We’ve all been there. We see a trendy fun color in a magazine and call up the painter, only to find ourselves a month later moaning on the couch feeling worse than that Saturday in college that we still don’t want to talk about. While neutrals will always be among the most popular color choices for design trends, color is increasingly taking the spotlight in shelter magazines and among home décor. Blues and greens, rose and shades of purple, and warm browns and peaches are popping up on Insta-feeds everywhere. Caroline Kopp, principal designer at her eponymous interior design firm in Westport, CT, is known for her bold use of color, from vibrant dressing rooms to pops of pink and blue or red and orange in a living room or bedroom. If you are intrigued by the idea of adding a little color to your home but hesitant to take the plunge, Kopp, shares with us tips and tricks for bravely going beyond beige and white in a way you’ll never regret.
Sample, Sample, Sample
While you may love blue, finding the right shade is key and that’s where samples come in, says Kopp. “A tiny paint chip is never enough, especially with strong color,” she advises. “You need a large sample to see how a color truly feels in your space.” This, she says, helps easily eliminate losers and allows you to hone in on winners. She uses Samplize to make the process easier. “There are so many unique shades of each color, and each shade brings its own vibe,” says Kopp.
Choose what you love
“Look to colors you love to see in nature, in art, in your wardrobe,” she advises. “If you have loved blue your whole life, you are going to love living with it.” Color is emotional, says Kopp. The best way to know if you are going to love living with a color is to trust your gut. “If something feels off, trust that, too,” she adds. This year, she sees cool tones coming back to counterbalance the wave of warm tones like peach, russett, brown and yellow that dominated last year’s color palette. “Trends aside, there is always room for all colors. It should be about what makes you truly happy in your own space,” she says.
Start with Art
If commitment feels too overwhelming, start with accessories like a painting or a small sculpture. These are low-commitment ways to experiment with. “Art is the best way to bring in bold color without committing to a whole room,” says Kopp. “A colorful work of art can exist in a completely neutral space and give you that hit of color and interest without taking over the entire palette.” It also serves as a wonderful place for color inspiration, she adds: “You can start with your art and build an incredible palette out of that.”
Be Sure to Balance
“I don’t want to live a day without color, but balance is key,” advises Kopp. “Not every room should be bold.” She recommends also designing neutral spaces where they eye can rest to balance colorful rooms that add energy and personality. “That contrast keeps everything feeling intentional rather than overwhelming,” she adds.
Consider Texture
How a paint or fabric feels is just as important and its color, so consider the sheen of your paint and the feel and durability of your fabrics and materials before you make a selection. “Each finish has to coordinate with our overall palette. It all has to be balanced,” says Kopp. “Sometimes the starting point is the cabinetry, other times it might be the rug. It all depends on what the dominant features of the room will be. Beginning with the carpet that you love is an easy way to find your palette. You just throw the fabric samples on the floor and edit down until it all looks harmonious.”
