These 6 Colourful Homes Will Inspire You to Brighten Up Your Décor
The colours that surround us every day can have a powerful effect on our emotions and state of mind. While we each experience and respond to certain colours in different ways, there are some constants across their psychological effects. Cool colours like blue and green usually promote calmness, whereas warm colours like red, orange and yellow are more energising. Muted colours are more likely to trigger sadness, whereas bright colours are more likely to trigger happiness.
When it comes to home décor, it's tempting to stick to warm neutrals and shades of grey – they're the safer choice, especially where budget is concerned. But with a little risk there's a chance you'll be generously rewarded. By incorporating bright colours into your home décor, you're increasing the likelihood you'll feel energised and happy on a day to day basis. You'll also stand out in a sea of monochromatic minimalism in the homes of your friends and family.
From Prudence Caroline's coastal ode to texture and colour to Flex Mami's vibrant city apartment, get inspired by these colourful homes and before you know it you'll be making your own mood board for a brighter home (and a brighter you).
Prudence Caroline, Torquay
Prudence Caroline's plush blue armchair is enough to make anyone believe in the power of bright colours when it comes to home décor. Sure, colour aside it looks unreasonably comfortable. But this blue – have you ever witnessed a friendlier or more inviting shade of blue in your life? Prudence is an artist, so it's no surprise the rest of her home is likewise filled with artful touches of colour that will inspire you to dip your toes in a brighter palette.
Dina Broadhurst, Sydney
Another artist – sensing a theme here... Dina Broadhurst's green table is a subtle use of bold, bright colour. The muted sea-foam green is a unique colour choice in itself, and to see it in table form is all the more unexpected.
Katie Mack, Los Angeles
We love the unabashed approach to colour at play in the home of Katie Mack, aka @candycoloredhome. From rich teal and lime green to baby blue and abundant pink, her home is the beacon for a sophisticated take on a more-is-more aesthetic. Indoor plants throughout this vibrant home work to enliven everything that much more.
Jenna Holmes, Collingwood
The yellow sofa set at the home of Jenna Holmes (aka @plantmama_) has been on our mind since we visited last year for our Makers series. Surrounded by plants (of course) it's like sunshine localised in her living room.
Flex Mami, Sydney
A simple set of emoji-yellow shelves instantly brightens up the bedroom at Flex Mami's place – and offsets the softer shades of her bed linen perfectly. Objects elsewhere come in shades of pink, with an assortment of fresh flowers acting as an anchor. Take note – this is a natural at work.
Allira Potter, Geelong
Wall art is a great way to change the mood at home – and you can take it with you when you leave. "I love bright things but love my furnishings to be either grey or timber so that I can decorate with all the colour," says Allira Potter in her Makers interview. Whether you're not ready or able to go bright with your furniture or wall colour, find a local artist you love and brighten your space that way.