Fed up of a plain wall or piece of furniture? Want to turn the drab into fab? Add some accent colours to really make things pop!
What is the purpose of an accent colour?
An accent colour is noticeable and will add visual interest to a room. It can be used to add a focal point and will emphasise an architectural feature or used on walls, ceilings, floor and furniture. For some it can be used more simply, such as introducing soft furnishings, ornaments or a piece of wall art. Adding an accent colour can complete your room by drawing everything together. Accent colours are not limited to using bright colours, you can also use darker or lighter colours. A room decorated in variations of one shade will instantly lift the room without being overpowering. For a more dramatic look introduce a colour from the opposite side of the colour wheel.
Uses for accent colours
Painting your ceiling with an accent colour can add a dramatic modern twist to your room without overwhelming it. A darker shade will draw in the ceiling, having a cocoon effect on the room, whilst a lighter shade will make the space appear larger and the ceiling taller.
A hallway is a good and safe place to introduce colour into your home as we do not usually spend much time in this “room” as it is little more than a walkway connecting rooms. It is often overlooked and tends to look a bit drab, but it is the first glimpse of your home that a visitor has so it should be special and reflect your personality. When thinking of adding an accent colour, it does not necessarily mean introducing a bright colour all over your walls, something as simple as painting door frames and skirting in black against white walls and doors will result in a timeless sophisticated look. The staircase is the most prominent feature within a hall and looks fabulous when highlighted with colour. They can become more decorative rather than being just functional by painting the steps and uprights in a variety of colours or patterns. For those less adventurous, painting the spindles in a gradient of one colour will still make an impact but in a more subtle way.
Updating an old or second-hand piece of furniture such as a sideboard, cupboard or chair with bright hues of paint will immediately modernise the piece, making it into a feature and will add a touch of fun to your décor. Something as simple as painting the legs of a table, back of a bookcase or inside a cabinet can instantly lift and refresh a room and will not cost much to do. It will stand out and draw the eye into the room.
Our favourite accent colours
An explosion of teal and turquoise looks beautiful together and lend themselves to a bohemian style. Adding a splash of the jewel colour cobalt adds another layer and fits perfectly with this colour combination. Team with large green leaf plants and deep comfy settees for a comfy energizing space.
Touches of dusky rose pink looks exquisite in a room with blue/black walls without looking too feminine. It adds a touch of softness and sophistication to an otherwise dull colour scheme. Adding a third colour by the way of light grey stops the blue/black being too overbearing. Use this colour combination for a stylish and comfortable living room and layer with throws and cushions for extra snuggle-factor.