Toning exercises

Erick LopezThe West Australian
Camera IconThe Cabin by Webb & Brown-Neaves employs cooler tones in its accessories. Credit: Joel Barbitta/D-Max Photography.

When designing a new or existing home people love to focus on colours and interior themes – but how much are cool and warm tones actually considered? Are there rules surrounding how these tones are used?

Understanding which colours have warm or cool undertones is important when it comes to controlling how a home’s furniture, flooring, lighting or other elements interact.

Webb and Brown-Neaves Interior Design Consultant Melissa Redwood explained some of the science surrounding colour and how it was best used in the home.

“Warmer colours are generally based around reds, yellows and oranges,” she said. “While cool colours are more based on greens, greys and blues.

“Warm colours are best used in main living areas of your home, or areas which are the most social, as they stimulate the senses and encourage conversation, interaction and social behaviour. Using cool colours is great for bedrooms, as they are more calming and relaxing and promote sleep and wellbeing.”

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Ms Redwood said she tended to use warm colour schemes the most, but utilised cool colours for accessories.

“I am happy to accessorise with cooler tones in cushions and artwork – but for the main scheme like wall colour and flooring I will use warmer tones,” she said.

Outlining some common interior design rules – Ms Redwood explained how adding some ‘warmth’ could change the mood of a ‘cold’ space.

“I love using timber floors in homes, as they exude a beautiful and natural warmth about them,” she said. “I believe timber adds warmth to any colour scheme and can be beautiful in areas where you have used a lot of tiles, such as in the bathroom.

“Tiles have a cold feeling about them underfoot and, by adding some timber, perhaps in the cabinetry, you can add warmth to the space.”

Ms Redwood described lighting as “extremely important” when creating a feeling of warmth or coolness, and suggested playing around with different globes to achieve your desired aesthetic.

“Just changing a light globe can instantly change the way a room will look,” she said.

“You can buy either warm white or cool white globes – the warm white will ensure the space feels more warm and cosy, while cool globes can be more effective for task lighting, such as kitchens.”

Providing some advice on the best lighting for applying makeup – Ms Redwood said daylight was ideal, however, the next best thing was warm light when going out at night or cool light when spending time outdoors or in natural light. She said this made an adjustable light with different tones perfect in a bathroom or wherever makeup was applied.

CONTACT Webb & Brown-Neaves, 9208 9000, www.wbhomes.com.au

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