5 Soothing Paint Colour Palettes for Quiet Spots
When life gets stressful, the urge to retreat and recharge becomes greater than ever – and the idea of crawling under a cosy duvet or soaking in a hot bath never sounded so appealing. Senior Writer for Houzz Australia, Georgia Madden, spoke to five paint experts who revealed the colours that will turn your bedroom, study or bathroom into a tranquil haven.
“Calming colours are ideal for spaces where you want to relax, unwind or focus, such as bedrooms, bathrooms and studies,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, colour and communications manager at Dulux Australia. “Look to natural, earth-based colours that remind you of our beautiful surrounds – think warm clays, sandy granites and subtle greens and browns. “For a bedroom you might select a moody deep, dark blue or charcoal or a palette of warm, decadent browns and neutrals to set a cosy, cocooning vibe. “The bathroom is also a great spot for a soothing colour palette – especially if it’s somewhere you like to unwind after a long day. Try a warm, subtle neutral with a soft green undertone here and pair it with natural timber accessories,” she says.
Dulux calming palettes for bedrooms, bathrooms and studies
Dulux Fantan for walls & Dulux Natural White for ceiling and trims.
Dulux Deep Aqua for walls & Dulux Lexicon Half for ceiling and trims.
“For the greatest impact, paint all four walls of the bedroom,” says Lucena-Orr. “If you’d prefer to only paint one wall, make it the one behind the bed so this becomes the focal point of the room.”
“In breakout areas such as bedrooms, studies and even bathrooms, it’s great to emphasise colour in a way that is different to the rest of the home,” says Wendy Rennie, colour and concept manager at Haymes Paint. “You feel as though you’re entering a unique space, which can really lift or change your mood.”
Haymes calming palettes for bedrooms, bathrooms and studies
Haymes Abstract Mood – an earthy, mid-tone neutral with a ‘still’ feel.
Haymes Pastel Pine – a fresh, uplifting hue that sits equally well with earthy colours and pastels.
Haymes Pale Cordovan – a soft, nurturing pink.
“Each of these colours could be used on its own as a base, depending on the space,” says Rennie. “Haymes Abstract Mood is best in rooms where you have the space to include accessories, such as bedrooms, rather than compact ones such as bathrooms or studies. “Haymes Pastel Pine would work beautifully as an accent colour in a nook in a bathroom or home office. “Haymes Pale Cordovan is a great all-rounder but does work best when it’s paired with natural materials and accessories such as linen, wood, ceramic and pure-wool carpet to bring out the beauty of its colour, which makes it a good choice for bedrooms and powder rooms,” she says.
“Soft blues and greens are the go-tos for bedrooms,” says Melanie Stevenson, marketing manager at Porter’s Paints. “These shades reduce stress and create a relaxing oasis.”
Porters calming palettes for bedrooms, bathrooms and studies
Porters French Green – has both cool and warm elements that evoke feelings of serenity and contentment.
Porters Hailstorm – a soothing, muted grey-green with undertones of blue
“Porter’s French Green and Porter’s Hailstorm would pair beautifully with natural stone such as marble and stone look-a-like porcelain tiles in a bathroom,” says Stevenson. “It’s important to test colours first as tiles often have many undertones that are not evident until you install them – even classic white tiles. “Grab a test pot or a bookmark-size brush out painted in Porter’s Eggshell Acrylic to ensure that the paint colour is harmonious with the tiles. If you work to the 60/30/10 decorating principle then the primary colour would form 60 percent of the room’s palette and would likely be on the walls; the secondary colour would form 30 percent of the palette and would be used on the trims, curtains, doors, bed linen and furniture; and the accent colour would form 10 percent of the palette and would be used in cushions, throws and artwork,” says Stevenson.
“In spaces that we use for thinking or as personal retreats, it’s important to create a tranquil vibe so that we can concentrate, meditate or sleep – and colour can help with that,” says Sarah Stephenson, Wattyl colour specialist and senior brand communications manager. “Layered, monochromatic palettes or even single tones are simple and calming. “The colours in my suggested palette are light and airy with little contrast to keep energy to a minimum. The colours themselves feel optimistic, spa-like and fresh,” she says.
Wattyl calming palettes for bedrooms, bathrooms and studies
Wattyl Pandora Pink
Wattyl Lilium
Wattyl Feather Dawn
Wattyl Light Aqua
Wattyl Chine Mauve
“These colours are all light enough to be used as a main wall colour in a bedroom, home office or bathroom. You could then introduce accent colours through soft furnishings and accessories,” says Stephenson. “If this feels too much, try a fresh white across three walls and choose one of the colours for a feature wall,” she says.
“Calming colours are a great choice for areas of the home where you want to lower your energy levels and create a peaceful environment,” says Rachel Lacy, chief coloursmith at Taubmans Australia. “Colours from the Taubmans Breathe palette are ideal for creating calm in spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms, and for balancing the need for concentration and composure in spaces designed for work and study. Ethereal, pale hues roll into gentle mid-tones and grounding darks, and tonal pairings make for soothing, layered combinations,” she says.
Taubmans calming palette for bedrooms, bathrooms and studies
Taubmans Mermaid Beach
Taubmans Premonition
Taubmans Chinese Porcelain
Taubmans Knight Grey
Create a fresh base for a bedroom with Taubmans Mermaid Beach and add splashes of colour with Taubmans Chinese Porcelain, with accents of Taubmans Premonition in dusty pink and Taubmans Knight Grey, with charcoal soft furnishings. dd balance and calm to a study or work space with a fresh canvas of Taubmans Cradle White paired with either Taubmans Chinese Porcelain or one of the botanical greens in the Breathe palette – Taubmans Freya, Limoges or Royal Hunter Green. “In bathrooms, the colours in the Breathe palette marry beautifully with stone and glass tiles as well as classic white tiles and timber joinery.”
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