Whether you're resigning your living space or simply upgrading your sofa, deciding on a fabric colour can be one of the biggest design decisions in your home. The Holloways Interior Design team is here to help you pinpoint the perfect colour.
"Choosing the colour of your sofa is much more than just a design decision," says Annie Blackledge, Interior Designer. "It's about creating a space that reflects your personality, one which works for your family and your lifestyle, and provides a place to both entertain and unwind.
"The first step is always to ask yourself what mood you're looking to achieve. Do you want a sophisticated, moody, grown-up space? Or a light and airy room which works for every occasion, day and night?"
Jewel tones – navy, deep greens, rich plums and reds – create mood and atmosphere. Warmer neutrals – cream, taupe, soft pink, the palest blues – bring a timeless quality to rooms, maximising light and the feeling of space.
Commit to colour
While walls are easy to paint, and paint again if and when you're ready for a change, going all out with a bold colour on the sofa isn't for the faint-hearted. So it's important to choose carefully so you don't make an expensive mistake and regret your decision weeks or months down the line.
"Choosing a statement colour for your sofa – a striking royal blue, kingfisher, emerald green or fiery orange, for example – will create a bold centrepiece for your room," says Annie. "It screams design confidence and creates a talking point your guests will appreciate. Think rich fabrics, too. Velvets and textured linens work particularly well."
Take your lead from existing pieces
Before you embark on your colour-choosing journey, have a look at the existing pieces in your room," advises Annie. "Can you borrow a shade you love from a favourite painting, an heirloom rug, a decorative lamp? Mirroring an existing pop of colour will make bringing together your scheme much easier – but make sure it's a colour that delights you, and will continue to do so."
The russet Harry linen on the Neptune Eva sofa, below left, picks up the pinky-red detailing in the Chinoiserie behind, while the Isla Mallard velvet on Neptune's George sofa, below right, is a nod to the earthy tones in the antique tapestry.
Opposites attract
Think about the colour wheel – and how opposites attract. This mustard-yellow Finch velvet on Neptune's Shoreditch sofa pairs perfectly with the teal cabinetry and painting behind while the russet cushions on the deep blue Richmond sofa pick up the sunset hues on the painting behind, to elevate the whole scheme.
Colour loading
Pairing the colour of your sofa with the colour of your walls makes a room feel larger, more spacious and "designed". Repeated use of the same colours on walls and furniture brings a harmonious feel, says Annie, and will create an intimate, cosy space – even if you're using particularly bold shades.
The rich upholstery of this Soho sofa in textured Harlow Sonic navy pairs perfectly with the Neptune Ink walls – the line drawings with contemporary black frames and chrome light fittings add to the drama of this bold sitting room which is complemented by the Henley cabinetry and warm Aquaclean Vivalto Linen on the smaller sofa.
We stock the full range of Edward Bulmer Natural Paints and Neptune paints. Call us on 01886 884665 to check stock levels of both. Learn more here.
Read how to successfully decorate with bold colours in our Journal.
Choose a versatile neutral
There's a reason neutral palettes have dominated the interior design world for so long – they're elegant, timeless and easy-to-live-with, making the most of natural light in a room.
"A neutral sofa, upholstered in linen, will sit quietly at the centre of your scheme, allowing you to introduce seasonal colour through accessories," says Annie. "Choosing a neutral sofa allows you to brighten up rooms for spring and cosy them up for autumn using rugs, throws, artwork and cushions which can then be easily stored away."
"And whether you opt for a white or off-white fabric – which may not be the most practical choice for country homes full of dogs and children with sticky fingers – or upholstery in more of a stone, clay or taupe shade, you'll end up with a calming space."
The understated beauty of light pinks, soft greys and powder blues work just as well, too, providing a blank canvas for a stylish scheme.
Think about the whole room
Your sofa will probably be one of the largest pieces of furniture in your room, so look at the space as a whole before you choose your sofa colour, advises Annie.
"Carefully evaluate everything from your existing furniture to the rug, the wall colour, artwork and accessories before you make your decision," says Annie.
"In large, light-filled rooms, it might pay to introduce a verdant green. In largely natural spaces, you might choose to introduce a pop of colour from an accessory – anything from an heirloom vase to a treasured painting. It's an instant warmth injection, and creates interest and atmosphere."
Balancing colour and texture
"Texture plays as much of a role in the overall look of your scheme as colour," says Annie. "And these need to be balanced carefully. While a rich velvet or tactile leather sofa add opulence and depth to a scheme, it's important to choose materials and patterns which work seamlessly together to create a layered look in your room."
Choose forgiving fabrics
While it's always been an unwritten rule to choose a forgiving sofa colour – not so light it shows up all the finger marks, not so dark it shows up all the fluff, there is a modern solution, says Annie. The new-generation of stain-resistant Aquaclean fabrics are perfect for family-friendly spaces, rooms with high-traffic and country homes with dogs. Its unique coating means stains, from chocolate to wine and ink, wipe off using only water. So it's a practical solution for busy homes.
Many of Holloways sofas, snugglers, occasional chairs and footstools come in a huge choice of Aquaclean fabrics. Call us on 01886 884665 if you can't see what you're looking for on our website.
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Interior Design at Holloways
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