It's a gray, drizzly day here in Oregon. And while the cozy weather makes it easier to work, I'm definitely looking forward to warmer weather in the forecast - 90s next week!
Speaking of warm and cool.... that's the home decor topic I'm hitting today. I'll tell you a little about my approach so you can apply it in your home.
When decorating a space - like the dozens of virtual clients I've worked on this last month - the first thing I start with is determining whether the space has warm, cool, or (true) neutral paint colors.
My previous family room: Slightly Warm Floors + True White Walls (no pink or green undertones) + Neutral to Warm Furniture + Neutral to Warm Decor
Warm, Cool, or Neutral
Why? Because paint undertones change everything. They can fight with each other and make things either feel too drab or too stark. Warm is more cozy with beiges, reds, and pinks. Cool is calming with blues, greens, and icy whites. Neutral, means it has EVEN undertones, so no strong warm or cool vibes.
Once you know, the decor decisions are MUCH EASIER.
Me? I almost all of my personal designs are NEUTRAL paint colors with warm wood accents.
Then, what?
Well, once you know where your paint color lands then it helps with the other pieces. Just for a visual, here's a contrast of a warm + cool gray side by side.
Can Warm & Cool Colors Work Together?
Technically, yes. But it can be really hard. Usually it works well when all the main elements like PAINT + FLOORING + BIG FURNITURE are in the same family - or are paired with a neutral.
UNDERTONE COMBOS THAT WORK:
Warm + Warm
Warm + Neutral
Neutral + Neutral
Cool + Cool then add warmth with baskets & texture
Cool + Neutral then add warmth with baskets & texture
So, which type of room and decor do you have? Once you know, it will make decisions about rugs, furniture, pillows, and other decor so much simpler!
Need More Help?
Feel like you need more help in this area? Good news, when you grab one of my Virtual Design Packages, I'll give you a color analysis, ways to work with what you have, and custom tips on how to update your space. I'm including a 10% off discount as a special offer for being in this community - thank you!
$78.00
$70.20
Virtual Room Design
Submit a photo of one space and receive personalized, professional design feedback—no call, no overwhelm.
Just... Read more
I hope this helps! If you have another home decor topic you'd like me to address, just click the form below and I'll answer directly or in an upcoming email. 👇
