When we refer to the atmosphere of a space and whether it is warm or cool, this isn’t in regard to the actual temperature of the room. Rather it is the feeling created by the room with the choices that are made with colour and the furniture and objects chosen and where they are placed.
Warm spaces
Warm space encourages activity and stimulate a range of emotions and create a sense of security and excitement. They represent sunlight and heat and can make a large space seem cosier.
Warm colours include orange, red and yellow.
You can create a sense of warmth in a space by containing an area, making it feel cosy and adding tactile finishes and textures. Pattern and details in fabrics, wallpapers and window finishes also warm up a space.
Solid and soft shapes that create an enveloping and comforting feel create a warm mood and natural materials can help a space to feel warm if used with other tactics above. Lighting is not to be forgotten, where it can be dimmed or softened or used to create a pool of light, it can really warm up a space.
You can be more flexible with object placement in a warm room and even reveal objects that are stored away, such as using glass fronted kitchen cabinets and open book or shoe shelves.
Cool spaces
Cool spaces on the other hand often have a sense of expanse or volume, even if only created as an illusion. They represent water, sky and snow and create a feeling of calm and are refreshing.
Cool, pale or subdues colours are used to create a cool space, colours such as blue, green and purple. Used correctly a small room can feel more spacious by creating a cool space.
Any patterns that are used should be subdued and any contrast in colour, texture and tone is muted. Textiles tend to be smooth, hard or crisp.
Objects and furniture is meticulously placed with a sense of precision. The shapes of furniture are straighter and delicate with reflective and transparent surfaces which are used to create more light and finishes tend to be smooth and hard. There tends to be one large feature piece of furniture and storage will be hidden or displayed in a precise fashion.
Light is used more subtly and with the purpose of lighting a space evenly. There is a sense of negative space in a cool room.
When decorating your next space, think about what atmosphere you are trying to create before you start and use the principles above to guide you.
If I can help you achieve the atmosphere you are looking for, get in touch and we can discuss what will work best for your space.
