d39 COLOUR


COMMON ASSUMPTIONS AND MISTAKES


Following colour trends and assuming that those colours will resonate with us is not the only problematic supposition that we tend to make about colour. Shillingford says: “The most common assumption people make about colour is that it’s a bit scary so they opt for safe whites, off whites and greys.”


A very common fear, according to O’Donnell, is that using any form of colour in a small room will only make it appear smaller. “People are often surprised when we suggest steering clear of white and opting for a stronger tone instead,” he says.


From personal experience, Shillingford knows that white often isn’t the best option and it pays to be brave and


choose something bolder. “The biggest mistake I ever made was to be cautious. I painted my small sitting room white because it was small and I wanted it to look bigger. It did look bigger but it was cold and unwelcoming – we never sat in it. One day, I decided to be brave and painted it in the darkest shade of Cherry Chocolate. The effect was instant. Everything looked amazing in the space and it was so cosy and grown up to be in. We use it every night and I vow never to paint a room white ever again.”


Haller advises caution when considering grey because the common presumption that it is calming isn’t necessarily true. “For the majority of people it might initially feel calming, however what’s often happening is that it is draining energy and at some point


they feel tired and lacking in energy. I have many people say to me that they have painted their bedroom grey and they wake up tired in the morning or they have a lot of grey in their living room and they find they’re not motivated to do much in the evenings.”


The one thing that really stands out from this expert advice is the importance of choosing colours that create positive emotions. O’Donnell says: “I think it’s always important to remember that, whatever your choices are, they should be personal to you and practical for the space you live in.”


After all, as Anna Starmer quite rightly highlights: “The colours we choose are ultimately a statement about who we are, what we love and how we want to live.” d


Patrick O’Donnell, Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball (above), says that choosing colours that are personal to the homeowner is the most important consideration


designer kitchen & bathroom designerkbmag.co.uk


SEP 2019


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