The secrets of color combinations in interior design: How not to make mistakes?

Color is one of the most powerful tools in interior design. It can create atmosphere, influence mood, enlarge space or make it more intimate. But it is not always easy to choose the right color combinations so that the interior looks harmonious and modern. What rules for color combinations can help you not to make mistakes and create a perfect interior?

1. Understanding the Color Wheel

The basis of successful color combinations is understanding the color wheel. This is a tool that helps you understand which colors go well together and which do not. On the color wheel, different types of combinations can be distinguished:

> Complementary colors — colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green, blue and orange, yellow and purple. These colors create a strong contrast, but it is important to maintain balance so as not to overwhelm the space.

> Analogous colors — colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, such as yellow, orange, and red. These combinations create soft transitions and harmonious compositions, ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere.

> Triadic colors — three colors evenly distributed on the color wheel, such as red, yellow, and blue. This combination brings balance and dynamism, but it is important to choose a dominant color so as not to disrupt the harmony.

2. Use of neutral colors

Neutral colours, such as white, black, grey, beige and brown, form the basis of most interiors. They create a calm atmosphere and allow bright colours to stand out without overwhelming the space. Neutral tones can be used for walls, floors and large furniture, creating a 'canvas' in which other colours can shine.

But even neutral colors can vary in tone: for example, beige can be warm or cold, gray can have a blue or brown undertone. It is important to choose the shades well so that they fit the overall style of the interior.

3. The 60-30-10 rule

This rule helps to balance the colors in your interior. It means that in a room:

• 60% of the space is used in the main color, for example for walls, floors or large furniture.
• 30% of the space is filled with complementary colors, used for accents on furniture, curtains, carpets or cushions.
• 10% consists of accent colors. Bright details such as decorative objects, paintings or accessories. These colors should be bright and striking, but in limited quantities so as not to overwhelm the space.

4. Combine warm and cold colors

Warm colours (red, orange, yellow) create a cosy and warm atmosphere and are often associated with energy and activity. Cold colours (blue, green, purple) provide peace and relaxation, and are suitable for creating a sense of space.

When combining warm and cold tones, it is important to find balance. For example, combining a warm beige tone with cool blue or green accents creates an interesting but harmonious effect that looks stylish and fresh.

5. The power of contrast: bright and pastel colours

If you want to add bright accents to your interior, you can opt for contrasting colours. Bright shades such as red, turquoise, bright orange or fuchsia always attract attention, but they should be used with care. To avoid overloading, you can combine them with more neutral pastel colours such as light grey, white or beige. Pastel shades soften the sharp contrasts and create harmony.

If you do like bright colours, use them in small doses, for example as accents on cushions, paintings or rugs. This helps create a striking combination without making the room too heavy.

6. Natural and organic shades

In recent years, natural shades have become increasingly popular — green, brown, sandy and blue colors. They create a cozy and calm atmosphere in the interior and go well with each other. Organic shades such as deep forest green or warm olive green can be a great base for the interior, to which you can add bright, saturated colors.

7. Textures and materials

Remember that textures and materials affect how we perceive colors. Matte surfaces absorb light, making colors appear deeper and richer, while glossy surfaces reflect light, making colors appear brighter. This is important to keep in mind when choosing colors for walls, furniture, and accessories.

In addition, the combination of different textures can enhance the effect of colours. The combination of velvet, leather, wood and metal in one space creates an interesting visual contrast and makes the interior more layered.

8. Emotions that colors evoke

Every color affects our mood and perception. For example:

• Red — activates energy, can be aggressive, but in moderate amounts it creates an atmosphere of passion and comfort.
• Blue — is associated with calmness and is good for bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Green — the color of nature, relaxes and promotes harmony.
• Yellow — creates a feeling of sunlight and joy, but in too large amounts it can cause restlessness.

It is important to take this into account when choosing the base color for a room and combining it with other shades.

Conclusion

Color combinations in interior design are an art that requires attention to detail and a sense of harmony. The right use of the color wheel, neutral tones, contrasts and accents will help you create a stylish and comfortable space. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment, but to keep the balance so that the space is not only beautiful, but also cozy.