time to let the sun shine in. Get rid of any heavy curtains and replace them with light, more permeable looking ones. If that’s not an option just open them up wide. Remove any obstructions that keep the light from entering the room. If you have small windows or not very many of them you can make the most of the light you do get by placing mirrors opposite your windows to reflect and spread the light into the space more effectively.
Make a Statement with Lighting
Furniture
To create a bright open feel, open up your floor space by rearranging your furniture. To maximize your floor space and get that wide open feel, position your furniture up against your walls, facing inward. Additionally, using glass tabletops or décor items like vases will help to limit the sense of obstruction you feel from the things that are placed in the middle of the room, while also helping to further reflect and refract incoming light to brighten up the space.
I hope some of my tips will inspire you to create a bright new look for your rooms. Let me know what you’re doing in your home to create a light and summery feel. I’d love to see what influences and inspires you, so send in your photos and comments! Have a great summer!
Brighten up your Furniture
Edward is an art and decoration enthusiast as well as an online publisher. He writes on topics of art, history, design, and home decor.
Summer Decor Interiors
Beach, Nautical and Coastal Interiors
Decorating interiors on the beach is always one of my favorite locations to work. You can’t get much better than working on the water. I am so inspired by the water, sand and sea life that comes from this type of living. If I had to choose just one place to work…it would have to be the beach. There’s something serene and peaceful with the sounds of ocean waves crashing and seagulls squawking. As an interior designer in Orange County, California, my work has taken me to several homes near the water. From East Hampton, New York to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. When designing a beach house or home on the water it only makes sense to bring the water elements into the interior design.
Living Room – Coastal Interior
If you are wanting to create a comfortable and laid back look to your coastal interior design project then read further for some key elements of coastal interiors.
Take a look at some of our completed projects on the beach (click on the links below to view)…
Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach, California
If you have never experienced the beach on a personal level, look at magazines dedicated to coastal destinations, or better yet, contact a Coastal Interior Designer to take all the guess work out of it for you!
Use Blue and White in Coastal Interiors
Key Elements of Coastal Interior Design
Furniture
Coastal interiors and decorating on the beach mean different things to different people when it comes to choosing the furniture style. The most important thing is to keep the design casual and simple. Use materials such as reclaimed wood, bamboo or wicker furniture and keep in mind certain types of wood aren’t recommended for ocean air. Try to incorporate stripes and patterns that relate to the beach. For example, use navy blue and crisp white for that nautical look. Linen fabrics are also a good choice for drapery and pillows.
Walls
Keep your wall colors light and airy. This will help bring the true coastal experience into your home. Soft color palettes work best for homes on the water. Although I don’t typically like white walls…on the beach it gives you that clean, crisp feel. White also works well as an accent on such architectural details such as wainscoting.
Windows
Less is better when considering a coastal interior design style. However, if you are seeking privacy there are many window treatments available that can marry the two together nicely. White shutters are a good choice as they will not only compliment the wainscoting, but will also provide you privacy when needed.
Flooring
Stick with hard surfaces when decorating on the beach by using hardwood floors or tiles. Clean and simple and uncluttered is best. Lighter colors for hardwood and throw rugs will help bring the room together as well as hide the sand that may be tracked in from the beach.
Accessories
This is a great area to bring in the details of coastal interiors. Add small touches here and there that will bring these elements to life. Add a net, use some rope or bring in some shells. Stay on the lookout as you’re walking on the beach…an old piece of driftwood that has weathered from the constant beating of the waves is a great accent. Use some live tropical plants such as giant birds of paradise or a kentia palm. Use images of sailboats or rope in your artwork as shown below.
Accent with Nautical Artwork
Coastal Interiors, Coastal Interior Design and Decorating on the Beach
Using Orange in Interior Design
Hello, I’m Joanna and I am a blogger for Arcadian Lighting, a premier online source for captivating interior and exterior lighting fixtures. My days are spent searching the web for beautiful interior design images and ideas to share on interior design blogs. I’m honored to be writing a guest post for Christopher James Interiors. Today I’ll be focusing on summery orange spaces. This hue translates well across all styles from modern to traditional. It works well with many accent colors such as turquoise or pink. I’ve collected images of several rooms below. Be sure to comment and let me know which is your favorite.
An Asian inspired living room is dressed in vibrant orange and turquoise. The wallpaper ties the decor together beautifully.
Summer is in full bloom in this sunroom with deep orange walls and pink and white modern furniture. A hint of orange in the rug would be nice to anchor the colors.
A modern space is layered in orange hues with just a hint of pastels in the artwork and rug. The pendant lights are especially pretty.
A transitional dining room gets its own hint of orange on the tufted dining chairs and colorful artwork.
This contemporary bedroom is dressed in crisp white with not-so-subtle orange accents. The headboard is particularly interesting.
An Asian-inspired space boasts deep orange walls with light green panels. Suzani print pillows tie the room’s colors together. The nail head accented tables flanking the bed are a nice feature.
A stunning bedroom has so many lovely elements such as the floral-infused walls and ceiling and the plethora of fabric on and surrounding the bed. The orange hues cover the spectrum from pumpkin to the softest peach. The beautiful pendant light mimics origami.
This minimalist bedroom gets a jolt of energy from the bold orange on the walls and bed.
Orange is the perfect color for summer, so which one is your favorite? Comment below and be sure to visit Arcadian Lighting for more helpful style and inspirations.
Some Inspiration for using Turquoise and Orange in Your Interiors
There’s nothing like the combination of turquoise and orange to make a room come alive. Although not a color combination you see every day in the interior design world, if you want that pop of color, this just may be the color scheme for you. These two colors tend to take me to the beach. They also remind me of a Caribbean trip I took a few years back to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico with the vibrant exteriors of the homes there. So whatever it is, I’m drawn to it and when I find my perfect dream beach bungalow (pictured below…I wish!)…these two colors are going to get a room all to their own.
Turquoise and Orange on the Beach
Beach Bungalow
What a life! Can you imagine waking up here and having your morning coffee!? Here are a few beach inspired interiors using turquoise and orange…
I love the pale blue walls in this room with the black and white artwork. These two colors work great as just an accent against the bright white wainscoting and sofa. Gives it such a crisp and clean look.
Colors Pulled from the Sea
This is a color palette from design-seeds.com. This is a great website to come up with some beautiful color palettes. This butterfly fish has all the colors in it to inspire and create a colorful beachfront retreat.
This is so beautiful! I’m liking the color of these walls too…with the embroidered sea fan on a piece of burlap in a shadow box as artwork. The driftwood gives it a natural and organic feel.
Another color palette inspired by a grouping of seashells.
This vignette has such an eclectic feel with the combination of unique pieces. The orange elephant legged console table stands out beautifully in front of the aqua blue and white striped walls. The seashell lamps give just a touch of a coastal feel.
A modern take on coastal interior design with the streamlined white lacquered console table and frames showcasing sea fans. Walls in a dark brown faux linen finish makes these lighter pieces really stand out.
Asian Fusion Interiors using Turquoise and Orange
This bedroom design uses the color combination in a bold and vibrant way. Compared to some of the other interiors that go on the lighter more subdued end of the spectrum. I like both, and this room has a zen-like Asian flare with the use of the figurines and the pagoda style lamp base.
Here’s an Asian inspired living room design, but this palette is much softer and serene looking. The Chinoiserie throw pillows are set atop a classic french style sofa covered in a casual burlap style fabric. The gold bamboo coffee table adds another element to the interior design.
Bedroom Interiors using Turquoise and Orange
This bedroom design uses the blue on the walls and accents with orange pillows and drapery. Just enough without overdoing it.
This bedroom has a lot going on but I love the dark brown walls and the striped ceiling. It has a tropical feel with the palm linen print headboard and drapery, white caned bench at the end of the bed and the zebra rug.
A complete contrast to the previous bedroom design, this bedroom sets off the colors using the bright white walls and floors. Very clean, crisp and fresh!
This vignette brings the ocean inside with the use of shells on the table. The zebra ottoman introduces an African flare. Kind of a juxtaposition of styles but it works. Where’s the turquoise you ask…I know…so we’ll just say there’s a drop of blue in the wall color! 😉
I absolutely love the color of this door! This is the type of vibrant color you see in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Again, I used the “Chip It” button to create the palette for this photo.
Another vibrant combination of these colors. Most of the rooms using this color palette do the turquoise on the wall but if you want to get bold try reversing it. This room looks like it wood be on the other side of the door above.
What a great painting to backdrop this white sofa. This is inspiring me to get out my canvases and paint! Just in case you’re not inspired yet, here are a few mood boards to get you going…
Turquoise and Orange Inspiration
Love the drapery in this room with the coral border design. Pillows with a great pattern and some gerber daisies to complete the look.
Turquoise and Orange Fabrics
These fabrics are from the Indoor/Outdoor Taza Collection…a lot of great designs for your outdoor furniture.
So with all of this turquoise and orange inspiration, I know I’m ready to start a project using this color palette. Have you used these two colors in one of your projects? I’d love to see what you’ve done using these two beautiful colors.
Image Sources: Pinterest, Houzz, House of Turquoise, Morgan Harrison Home, Lonny, EJ Interiors, Emily Followill, House Beautiful, Design Seeds, Elle Decor
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