Finding the Perfect Colour Palettes for a Quaint Home
Today, we’re going to dive into one of my favorite aspects of interiors – choosing the right colours for your home. Colours can set the mood, evoke emotions, and breathe life into a space. So, let’s talk about how to pick the perfect hues for a cottage colour palette that’ll make your home into a true retreat.
IMAGE: @house & Garden UK
Start with the Basics
First things first, step away from the wallpaper and fabrics. Think about the style you want to achieve in your home, the feeling, and the mood. Are you going for a classic, snug look? Or perhaps you’re leaning toward a more open and airy feel? A typical Australian cottage style filled with white and timber? Maybe you want to infuse some energy and vibrancy into your space. Personally, I favour interiors that are neutral but colourful (is that possible?)
Knowing the style you want will be your guide when it comes to choosing colours. I’m going for a ‘modern Jane Austen’ in our cottage but your vibe can be anything you want. It’s English country meets rustic with a touch of modern. Earthy, rustic, traditional, floral, and minimalist vibes can all work in a cottage if you do them right. The cottage above is more traditional with a hint of boho or tribal on the floor.
IMAGE:Ngoc Minh Mgo
Cosy Comfort
If you’re all about that cosy cottage life, think warm and inviting for your cottage colour palette. For me, this means earthy tones like soft browns, warm beiges, muted mustards, and olive greens with the colour palette carried through the entire home, If you keep the main colours cohesive and change out the accents you’ll create a snug atmosphere. Then you can add soft lighting, plump pillows and big throws, Imagine sitting by the fireplace with a cup of tea in a room bathed in these soothing colours – pure comfort! In summer you can mix in some white or cream in florals and cushions to lighten the space or even add airier curtains in the same palette. Deep earth tones dont have to be for the cooler months. In fact, I used mustard or ochre all year round.
Airy and Open
For those aiming for an open and airy cottage vibe, consider light, pastel shades. Think soft blues, delicate greens, and airy creams. These colors can make your space feel larger and brighter, perfect for capturing that tranquil cottage-by-the-sea essence. Just remember, too many colours can be overwhelming to the eye and not that restful. So stick to the 60/30/10 rule if you can and your cottage colour palette will be perfect.
IMAGE:@theidentite.co
Inject Vibrancy
Now, if you want to infuse some vibrancy into your cottage color palette, don’t be afraid to play with bolder hues. Reds, oranges, or even playful yellows can add pops of energy and excitement. Remember to balance them with neutrals so they don’t overwhelm your space. Maybe use them as the accent rather than the main colour. A cushion or throw in a red check or plaid looks perfect on the end of a bed but an entire red room could be a bit much. Inject colour in areas like the rug or a lamp. Just be careful with how you use it on walls. Im not one for big splashes of feature wall in a cottage. However, purposeful bold colour as in kitchen cabinets or a coloured stove would look great in a modern cottage,
Embrace Nature
Remember that cottages often draw inspiration from nature. So, consider the natural surroundings of your cottage when selecting colors. Greens, blues, and earthy tones can help blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. For Blackbird Cottage, I’ve drawn a lot on the trees around us, the greens and golds of the wattle.
In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the perfect color palette for your cottage. It’s all about finding those hues that make your heart skip a beat every time you walk through the door. So, go ahead, experiment, have fun, and make your quaint cottage retreat truly yours with the magic of colors!