Vibrant Hues Are Believed to Contribute to a More Exclusive, Luxurious, and Eye-Catching Appearance for Your Home
Bringing Rich Colors to Life in Interior Design
Rich colors, with their high saturation and depth, are a popular choice in the design world, conveying a sense of luxury and opulence. These deep, saturated hues, often referred to as jewel tones, can range from deep blues, emerald greens, ruby reds, to dark moody shades and intense, vibrant colors [1].
Amy Krane, an architectural color consultant trained by Frank Mahnke, defines a rich color as a combination of often dark and somewhat saturated colors [2]. Amy, who regularly contributes to interior publications on color and hosts the design podcast, "Let's Talk Paint Color," suggests using rich colors sparingly, such as on a statement piece like an ochre sofa, or part of a pattern in curtains, in a den or a library on the walls with saddle-colored leather seating [3].
One of the favorite shades to come out of the past few years is oxblood red, which can be used in a "red table trick" for a pop of color. The AM.PM table is perfect for this purpose [4]. For those seeking a rich green option, a saturated olive green, especially in a velvet finish, is another choice [5].
To avoid the space feeling too dark or overwhelming, it's essential to balance rich colors with neutral tones and incorporate varied textures. Combining textures like velvet, silk, wood, linen, and metal can make rich colors feel deeper and more multidimensional [3]. Color drenching is another way to maximize the impact of rich colors, such as painting walls in Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue or a romantic oxblood red [6].
In terms of effective use in decorating a space, creating mood and atmosphere is key. Rich colors can make a room feel cozy and inviting, perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas where an intimate ambiance is desired. They soften harsh lighting and can add a sense of drama without being oppressive when balanced properly [1][3].
Balancing rich colors with neutrals and textures is also crucial. Pairing rich colors with neutral tones and incorporating varied textures, such as soft fabrics versus hard surfaces, helps maintain visual interest and balance [3]. Applying color harmony principles, like using complementary, analogous, or harmonious color groupings, ensures that rich hues work cohesively and avoid visual dissonance [4].
Rich colors can also be used to zone and define areas within open or multifunctional spaces without physical dividers. For instance, a deep color on one wall can mark a workspace distinct from a living area, adding structure while maintaining flow [2].
Lastly, considering lighting is essential. Rich colors tend to absorb more light, potentially making spaces feel smaller. Using them in rooms with ample natural or ambient light helps maintain openness, while darker or richer colors can be best used on accent walls or in larger rooms to enhance depth without shrinking the space [1][3].
In conclusion, rich colors bring depth, warmth, and luxury to interiors when applied thoughtfully with attention to balance, function, and harmony. They are especially effective in creating cozy, intimate, and visually striking environments by combining them with neutral accents, layering textures, and using color theory principles [1][3][4].
For unexpected ways to decorate with rich colors, consider green marble, like the Pietra table, or ochre yellow rugs from Nordic Knots, which can change and shift with evolving design styles. Phthalo Green, considered the most expensive-looking rich color, is another option to consider [5][7].
- Initially, consider complementing deep, rich hues with subtle neutrals in interiors to balance out the intensity of the colors.
- Rich colors like deep reds, such as oxblood, can be used sparingly, like in a statement piece, such as a sofa or a table, for a striking effect.
- A saturated olive green, especially in a velvet finish, provides an attractive rich green option for interior design.
- Mixing textures like velvet, silk, wood, linen, and metal can magnify the impact of rich colors, making them appear more dimensional.
- Rich colors can zone and define areas within open or multifunctional spaces, acting as a subtle partition without physical dividers.
- Incorporating color harmony principles, like using complementary, analogous, or harmonious color groupings, helps rich colors blend cohesively and avoid visual dissonance.
