A great starting point for any interior designer is a color palette. Some people may be looking for a brighter atmosphere, darker colors, or something more natural. No matter what your inspiration for the color palette is, you will benefit from incorporating natural colors. In fact, it's almost impossible not to use natural tones when designing your space.
When people think of natural tones, they think of toned down, maybe rustic or outdoorsy colors. And to someone who wants to fill their home with bright colors, they might stray from natural color choices. The truth is, almost every design style can take advantage of the power of natural tones; they just need to find the best way to incorporate them. There is a large list of these colors, and they all have different abilities to emphasize different style choices.
So, we wanted to talk more about these natural styles, what they do, and how we can use them to bring out the best in our living space.
Defining Natural Tones
The most popular association with natural tones is the outdoor with the main assumption to be a mix of green and brown shades. But, what really defines a natural color? When you think about it, every color can be found in nature consider the rainbow! But, certain things separate natural tones from naturally existing colors. The definition of natural tones refers to neutral shades that are found in earthy materials.
Natural materials in interior design are wooden materials, rattans, leather, wools, and more. A good way to determine natural colors is by considering the color wheel and if these colors exist on the wheel. If so, they aren't a natural tone. So, the ultimate definition can refer to shades of gray, white, black, and brown. The main tone that is most flexible in this definition is brown because it can come in shades with red or yellow tints.
That being said, once you consider the range among all of these natural colors, you will realize how extensive and common these tones are. When you go to a paint store, you'll see endless shades of white, black, gray, brown, tan, and so on. They encompass a wide range of tones and colors, so it makes sense why they are so essential to interior design color palettes.
Advantages of Designing With Natural Tones
By now, it may be obvious that neutral tones are easy to work into your home design. They are a flexible choice for any style, but there is a range of colors that you might be wondering how to choose from. When finding the right tone for your design, there are many things to consider as they all provide unique benefits.
To get started, you want to consider what your goal is in terms of design. Do you want to create a comforting, energized atmosphere? Or, do you want to create a calm, relaxing environment? These are fundamental questions that will help you decide between warm hues and cool tones.
If you answered yes to the first question, then you will benefit from choosing warm neutral tones like beige, brown, and warm shades of white. Darker warm tones like shades of brown or wooden materials will encourage a sense of comfort that makes you feel at home. This warmth invites you to cozy up as you might do in a rustic cabin or in a modern bohemian home. On the other hand, warm whites and beige tones provide zen-like energy into the room, creating a sense of inner harmony like when you step into a Scandinavian living room.
If you answered yes to the second question, then cool tones of natural colors will be your best option. These colors include gray, cool whites, and even black. For example, gray is a good option to create a balanced, elegant environment. Shades of gray provide the room with a calming vibe that is perfect for relaxing. Cool white tones have the ability to open up the room to revive & refresh the living space. Lastly, you might be hesitant to opt for a bold choice like black, but it can create a statement that feels luxurious and high-end.
All of this being said, you can feel free to mix warm hues and cool tones in order to bring out a contrast between the aesthetics. Or, you can stick to one side of the spectrum for a more decisive or purposeful atmosphere.
Natural Colors Won't Restrict Your Style
It's important to remember that your interior design can use natural tones while still having a bright personality. These tones won't restrict you from expressing your style! In fact, they will help provide a space where you can present your style clearly, so it doesn't get lost in an overwhelming design.
If you choose to incorporate natural tones, it doesn't mean that you're committing to a neutral design. You can use natural materials, colors, and elements as a way to enhance your favorite designs! Natural materials come in varying colours, from a natural ash (as pictured) Wicker Bench, to a black stain Wishbone Chair and even a solid American Walnut Harp Chair.
Bright color choices can make statements, but natural tones lay the foundation for a beautiful aesthetic.
