Goodbye White? How to Infuse Warm Colour Tones In Your Interiors
While white has been a staple of interior design for many years, there is a shift towards warmer tones. Here’s how you can introduce colour to warm up your home.
Microcement Wall: Mercadier Décoration in Noisette
(Far right) Paint Colour: Dulux “Pale Parchment”
White walls have long been a staple in interior design, offering a blank canvas that can make spaces feel fresh and expansive. However, there’s a growing movement towards incorporating warm colour tones that add depth, character, and a sense of cosiness to our homes. If you’re ready to embrace warmer hues, here’s how to do it with confidence and style.
Why Warm Colours?
Warm colours, such as earthy browns, rich terracottas, soft clays, can transform a space, creating an inviting and comforting atmosphere. These tones evoke feelings of warmth and relaxation, making them perfect for living areas, bedrooms, and even bathrooms. By integrating these colours, you can create a home that feels both elevated and welcoming.
Start Small
If the thought of painting an entire room in a warm colour feels daunting, start small. Introduce warm tones through accessories and accent pieces. Naturally dyed cushions and throws and seagrass rugs are great starting points. These elements can add nuance to any interior and help you visualise how warmer hues will look in your space before committing to a larger change.
Choose the Right Shades
When selecting warm colours, consider the mood you want to create and the existing elements in your room. Here are some warm tones that work well in a range of interiors:
Earthy Brown: Creates a grounded feeling to any space. Not as harsh as black.
Terracotta: Adds a rustic, earthy vibe and pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone.
Taupe: A welcoming mid tone that creates a cosy feeling but not too overpowering.
Nude: Warmer than white but a subtle choice that works in a range of interiors.
Integrate Natural Elements
Warm colours pair beautifully with natural elements. Incorporate materials like timber and mix with natural textiles, such as seagrass rugs, handwoven baskets and naturally dyed wool.
Here are some of my favourite warm decor accessories.
Lighting Matters
The right lighting can enhance the warmth of your colour palette. Opt for soft, ambient lighting rather than harsh, bright overhead lights. Table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces with warm-toned bulbs can create a soothing atmosphere. Dimmer switches are also a great addition, allowing you to adjust the light levels to suit the mood.
Paint Colour: Dulux “Clay Dust”
Lume Wall Light in Natural
Paint Colour: Dulux “Ceylon Tea”
Lume Wall Light in Olive
Seagrass Runner - Custom
Colour Drenching
Where possible, drench your spaces in one colour. Paint not just the walls but the trims, cornices, doors and windows too. To embrace the look further, paint the walls and ceilings in the same colour to create a cocoon-like effect.
Paint Colour: Dulux “Warm Neutral”
Personal Touches
Infusing warm colours into your interiors is not about following trends; it’s about creating a space that reflects your personality and style. Add personal touches with items that have sentimental value, such as family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or handmade crafts. These pieces can add character and warmth, making your home uniquely yours.
Shop the edit here.
Your Next Step
Transitioning from white to warm colour tones can seem like a big step, but it’s an opportunity to infuse your home with personality, comfort, and style. By starting small, choosing the right shades, and layering textures and natural elements, you can create a warm and inviting space that you’ll love to come home to. Remember, your home should be a reflection of you, so choose colours and pieces that make you feel connected and at ease in your home.
Want to create a home that feels good? Download “The 10 Foundations To Create Your Dream Home”, a workbook based on my bestselling book: This is Home: The Art of Simple Living.