Many people have lost confidence when it comes to using colour or dramatic design features in their home. Modern tastes in furniture and décor tend to favour clean, simple lines and neutral or beige tones. White woodwork and plain wooden or pale painted cupboards or shelves stand alongside settees in brown or cream to leave many rooms feeling soulless or boring.
If you are looking for inspiration or ideas to help in introducing colour or individuality into your interior, it is a great idea to look at furniture for ideas. Knowing what type of furniture will be needed in a room is usually easy, for example a bed and wardrobe are normally essential in a bedroom, and contemporary settees or designer sofas are mostly used in lounges or living areas. Aim to find pieces of furniture that compliment your own personality, stand out, and can be enjoyed by any other residents. Introducing one piece in a particular shade may not dictate a colour scheme for the whole room, but may create a feeling of purpose and an interesting focal point that was otherwise absent.
The main reason that most home owners opt for plain and neutral furnishing is because they lack the courage to buy what they would really like, and worry about what other people may think of their interior design skills. Major furniture stores have taken advantage of this trend and design furniture that is neutral, with no outstanding features or noticeable style. This enables mass produced settees, armchairs and accessories like vases, lamps and rugs to be sold in huge numbers.
Often people are concerned about making a room seem darker through using colour, particularly when painting a large wall or choosing a carpet. This worry often leads to completely cream and beige houses, where every room is devoid of colour or interesting features. It is important to use colour carefully, but it should be used within the home, to promote mental stimulation and a feeling of warmth.
