In home decorating, color is one of the most important tools you have to create atmosphere. Ideally, you will need to match color schemes to the style of home furnishings and even the architecture of the house. This is because mood is not determined by color alone but is created in the meeting of different design elements.
For example, the minimalist look characteristically brings together modernist architecture, clean lines, pure forms, natural materials and neutral tones, resulting in an airy, uncluttered feel. In contrast, the mood of the Tuscan look depends on warm, earthy colors. Other decorative styles are also associated with particular color palettes. A color style mismatch will prevent you achieving your overall goal.
Because color and décor styles require this co-ordination, the furniture, fittings and style of master bedrooms may invite particular color schemes. Rules are made to be broken but simply imposing color schemes on pre-furnished rooms may not create the desired atmosphere. Use a color wheel to create your own color scheme.
Which Mood?
If you are intent on creating a certain mood, first ask yourself if the room and the furnishings will support it. If not, you may need to refurbish. If your furniture is stylistically reasonably neutral, you will be able to utilize most color schemes to create the mood you want.
Colors and Atmosphere
Pastels and Neutral Colors:
These colors are useful to create a sense of space and calm. Neutral colors help create a sophisticated modern look and will go with many different décor styles.
Primary Colors:
Bright basic colors can complement a contemporary room as well as adding cheerful accents to a room featuring cottage furniture. The mood is casual and informal.
Rich and Deep Colors:
Deep reds, greens and purples go well with antique décor schemes and dark woods. Their opulence can create a sensual effect that may be ideal for the bedroom.
Earthy Colors:
Depending on the depth of color, these colors too can help create a warm and sensual atmosphere.
Blue and White:
Blue is commonly chosen for bedrooms because it is a cool, calm color that fosters a sense of serenity and tranquility.
Black and White:
High contrast black and white color schemes suit rooms with unfussy furnishings, producing a cool, sophisticated look.
Browns and Burgundies:
Traditional master bedrooms are often frilly and feminine, perhaps with a 'boudoir' look. Deep, dark colors can create a more neutral or masculine atmosphere and an elegant feel.
Lighting, Color and Mood
If color is crucial to creating atmosphere, it is in turn dependent on lighting, both natural and artificial. Light can bleach or deepen colors and dramatically alter a room's atmosphere of. If using blues in a cool room, choose shades with more warmth. Similarly, if using yellows in a warm room, go for cooler shades.
Colored lights are one way of manipulating mood in a room without necessarily painting and changing soft furnishings. The right light can turn a bedroom that is neutral and cool by day into a room that is full of warmth and sensuality at night.