9. Consider the Impact of Light on Color
“Lighting can completely transform a color,” Au says. “It all depends on the quality of light. South-facing rooms get lots of natural light, so the yellow and red undertones in a color will be emphasized.
“This is why we always recommend getting samples so you can see the color in the room throughout the day as well as in artificial light,” she says. “Paint on large bits of card rather than straight onto your 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 must know what you’re working with in order to pick the right color,” Fournet says. “North- and east-facing rooms get a bad press as they receive less sun, but I say they should be embraced rather than feared. North-facing rooms can still look warm and cozy if you choose red-based neutrals or darker colors.
“For east-facing rooms, sharper, cooler shades, such as aquamarines, greens and blues — not the muddier tones — work well,” she says. “South- and west-facing rooms are where you can have a bit more freedom, but be careful with neutrals in a south-facing room. They can often be too light and end up looking bleached out, so don’t be scared to add a bit of an undertone.”
How to Decorate a Living Room
“Lighting can completely transform a color,” Au says. “It all depends on the quality of light. South-facing rooms get lots of natural light, so the yellow and red undertones in a color will be emphasized.
“This is why we always recommend getting samples so you can see the color in the room throughout the day as well as in artificial light,” she says. “Paint on large bits of card rather than straight onto your 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 must know what you’re working with in order to pick the right color,” Fournet says. “North- and east-facing rooms get a bad press as they receive less sun, but I say they should be embraced rather than feared. North-facing rooms can still look warm and cozy if you choose red-based neutrals or darker colors.
“For east-facing rooms, sharper, cooler shades, such as aquamarines, greens and blues — not the muddier tones — work well,” she says. “South- and west-facing rooms are where you can have a bit more freedom, but be careful with neutrals in a south-facing room. They can often be too light and end up looking bleached out, so don’t be scared to add a bit of an undertone.”
How to Decorate a Living Room