Accent colour

Interior design is all about balance – nothing really has a value on its own until it is thoughtfully and carefully placed with many other things. This month we see accent colours playing a key part in achieving that harmony, adding small, punchy doses of contrasting hues that can draw the eye, add visual interest and tie everything together.

An accent colour can form part of a paint scheme; the wider fixed features, like the flooring or wall tiles; furniture; a decorative accessory.

Colour can be a hard thing to commit to. There is always the risk of getting it wrong, and also, the fear tiring of it. So if you’re the cautious or fickle type, use accents in easily switched accessories, rather than harder to change walls and floors.

The other risk is to be too adventurous, layering too much colour, especially mixed in with patterns and prints. Colour should be used with restraint. I would suggest choosing your pallet, then editing it down to the bare essentials. Perhaps start with one colour in various strengths, then possibly add one additional complementary colour for interest.

Any accent colour will have the effect of drawing the eye, it will usually be the first thing you look at when you enter a space. You can use this concept to help change perceptions about scale and size: placing your brightest painting at the far end of a room will make the eye look all the way through, so the room will appear as large as possible. Or just use an accent for a ‘wow’ moment: surround a colourful treasured possession with white, and no one will be able to look anywhere else.

*Purple and ink blue accent colours at a recent residential installation.*