A Good Design is all about balance. Whether you are wanting to make a change of paint or pillows on your sofa, considering the tones of each element is important in creating a well-rounded design. Even in a neutral pallet it’s wise to consider warm and cool undertones.
Warm
Examples of warm tones are red, orange, brown, gold, beige, and creamy whites. Warm tones can feel cozy and inviting. However, if there are too many warm tones in your space it can make the room feel tight and stuffy.
Cool
Examples of cool tones are blues, greens, purples, silver, and whites with grey undertones. If there are too many cool tones in your space it can feel unwelcoming and cold.
A good option to help balance your warm and cool tones is incorporating black in your design. While white can be cool or warm black is neither.
Having a combination of both warm and cool tones will allow your space to feel welcoming and thoughtfully put together.
What's next?
Now that you understand the importance and differences between warm and cool tones, you can look at what you have already selected in your room. Are these selections predominantly warm or cool? Once you know how to distinguish the difference, it is easier to know what you need to balance. For example, if you have light warm wood floors you could consider selecting dark cool cabinets (like we've done above!) or if you have cool tones in your barstools you could have warm tones island to help balance.
Having a combination of textures and tones will add depth to your design.
As always, don't hesitate to reach out if you need help with your designs!