There are so many ways for the amateur designer to go wrong when decorating a room. Watching some of the shows on TV can make it seem really simple to come up with a concept and then execute it beautifully – but we forget sometimes that those shows take days or even weeks of effort and edit them down to twenty-two minutes, five of which are the host talking to the camera.
One of the easiest mistakes newcomers make is concentrating far too much on colour agreement. The palette you choose for a room is important, of course, and in general having colours and textures that work together is a good rule to follow. But what experienced designers know is that rules are sometimes made to be broken – and the true test of a creative designer is the ability to use contrast powerfully. One of the best ways to break out from colour agreement that’s making your room feel a little too ‘matchy-matchy’ is to use some contrasting photo canvas.
Contrasting Colour
Let’s say you’ve gone neutral in your living room. Lots of whites and creams and tans, perhaps, a relaxing and clean look that inspires people to sit and chat even while every glass of red wine causes you a heart attack.
But sometimes that colour palette can be too relaxing, and edge over into sleepy. This is where the term ‘pop of colour’ comes to your rescue. You can do it the usual ways with throw pillows and items on the shelves, but an even more powerful way is to choose some photo canvas subjects that bring that pop of contrasting colour that will actually help focus your palette and design choices. The trick is to go off the reservation and choose an opposing colour. In our cream living room, for example, go for a hot red or a deep blue to pop everything into focus.
Using Photo Canvas for Texture
The other aspect of a room’s cohesion is Deep Magic of room design: Texture. Newbies never think much about textures. They’re totally visual, and stick on colour and lines. But the textures on your walls, floors, and upholstery is a crucial aspect of the ‘feel’ of your room.
Bringing texture in doesn’t mean draping burlap over everything and walking away with a slight skin rash every time you sit down. In fact, texture doesn’t have to be literal – a great, hi-resolution photo of texture can work just as well. If your room is filled with smooth textures – tiles and marble and leather – a huge, vibrantly photographed canvas of rustic wood or brick can bring the roughness that will finish off the space perfectly – without risking splinters.
Contrast is a powerful tool in your room design, but it’s a tool that many people shy away from because it can easily go wrong. But by sticking to pictures on the walls, you can experiment with contrast without taking much risk at all. When you’ve got the perfect ‘pop’ for your room, click here and we’ll deliver the perfect piece of wall art for your room.
