PINTEREST’S HEAD OF HOME MATT SIBERRY ON HOW WE’RE BECOMING BRAVER WITH COLOUR, PLUS HIS TIPS FOR EASY WAYS TO INTRODUCE IT
When you’re faced with painting or decorating a blank wall, it can feel like a daunting task. But adding colour has always been a risk worth taking. Will a splash of orange in my living room feel out of place, or will it bring warm and optimistic feelings? Spoiler alert, it’s the latter.
As an online destination for ultimate interior inspiration, we see many people on Pinterest saving ideas that showcase big and bold colours in the home. But when it comes to letting the roller glide down the wall, so many of us opt for a white, cream, or darker shade of beige, all of which have their rightful place when decorating. But as we now spend more time in our homes, whether that’s working, relaxing or hosting, true self-expression should lead our choices. So let’s be brave and reflect ourselves in the spaces where we live.
Colour helps us emote and it’s well known that different shades can alter our mood. So next time you’re planning your space, think about how you want to feel when you’re there and choose a soothing or exciting colour accordingly.
One of my earliest memories of being bold with colour, was when my mother gave my brothers and I free reign to choose the carpet in our bedrooms. My younger brother demanded a bright, ‘gunge-like’ purple carpet. A bold choice, but I think I have the most distinctive and positive memories about his room than any other.
On Pinterest, users are looking for colour inspiration and products to decorate their homes. So, here are some of the biggest themes and projects for 2023 so far.
PICTURE PERFECT PASTELS
By now, I’ve made it clear that bold can be better, but that doesn’t always mean colours that are vibrant. Pastels, huge in 2022, are still popular now, especially on walls, whether that’s paper or paint. Soft pinks, yellows and greens all help to bring light, positivity (and hope) in our homes, especially during times when we might not feel that way.
CHEAT SHEET…
n The easiest route to introducing a hit of colour to a room? Use bold and vibrant cushions. They’re easy to swap in and out if you fancy a change.
n Get a two-tone look by painting a wall in one shade below the dado rail and another shade above, either in a co-ordinating or contrasting colour.
n Copy the fashion world’s ‘match your handbag to your shoes’ rule. Pick a pendant shade in a bold colour and match it on two other items in
