Colours that speak volumes

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To make your home even more beautiful, art and artifacts play an important role. And colour is regarded as the most essential element in accessorising interiors along with art and artifacts. But it is really important that they both sync well to get the right effect.
Very often you see a beautiful painting or an exquisite figurine and bring it home. Then you struggle to find it its rightful spot. And many a time, the colours clash with the wall paint. Then how do you optimise your efficiency in selecting a work of art while minimising the errors on practical grounds? To ensure nothing goes wrong, follow these points:

The colours in a painting must suit the overall colour scheme of the room it is meant for. It need not necessarily match it. Similar shades and complementing hues often mar an ambience rather than enhance it.
The work of art, especially a painting, should reflect the mood or atmosphere that you want the room to convey.
Pure colours are generally used for accents. Look out for pure colours in your artifacts appropriately.
Try not to bring in colours like yellow-green, blues and purples into your dining room. They are considered to be most unappetising colours!
Bring out the best in your artifact by highlighting it with appropriate lighting. Make sure it is presented well.
While embellishing your walls with framed works, make sure the frame matches the mood of the work rather than dominate it.
Go for gold leaf or gilded artifacts only if they go well with your décor.

When you’ve finally found that perfect piece of art you’ve been looking for; it is essential to integrate your pieces with the wall paint.

Similar hues: Choose a wall colour that is similar to the background of your artwork. It creates cohesion and flow.
Complementary shades: Refer to the good old colour wheel and choose complementary shades for your walls. The abstract painting with tones of yellow and orange sings against turquoise or green walls.
Same colour, different shades: Consider using colours from the painting, only in different shades.
Stick to specific palettes: Certain pieces work really well with certain types of colours. If you want to make a series of black and white photographs feel powerful, pair them with dramatic red walls for an enticing impact.
Dark background: Bright pieces stand out against deep black or gray walls. If you’re wary of painting an entire space such a dark colour, just paint a single accent wall where the artwork is hanging.
Keep it neutral: Sometimes neutral walls are the best way to give your artwork the attention it deserves.
Subtle tones: The subtle beauty of old black and white paintings is conveyed best against quiet, neutral walls.

Play with furniture and accessories. Your wall colour isn’t the only thing that can help your artwork stand out. Creating a balance between the colours of the artwork and the furniture in the room will help the artwork become more of a presence.
Pull the colour of your art palette into accessories or accent pieces too. For e.g. if you have a colour dominant in a painting, say red, pull the red from the paintings down to the floor on your rugs.

The writer is owner of MIRABEL décor studio