9. Consider the effect of light on color
“Lighting can completely transform color,” says Au. “Everything depends on the quality of the light.” South-facing rooms get a lot of natural light, so yellow and red color tones will be emphasized.
“That’s why we always recommend swatches so you can see the color in the room during the day, as well as in artificial light,” she says. “Color on large areas of the card, not right on the walls.” You can then move them around the room at different times of the day to see how they react to the light.”
“Whether it’s artificial lighting or daylight in a room, you have to know what you’re working with to choose the right color,” says Fournet. “Rooms facing north and east get a bad press because they get less sun, but I say they should be embraced, not feared. North-facing rooms can still look warm and cozy if you choose neutral or darker red-based colors.
“For east-facing rooms, crisper, cooler hues such as aquamarine, green and blue—not muddy tones—work well,” she says. “South- and west-facing rooms are places where you can have a little more freedom, but be careful with neutrals in a south-facing room. They can often be too bright and end up looking washed out, so don’t be afraid to add a little pop.”
How to decorate a living room
“Lighting can completely transform color,” says Au. “Everything depends on the quality of the light.” South-facing rooms get a lot of natural light, so yellow and red color tones will be emphasized.
“That’s why we always recommend swatches so you can see the color in the room during the day, as well as in artificial light,” she says. “Color on large areas of the card, not right on the walls.” You can then move them around the room at different times of the day to see how they react to the light.”
“Whether it’s artificial lighting or daylight in a room, you have to know what you’re working with to choose the right color,” says Fournet. “Rooms facing north and east get a bad press because they get less sun, but I say they should be embraced, not feared. North-facing rooms can still look warm and cozy if you choose neutral or darker red-based colors.
“For east-facing rooms, crisper, cooler hues such as aquamarine, green and blue—not muddy tones—work well,” she says. “South- and west-facing rooms are places where you can have a little more freedom, but be careful with neutrals in a south-facing room. They can often be too bright and end up looking washed out, so don’t be afraid to add a little pop.”
How to decorate a living room