Colour Theory: Decorating Schemes with Strong Colours

Colour has the power to lift your spirits and encourage positive well-being. A touch of soothing blue creates a sense of tranquillity, while a dash of red can bring warmth and energy. Developed over many years, colour theory explores how colours interact, combine, and influence your views. At the centre is the colour wheel, featuring primary, secondary, and tertiary colours - each offering a unique emotional and visual message.

Whether you prefer joyful, vibrant hues or delicate, muted tones, the colours you surround yourself with can affect your emotions and transform your space - creating a welcoming and personalised home that feels truly you. Here, we explore three nature-inspired shades from our new Cove Lighting Range and how to weave them into your interior scheme.

Tranquil Blue

When you think of blue, vast clear skies and deep oceans come to mind, so it's no surprise that this comforting shade is known for its calming properties. Stylish and classic, blue can easily be introduced into a range of interior schemes. Whether you prefer a laid-back coastal look or a more contemporary Scandi aesthetic, you can't go wrong with this versatile colour.

Promoting peace and serenity, blue is the perfect addition to the bedroom - a space where you can lay back, relax and unwind. Introduce varying tones of blue, on the walls and through accessories to create a layered and cosy bedroom and complement it with natural woods and organic linens. Position the Hanter Wall Light in Falmouth Blue above bedside tables to add a soothing accent colour and warming glow - restoring calm after a busy day.

We know that blue can also promote mental clarity, motivation and concentration, making it a great addition to a home office - accessorise your desk with the Archer Blue Table Lamp to encourage a happy and productive workspace.

Stimulating Red

Motivating and stimulating, a touch of red goes a long way and can encourage an energy boost just when you need it. Reminiscent of a sunset glow, red complements an earthy palette of orange and pink, bringing warmth and an unexpected pop of colour to a neutral design scheme.

Known for its vitality, red works well in a dining room and lively areas of the home where socialising and celebrations take place. Capture the senses and introduce the Skipper Pendant in Ember Red, centre above a dining table for a striking design feature and ambient fiery glow.

If you're drawn to the idea of red but prefer a more subtle touch, or keen to try out the 'unexpected red theory', try including accents in the corners of your home. Mooring Table Lamp in Ember Red sits perfectly in a relaxing reading nook, adding a touch of industrial charm and a flash of contrasting colour.

Rejuvenating Green

Symbolic with growth and the natural world, green evokes images of lush forestry and rolling landscapes, conveying balance and harmony - creating spaces that are both welcoming and uplifting. Much like blue, the versatility of green complements various design styles, from contemporary to traditional. Rejuvenating and grounding, this peaceful hue brings the outdoors in.

Complementary to every room in the home, green is a real crowd-pleaser - so where better to introduce it than in the living room? Colourful without overpowering, green is a subtle ‘new neutral’ to more classic shades of grey or white, or if you prefer to go bold, add depth by using richer tones of emerald and leafy green.

Layered lighting is a must-have in a living area and a ceiling light can bring a much-needed focal point to the centre of the room. The Skipper Pendant in Sea Glass Green adds a richness of colour and a sculptural design feature reminiscent of the organic forms found in nature. Introduce the Mooring Table Light in Sea Glass Green, to radiate endless illumination; this minimalist wooden table light is the ultimate balance between form and function.

Posted: 17.03.23
Updated: 02.04.25