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25 May 18

How to pick the perfect colour for your bedroom

Sophie Robinson  IHS 2018 Innovation home bedroom LR

Picking the perfect colour palette for any room is often a daunting task but crucial when scheming a bedroom. As with every room in your home you need to start thinking of the feeling you want to create as undoubtedly this will affect what colour palette you choose. In this post I take you through a few key colour options, and using the theory of Colour Psychology, help you pick the right one for you and enhance that feel good feeling. Since discovering the total game changing powers of Colour Psychology, and running courses for interior designers on how to use it to stream line the design process, I’m up for everyone getting their colour palette spot on. It makes it so easy to pull a scheme together and makes a room feel brilliant.

 

BLUE

This has to be one of my favourite hues for bedrooms as it’s so restful and calming. It’s a soothing hue that has a lovely clear clarity to it too. Picking your right tone though can be a mind field. Personally like to err on the warmer shades of blue (because I’m a Spring Autumn Colour personality!) but on a practical level beware that cool blues can feel chilly. Maybe  spare these hues for a sunny south facing room that needs cooling down. Otherwise pick a rich teal, soft duck egg if you want to warm cool room up. My personal choice is a deep blue with a bit of red in it like Lazuli which is what I’ve used for my recent bed linen range for Secret Linen Store. The lighter tones appear more serene and reflective but then the deep bottom of the pool blues can feel so deliciously dramatic and cosseting. Blues also pair up really well with hints warmer tones like coral, pink and yellow which is what I’ve done here.

Dazzling blue linen set for the secret linen store, part of an exclusive range designed by The Great Interior design judge Sophie Robinson

Dazzling blue 100% linen by Sophie Robinson for Secret linen store

 

RED

Not a popular choice for bedrooms as it’s a high-energy colour that can feel agitating and aggressive if it’s too full on all-over-the-walls. However theirs no denying it’s connotations with all things oo-er sexy so if you want an element of the boudoir in your bedroom a hint of red might just be the cheeky hint you need. Instead I’d maybe look at the warmer deeper tones of red like burgundy or claret. Dare I say it reds that appear more brown. They feel more sensuous than kiss me quick sexy. This image below works well as the velvet button upholstery bigs up the sensuous feel while the cool grey blue on the walls stops it feeling suffocating. Ravishing!

 

Bold yet sophisticated upholstered bed by Sofa.com

Knightsbridge double bed in Pumice house basket weave, sofa.com

 

PINK

Unlike red pink is the perfect colour for bedrooms. The soft warm fleshy tones are the most flattering wall colour for, err, viewing oneself in the nude don’t you know! From a colour psychology perspective pink is all things nurturing, soothing, intimate and reassuring. I think the blush tones have a real touch of glamour although its feminine connotations can make it a total no go for men. Just call it a nude neutral, tell him it’ll make you look hot in the buff, and see how you get on. I think it looks lovely with more masculine tones like navy or grey so you could always get around it that way

Walls painted in Nevada 6 by Dulux. Holly bed in midnight by Button and Sprung. Breaking dawn lamp by Anna Jacobs.

 

YELLOW

Generally I don’t think yellow is a great choice for bedrooms. Rolled out on all four walls and it’s going to make you look sallow. Not a look anyone is channeling I’m sure. Also like red it’s a very upbeat and energising colour so not conducive to rest. So unless you want to get out of bed with a hop skip and a jump then yellow is best avoided. However it’s a very positive feel good colour so I think it makes a good accent. For example a yellow headboard will give the room a cheering vibe but you don’t have to look at it when you are actually relaxing in bed. Team with cool blues or soft greys to balance the look.

Rose King Size Divan in Bespoke Zimmer and Rhode Saga Velvet Fabric by Button and Sprung

 

ORANGE

Think of soft peach, coral, and apricot and you can see how orange could create a very soft, warm and positive bedroom scheme. Another passionate colour it’s possibly more effective if you go for the pinker tones of orange rather than the red. It can also be a really luxurious hue. Just think of Hermes packaging with a sharp hint of charcoal grey to make a room feel special.

Orange wall painted in Charlottes Locks by Farrow and Ball. IStyled and designed by Sophie Robinson for Ideal Home.

 

GREEN

Green is the Doctor Feelgood of the colour spectrum. The colour of Mother Nature it always imbues the feel good vibes. It’s a great color for rest and recuperation and can bring a real sense of balance and wellness to a scheme. Again I’d be wary of using too much green in any room scheme, as it can quickly appear stagnant. Not so great for getting out of bed in the morning! Instead freshen it up with crisp white or make it feel pretty with its perfect partner pink.

Nature inspired bedroom scheme by Marks & Spencer

Bug Print Bedding Set, Watercolour stripe bed set, all Marks & Spencer

 

PURPLE

This should be a real contender for bedrooms. In terms of colour psychology it communicates luxury on the deeper end of the spectrum and spirituality when you get towards violets. It’s a bit of a marmite colour for most that dips in and out of fashion but currently lilac is very de rigour and the bedroom could be the perfect place for it. In my mind it can err towards tacky so keep purple classy and only invest in quality to stop it looking down market. And no crushed velvet anywhere!

On trend mauve bedroom scheme by Zara Home

Floral print duvet cover and basic percale duvet cover, Zara Home

 

GREY

Still such a popular decorating colour grey is the go to neutral for many schemes. Its paler tones can make for a very sophisticated bedroom while the deeper ‘Downpipe’ shades can look robust and dramatic. Grey can look instantly chic and is easy to pull together. On the downside it can look flat and lifeless. I think it works best when teamed with other colours. Be that a sharp slice of black and white to add clarity and definition of softened with an accent colour like pink, yellow or purple. Also like any neutral scheme consider pepping it up with plenty of texture and metallic’s. Both gold’s and chrome metallic’s work equally well with grey.

Modern monochrome bedroom by West Elm

Andes Deco upholstered bed, West Elm

 

WHITE

The colour of purity one would think this is an obvious choice for bedrooms. In it’s purest form I would say it’s too stark and could actually feel rather draining. In science terms white is all the colours reflected back at you and consequently rather exhausting to look at. Instead if you want that fresh and pure look consider an off white. There are too many to mention here but my go-to is the designer paint brands who are experts at mixing the right whites for our North European light. That all said there’s nothing more alluring than some clean crisp white cotton sheets.

 

Little Greene serene and calming Bedford Square wallpaper bedroom

Wall in Bedford Square wallpaper and Portland Stone Pale, Little Greene

 

BLACK

The clichéd teenage Goths bedroom just got universally acceptable. Thanks in part no doubt to designer Abigail Ahern and her fearless approach to decorating on the dark side people have been daubing their walls inky dark shades up and down the land. It’s a gutsy approach to decorating and only really works when you go all out, ceilings floors and all. It makes a great space to be enjoyed at night with plenty of subtle mood lighting. Just good luck finding your socks in the morning!

 

Dramatic bedroom with panelled walls in Railings by Farrow & Ball

Panelled wall in Railings Estate Eggshell, Farrow & Ball

 

For more insight and priceless pearls of wisdom on how to concoct your own knock out colour schemes join me for one of my sell out Colour workshops. Totally geared towards helping you formulate your own unique colour palette that’s perfect for you and your home, I take you through my creative processes on how to decorate powerfully.  I’m hosting my next event in London on the 2nd October. You can book your spot here

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Before and after! This room took me on a real jour Before and after! This room took me on a real journey.
At first, I thought I needed a calm, blank space to focus… so I painted it all white. I know - can you believe it?! I told myself it was for clarity and creativity, but the truth is, I hated it. I felt flat and totally uninspired.

So, I ripped up the rulebook and went back to what I know works for me: bold colour and big pattern. I painted the whole space in my favourite cobalt blue (Lazuli by @zoffanyfw) and installed the ‘In the Woods’ mural from my @Harlequinfw collection - and now it’s everything I wanted and more.

I feel creative, energised, and completely connected to the beautiful garden just outside the window. A daily reminder to trust your instincts, feel from your gut and be brave. 

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A masterclass in maximalism! 🌈✨ It was such A masterclass in maximalism! 🌈✨

It was such an honour to guest judge the Interior Design Masters final alongside the fabulous @michelleogundehin and wow, what a finale it was!

The setting? The magical village of Portmeirion.
The challenge? Transform a bland holiday cottage.
The winner? The brilliant @john_cooper_design and what a winning design it was! 

John’s scheme was a glorious celebration of colour and perfect  storytelling. I loved how  he used bold Mediterranean hues and motifs from room to room which cleverly held this maximalist vision together. It felt like being whisked away to a land far far away. And thereby perfectly capturing the spirit of Portmerion. Honestly, it felt magical to be there!

I’ve unpacked all Johns clever ideas and design takeaways over on the blog (link in bio) — but I’d LOVE to hear what you thought.

Was John your winner?
What design moment caught your eye?
Could you stay in a house like this?

Tell me in the comments 👇

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Ready to create a home that feels unapologetically Ready to create a home that feels unapologetically YOU?

For me it’s about bold joyful colour, striking pattern, and those magical touches that light you up every time you walk through the door. This isn’t about playing it safe, it’s about crafting a home that celebrates the uniqueness of who you are and how you want to feel. 

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EXCLUSIVE Live with the WINNER of @interiordesignm EXCLUSIVE Live with the WINNER of @interiordesignmasters ! 

Thankyou @john_cooper_design for a beautiful LIVE taking a deeper look into your amazing experience being on the this most loved show. We all loved watching you grow and develop as a designer and your collection with @johnlewis is an absolute triumph! Cannot wait to see what you do next 🙌
All the Finale feels ✨ What a joy was filming t All the Finale feels ✨
What a joy was filming this series of @interiordesignmasters with @michelleogundehin , @chattyman , not mention this year’s insanely talented finalists @john_cooper_design 💙 @ritamillat ❤️ There is a lot of love and positive energy that goes into making this show.

And it doesn’t end here…

TONIGHT at 7pm I’ll be going LIVE right here on Instagram with this year’s winner… SPOLER ALERT….

@john_cooper_design 
I cannot wait to chat all the behind-the-scenes design insights, and what it really takes to win Interior Design Masters. What a smashing journey John has been on. Wow his final design blew me away, it’s was soo well executed and his vision was perfectly in step with the flamboyant eccentricity of Portmerion. Top marks! 

Come join us and ask your questions during this exciting Live event or come back later and watch the replay! 👀

Missed the show? Catch  up with @bbcone  Interior Design Masters on @bbciplayer 

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Beware of listening to the ‘experts’! I get i Beware of listening to the ‘experts’!
I get it though, designing a house is hard, especially if your taste leans towards the 
maximalist style. There is every chance you’ll feel overwhelmed or stressed about getting it wrong with the end result one hot mess. However here are some of those common ‘design rules’ that I absolutely disagree with! Would love to know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you’re ready to stop playing it safe and fully embrace creating a home that truly reflects you, my specially designed online course has everything you need to keep you falling into any more traps. I’ll guide you through uncovering your unique style, choosing colours with confidence, and mixing patterns like a pro, all while making it feel beautifully cohesive and creative. And the best bit? It’s 25% off until the end of May! That’s right, just a few days left to pick up a massive discount.

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Ready to step into your best life? Start with the Ready to step into your best life? Start with the place that holds it all. Your home.

I’ve always believed that a joyful, soul-filled home isn’t just a reflection of who you are… it’s a catalyst for who you want to become. When you’re surrounded by colours that lift you, patterns that energise you, and decor that tells to your story, something magical happens.

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