So do you choose art that blends with the decor you already have? Or do you redecorate to match your art? Here’s 5 ways you can use revitalise your home using colour to create a coherent interior scheme and your art as the inspiration.

#1 Go Neutral With Your Interior Design

Like many, you may aleady have neutral or off-white walls as way to ….

This option is a safe bet without any colours competing your artwork easily becomes a focal point. However you don’t have to stick with just ‘brilliant white’ paint, there are an abundance of shades of white paint that could create a warmth, contempory, country or even a Cornwall beach house feel. Here’s a great article by Sims Hilditch, featured in the House & Garden Top 100 & Andrew Martin World 100 Design Reviewm, explaining how you can use different shades of white to varying effects read more >>

Neutrals Have Undertones

Be aware that neutrals tend to have underlying tones. You will want to choose a neutral paint colour that will match the colours of your painting. In the example above, the wall colour has a cool undertone of blue that compliments the predominantly blue painting. Other neutrals may be slightly more yellow or pinkish for example.

#2 Choose Similar Colours

Pick out the dominant colour in your artwork for a cohesive interior scheme. In this painting there are various shades of subtle to more vibrant blues.

LIGHTER & DARKER

In the example above with the darker shade of blue the colours have the apperance of ‘popping’ off the wall more. Also the orange and white light have a more dramatic effect due to the orange being blues complimentary colour (it’s found on the opposite side of the colour wheel).

Whereas in the example below the paler shade of blue has the effect of creating much softer look. The black frame goes a long way to defining the paintings surround so the painting doesn’t blend too much with wall colour.

#3 Experiment With Analogous Colour Schemes

Analogous colours are colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel. As the dominant colour in this painting is blue, a purple toned colour would be analogous to blue. In the example below you can see how the wall colour causes the purple and pinkier tones in the clouds to glow more than in the previous examples, creating a warmer more romantic feel.

There are some great tools on the Dulux website you can investiagate too, including their on site colour sensor technology.

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#4 Try Complimentary Shades

Complimentary colours refer to the colours opposite each other on the colour wheel. The orange wall colour is complimentary to this prodominantly blue seascape. The contrast between the painting and wall causes a striking juxtapostion and focal point to a room

#5 Dare To Go Darker

Colourful paintings work really well on black or grey walls accentuating the light and colours. Similarly to the light neutrals above, make sure to choose a grey with undertones that compliment your painting. In the example below a blueish grey has married with blues in the painting.

#Bonus Play With Furniture & Accessories

Try picking one or two key colours from the artwork and match with any furniture or accessories in the room, such as cushions, light fixtures, curtains, ornaments or rugs. In some examples of my art collectors rooms:

• Turquoise Mawgan Porth Seascape (below) - the golden glow of the sunset has been picked up with the mustard coloured bed throw and the painting’s frame; similarly with the turquoise blue in the lamp fixtures.

• Sunset Porthtowan Seascape (below) - the warm red and orange tones of the sunset has been picked up with the copper finish lighting (and not seen in the picture the red kitchen fixtures) and also mirrored in the the choice of frame.

Summing Up…

A simple change in paint colour can dramatically alter the feel of a room and showcase your favourite artwork. You can decide whether you’d like a little drama using a striking colour or darker tone, or a softer more peaceful atmosphere created with pale or neutral tones.

Upskill Your Colour Know-How With Me

The skill and eye lies in a little knowledge of colour theory. If you’d like to discover more about the world of colour I have some classes that cover what you’ll need to know. Initially geared up for painters, the knowledge would also be transferable to painting coloured feature walls!

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