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Primary color interior design


How to Use Primary Colors in Interior Design

By

Coral Nafie

Coral Nafie

Coral Nafie is an interior design expert with over 25 years of home decorating experience. She has authored the book "The About.com Guide to Home Decorating." Her expertise covers every aspect of home decor projects, including budget makeovers and extensive renovations.

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Updated on 06/22/19

Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Images

Red, yellow, and blue are primary colors. They are the three pigment colors that cannot be made by mixing any other colors. These three colors are mixed to create all other colors and can be combined with white or black to create tints (lighter tones) and shades (darker hues) of these colors.

Most of the primary colors are warm but blue is responsible for the majority of the cool colors. 

The Color Wheel

The color wheel, a part of color theory, is divided into warm and cool colors. On the cool side of the wheel are shades of green, blue, and violet, moving from bright green to blue-green, through ocean blue and cobalt, and on to purple and violet.

The colors of red, orange and yellow are considered warm colors because they are the colors of fire. These hues are also said to advance, meaning they appear to come forward, making the walls feel closer. But these colors are most often used for upholstery and accents, and they can make a room feel cozy.

Interior Design

Primary colors are the foundations of all other colors (black and white help with tone and value). But they are less common in interior design than their derivatives. You see lots of light yellows, different shades of blue, and a ton of green. But you don't see as much of the true shades. 

This might be because primary colors in their true forms are often associated with childhood and a floor covered in toys. But there is no reason they have to be babyish. But primary colors are the colors of modern art, comic books, and pop art.

Primary colors have a major impact, especially when they are used together. They are clear, straightforward and bold. You often see them combined with geometric shapes in modern design. But they are most often used in small doses—a painting here, a chair there—or in more muted derivations, such as light blue, turquoise, pinks, and burgundies.

In modern design, primaries go well with bright white and gray tones. But in other styles, they can go a little wilder. You see them sometimes in richly patterned rugs. 

Uses

Use only one or two bright hues at a time. When using red, yellow, and blue together, keep one or two colors in the pure hues and mute down the third by choosing a color that either has a bit more black or white or leans slightly to the right or left of the color wheel. 

Create rest for the eye by using alternative colors and textures in the space. When working with a primary scheme, feel free to add in additional colors and textures—try rich woods in the furniture, and pops of color in the flowers. This will provide an outlet for the eye so it doesn’t seem strict. 

how to decorate with primary colors |

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(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

Decorating with primary colors has somewhat gone out of fashion in recent years in favor of paler, calmer color schemes, but adding bold brights can be done in a way that's sophisticated and subtle, if the primaries are added in pops rather than swathes.

Below, our expert tricks and tips take you through the basics of decorating with primary colors – all illustrated by beautiful room shots from a recent Homes & Gardens photo shot. You really are most welcome.

See: Interior design tips – decorating secrets for the world's top experts

1. What are primary colors?

(Image credit: Future)

The primary colors are red, yellow and blue. These colors are called primary colors because they cannot be created by combining any other colors. All other colors are secondary or tertiary (etc) colors, created by mixing primary colors, with black or white added to create darker hues (also known as shades) or lighter tones (also known as tints). 

True primary colors aren't often used in interior design in large doses because they are very bold – instead you will see them as accent shades in accessories or within artwork. More commonly, you will see their shades and tints on walls, floors and furnishings. 

See: Blue room ideas – wonderful room schemes to inspire you

2. What colors go with primary colors?

(Image credit: Future/James Merrell)

Whites, blacks and neutral colors go with primary colors – and these are usually easy to coordinate. You can also successfully coordinate primary colors with lighter tints and darker shades of that color. In both cases, primary colors are often best used as the smallest of accent colors within a room, rather than as the dominant color. 

When choosing colors to go with primary colors, consider texture, too. If you are decorating with red, for example, and matching it with neutrals, picking neutral, natural textures such as wood will go some way to enriching the scheme and dampening the contrast between the two.

See: Yellow room ideas – guaranteed to turn up the heat

3. Using the color wheel for decorating with primaries

(Image credit: Little Greene)

The color wheel can help you with coordinating primary colors with other colors, plus the tints and shades of each primary color. The color wheel separates primaries, tints and shades into warm and cool choices, with blue the only primary color on the cool side of the wheel – red and yellow being on the warm side.

When choosing primaries for decorating – and their derivations – bear in mind that cool colors recede meaning they are good choices for bright spaces that you want to feel calm and spacious; warmer colors advance, making them ideal for creating cozy, lively spaces. 

4. Introducing primary colors with accessories

Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

A simple and effective way of introducing color into the home is through accessories. It is a joyful way of adding to and altering the feel of a room without  committing to redecorating whole spaces. 

This calm, neutral space has been given an instant update with the addition of a vibrant glossy red lamp base . Based on an antique original, this playful lamp design takes its inspiration from the work of the mid 20th Century. Its bright pop of color makes it a wonderful, statement piece. The sculptural shapes of the lamp and vase add character and interest and the primary bold colors lift the scheme.

5. Decorating a living room with primaries

Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

A carefully selected array of colorful accessories and furniture add vibrant notes which bring a neutral scheme to life. The little pops of color sprinkled through the room create playful and uplifting finishing touches. 

The warm neutrals used as the main structure for the scheme are very much in vogue right now. Earthy naturals, pale plaster pinks and natural weaves all set the scene elegantly and provide an ideal backdrop for the addition of a few joyful primary colours. 

This yellow side table , though tucked unassumingly in the corner, really is one of the stars of the show here. Don't be afraid to mix and match colors, shapes and textures. The layered feel is what makes a living room such as this so inviting. 

See: Living room color schemes –the best color ideas for living spaces

6.

Inject primary colors into a cool, contemporary bathroom

Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

A bathing space wants to feel like a calm sanctuary, so it is only right that gentle, neutral bathroom color ideas be used to create the apace. A splash of red however is a modern and joyous touch to introduce in this serene wood-clad bathing space. 

The very minimal palette of materials, from the wood panelled walls to the sleek white bath and smooth pale grey floor is complemented with the addition of a colourful, glossy side table , the perfect perch for your bathing accessories. 

The sculptural shapes within the calm space; the square contemporary window opening, the silhouetted mirror on stand and the curves of the tub all sit happily with the shapely outline of the vibrant red table. 

7. Bring primary colors into a natural dining space

Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

Wooden furniture and natural jute flooring is given a new lease of life with a sprinkling of bright primary colors. Create a statement with a single piece in a vivid hue. 

Here, a brightly painted chair delivers drama and works as a wonderful focal point. The block of color in the yellow artwork and glossy finish of the red chair bring an unexpected extra dimension and vibrance to the calm, natural, country feel of this relaxed dining space. 

The layering of textures adds depth to the room, with the natural woods of the table and chairs, juxtaposed with the glossy red finish of the chair paintwork and the natural weave of the jute rug and basket. Colorful accessories on the shelving add to the artfully curated feel.

See: Dining room ideas – inspiration for decorating and furnishing your space

8. Gather your favorite vessels together for an attractive display

Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

Open shelving offers the perfect opportunity to have a play and display your most treasured pieces for all to admire. The shelves, whilst practical as useful storage, also mean that all your shapely ceramics and tableware need not be hidden away in cupboards and can be on view to enjoy everyday. 

Here the clever mix of textural natural materials sit happily with a few pops of primary colour. The colourful twist of the yellow pigment used to create the finish on the shelves is very contemporary take on a stained wood finish and elevates a simple set of wooden shelves into something more unique. 

9. Inject primary colors into your home with unexpected combinations

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

A simple console painted in a bright yellow finish creates a striking perch for displaying a collection of much loved ceramics and vessels. The vibrant color draws your eye and attracts attention to the collection gathered above. A soft plaster pink wall color acts as a gentle contemporary neutral tone. 

Not overpowering, but with more personality and warmth than a neutral off white or pale grey. Texture has been added here with a woven wallhanging. The sunshiny yellow adds a playful element to the mix when combined with the quieter natural textures and materials and the warm plaster pink.

10. Use an accent primary color in a pared-back neutral scheme for an easy update

Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

A vibrant primary color is a sure fire way to inject personality into a neutral, pared back scheme. Here the soft textures of the tactile upholstery and natural, textural floor rugs contrast beautifully with the smooth glossy red of the small side table and plate with blue line. 

See: The monochromatic color scheme – ideas and expert advice for creating yours

There is no need to paint a whole wall or room in a bold color to enjoy living with brighter tones. Color can be brought into existing schemes easily through accessories and smaller pieces of furniture. It is the perfect way to contain the way you use colour so it doesn't feel too overwhelming. 

Emma Thomas is the Style Editor at Homes & Gardens and Livingetc magazines, looking after the decorating features. Before joining Homes & Gardens in 2014, Emma worked for over 25 years mainly as a freelance interior stylist and art director producing photo shoots for many editorial titles and commercial clients, including Elle Decoration, Livingetc (she worked on the launch issue back in 1998!), Habitat and The White Company, to name but a few. As well as overseeing and art directing the original photography we produce, Emma also leads on many of the decorating and design ideas and features you see in print and online.

how to combine colors in the interior - Blog BasicDecor

The right combination of colors in interior design give coziness to the house, corrects the flaws of the space and changes the look of the room. But a careless attitude to color schemes will spoil even the most expensive apartment. Therefore, when choosing the color scheme of the interior, it is worth knowing a few basic rules:

Color combination in the interior of different rooms

Living room. In a small room it is better to use light shades, they will visually expand the space. Cold shades can be used in a large living room, where there is a lot of daylight, bright lighting is thought out. Warm ones are suitable for a living room with windows facing north.

Bedroom. It is better to refuse strong contrast here. Color transitions should be soft. Choose warm or pastel soft colors. Both warm and cold scales are appropriate here if good lighting is chosen. nine0003

Kitchen. For a large kitchen, don't be afraid to choose bright, bold hues. In combination with calm walls, they will come in handy. The main thing is that the tones do not irritate. And for small kitchens, light warm colors are suitable.

Hallway. Consider its size. For large - juicy shades, both warm and cold. And for a small one, calm, noble ones are suitable. Such an interior can be diluted with a bright accent.

Bathroom. There are two common ways to decorate a bathroom with a color: 1) in one scale, using several of its shades; 2) a combination of three colors. nine0003

Child. For a child under five, choose bright colors: green, yellow, red. For older children and teenagers, light colors are suitable: a combination of blue with white or gray, using beige as the main tone and combining it with light green, purple, yellow, blue or pink.

Cabinet. Choose cool tones: blue combined with burgundy, gray or red. An excellent solution is an office in a dark brown palette. Light colors are also suitable, but they should be cold, not warm. nine0003

Color harmony in interior design

There are several types of color harmony in interior design. They are used by designers and everyone who wants to successfully choose a color solution for their home:

Rules for choosing an accent color

Important to consider:

  • Who will live in the room: a child, an adult or an elderly person. nine0006
  • Color of walls, ceiling, floor.
  • Target settings: zoning or only accentuation, that is, the use of an object as the main idea of ​​​​interior design.
  • Combination with lighting and color of other objects in the room.

Psychology of color

When choosing a color design, one should take into account the psychological influence of color:

Red

+ Strength, passion, energy, love, power.

- Increases aggression, irritability. nine0003

Yellow

+ Joy, fun, enthusiasm, inspiration, increases activity.

- Instability, irresponsibility.

Green

+ Relieves stress, soothes

- Increases feelings of envy, jealousy

Blue

+ Stability, security, spiritual development.

- Cold, fear.

Violet

+ Nobility, luxury, spirituality.

- Promotes depression. nine0003

Orange

+ Fights depression.

- Causes laziness, lethargy.

Blue

+ Freedom, protection, sophistication.

- Causes weakness.

Gray

+ Elegance, depravity.

- Increases indecision, sullenness.

Errors in color selection

Ignore lighting. Different light can change colors beyond recognition, so when choosing it is important to consider the palette in daylight and artificial light. nine0003

Iteration of colors in one space. The principle "the more the better" will definitely not work here. It is important to use the number of colors that will be harmoniously combined in the design of your interior.

Boring palette. Another extreme resorted to by apartment owners due to inexperience. Remember that the rule of three colors is an indispensable assistant when choosing a color scheme, use it if you are afraid to rely on your taste and intuition.

Lack of color combination within the apartment. Do not forget that the colors should be in harmony not only within one space, but also in the design of the entire apartment or house. A large number of colors that do not match with each other leads to a sense of chaos. Therefore, choose overlapping ones.

An abundance of the following colors:

  • Red leads to nervous tension.
  • Black and rich purple narrow the space.
    • nine0005 Brown in combination with its shades can lead to apathy and bad mood.
  • Gray - the appearance of sadness and despondency.
  • Blue leads to a feeling of lack of comfort.

The combination of colors in the interior - how to combine colors, examples from the photo

The walls are the background that sets the atmosphere of the house, so the choice of color is a responsible matter. Repainting / regluing is a rather laborious and not very pleasant process. Therefore, many fears and doubts are born. What if the interior is too dark/cold/bright/sterile? nine0003

As a result, most people settle for the most "safe" and proven option. Most often it is “beige” (What? Warm color, goes with everything). How to stop being afraid of color and how to make a beautiful interior in your favorite colors? What are the rules for color combinations? Let's figure it out. Color will help us.

A bit of theory

The color wheel model, designed by the Swiss artist Johannes Itten, will be an excellent cheat sheet in the selection of a harmonious color solution. The Itten circle consists of 12 parts. This is a table of three primary colors (red, yellow, blue), three additional (composite) colors, which are formed by mixing the primary (green, purple, orange) and six tertiary colors, which are formed by combining the primary with additional ones. All colors can be divided into cold and warm. nine0003

Neutral colors (black, white, gray, ivory, brown, beige) are included in a separate category. They go well with other colors from the circle, as well as with each other. Use them as a background for other colors (for example, you can make walls in neutral shades, but bring color into the interior with furniture, textiles or bright posters) or add accessories in neutral tones to “dilute” the main color a little.

How does it work?

It's very simple. There are only six canonical schemes (selections) of color combinations in the interior. Let's look at them with examples. nine0003

1. Analog triad

This is the simplest and "safest" option. 3 consecutive colors are taken from the palette. Use shades of these colors in interior design and you are guaranteed a calm, beautiful interior.

2. Complimentary combination

Complementary colors are colors that are at diametrically opposite ends of the circle. One of the colors will be the main, contrasting color, you can emphasize the details of the interior. If you are afraid that it will be too bright, dilute the room with neutral colors to a level that is comfortable for you personally. nine0003

3. Contrasting triad

It looks like a complementary combination, only two neighboring sectors are added to one of the colors. Decorate the apartment in these colors, and leave the contrast for small interesting details. Or, on the contrary, make one color the main one, and use the other two, closer ones, for accents.

4. Classical triad

This is a more complicated version. A combination of three colors equidistant on a circle. Here, one color is usually taken as the basis. The other two are used for accents. If you are afraid that it will come out too colorful, dilute it with neutral colors “to taste”. nine0003

5. Rectangular/square pattern

Use two pairs of contrasting colors. It is important not to overdo it, otherwise the interior may turn out to be colorful. It would be more correct to choose one main color and three additional ones.

The square scheme is a variation of the rectangular scheme, but the colors used in it are located in a circle at an equal distance from each other.

This scheme is not for everyone. Interiors with a large number of colors are bright, interesting, but eventually tiring. This approach is a good way to design oriental or boho style interiors. nine0003

Could it be easier?

Possible. If combinations from the circle are still intimidating, the easiest and safest option is to choose one color and combine it with neutral companions. It will turn out simple, stylish, minimalistic and modern.

Dark-light

We finally decided on the colors. But how to choose the right tone? Dark? Light? And how to combine them? Shade compatibility depends on the task.

You can, for example, take selected colors of very light tones. The interior will be light and delicate. This is a great solution for children's design. nine0003

And you can use the most saturated colors. This will make the room bright, atmospheric, inspiring and energizing, so this option is not very suitable for the bedroom. There it is better to use more calm tones.

And you can take one or more soft shades and one - saturated. Colors "work" together, complementing and emphasizing each other. Against the background of delicate pastel colors, a bright color will sound in a completely new way. Try it!

Color combination in the kitchen

Warm colors are best for the kitchen. For example, orange, yellow and red - they improve mood and improve appetite. They can be used as an accent on one of the walls, an apron, and also on appliances, furniture and accessories. Neutral white, beige, gray and black work well as companions for such bright, cheerful shades.

If the kitchen windows face south, it is better to refuse too warm tones, as they increase the feeling of heat and stuffiness. Pay attention to the no less winning combination of brown and green. It creates a cozy atmosphere and makes us a little closer to nature. nine0003

The combination of colors in the bedroom

The color scheme of the bedroom should help you relax and sleep sweetly after a hard day. Pastel colors are the best. Pay attention to such colors as milky, gray, sand, chocolate, gold, delicate lilac, blue, pink and turquoise, which can be harmoniously combined with each other.

Bathroom color combination

The bathroom is where we start and end our day. Here it is important to find a balance and choose a color scheme that will invigorate and delight in the morning, and relax and soothe in the evening. The most popular solutions are: white with blue or blue, white with beige and gray, white with chocolate. But it is better to avoid green - in the bathroom it will be associated with mold and dampness.

As a rule, the footage of the bathroom is not large, so you should give up the abundance of too dark or bright colors that visually reduce the space.

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