Tips for Using Cool Colors To In Your Area Rugs and Interior Design
What does “cool colors” actually mean?
The term “cool colors” refers to a group of colors that are often associated with a sense of coolness, calmness, and tranquility. Cool colors are typically found on one side of the color wheel and include shades of blue, green, and purple. These colors are often described as soothing, relaxing, and refreshing.
Cool colors are known to have a visually receding effect, meaning they can create an illusion of depth and distance. This is why cool colors are commonly used in artwork or design to create a sense of space or to evoke a peaceful atmosphere. They are often used to represent water, sky, or nature scenes.
Cool colors are also associated with psychological and emotional qualities. They are often perceived as calming, serene, and refreshing, which can have a soothing effect on people. Cool colors are sometimes used in interior design to create a relaxing and tranquil environment, such as in bedrooms or spa-like settings.
In contrast, “warm colors” refer to colors on the opposite side of the color wheel, including shades of red, orange, and yellow. Warm colors are associated with energy, excitement, and warmth. They tend to appear more visually prominent and can create a sense of coziness and intimacy.
It’s important to note that color perception can vary among individuals and cultures, and the interpretation of colors can be influenced by personal experiences and associations. However, the concept of cool colors generally refers to the characteristics described above.
Creating Cool Colored Interiors by Decorating With Cool Area Rugs
Imagine a cool mountain lake surrounded by evergreen trees underneath a clear blue sky. How does this image make you feel? If you’re like most people, you may report feeling calm, relaxed and zen. This may be because the picture you have created in your mind is full of cool colors. Now lets see how we can bring that indoors an create you very own cool colors interior design.
According to color meaning / theory, blue, green, and purple are cool colors, in contrast to warm colors like orange, red, and yellow. Cool colors tend to have a calming effect on the mind and the body. Research shows that exposure to cool colors can help to lower your blood pressure, relax your muscles and slow your breathing. Therefore, it may be a good idea to incorporate cool colors to decorate your bedroom and any area of your home where you enjoy relaxing.
When you observe cool colors, they give a feeling as if they are receding. That is why they are great for making a room feel larger and more open. This is in stark contrast to warmer colors that will tend to make a space feel smaller but cozier. If you have a room that is already small and somewhat cramped, you may want to decorate it with cool colors to offset that cramped feeling. On the other hand, a large room and / or one that lacks a good source of natural sunlight, can feel overly cold and formal if decorating primarily with cool colors. So you need to keep that in mind as you work on your interior design.
While there are no strict or real “rules” when it comes to your home decor, the following are just a few general guidelines that may help you use cool colors more effectively in your overall interior design scheme.
Cool colors are tranquil and beautiful.
1. Try Different Shades
When you fall in love with a particular color, it can be tempting to overuse it, but that can be very boring. Instead of a cobalt blue rug or carpet that exactly matches the bedroom walls, try a blue-green rug with azure walls. Experiment with lighter and darker shades of the same color to create a unique effect that appeals to you.
2. Use Complementary Colors
According to color theory, complementary colors are those situated opposite one other on the color wheel. To put it another way, every cool color has a warm complement. Complementary color pairs on the color wheel are as follows:
• Blue and orange
• Purple and yellow
• Green and red
The color wheel explained. Note the position of complementary colors on the wheel.
When complementary colors are brought together in a design scheme, the effect can be aesthetically pleasing. This can be especially effective if the overall color scheme is one temperature with complementary accents.
For example, if you decorate your bedroom primarily in blue but you add some orange accents, such as a rug or some throw pillows, that can add some warmth and coziness to a design scheme that might otherwise become too cold. On the other hand, if you have a room decorated in warm colors, such as the kitchen, you can add some blue or green accents to cool and freshen the room.
Match your cool colors with complementary, warm colors for a great effect.
3. Incorporate Neutral Tones
Neutral colors are those such as grays, whites, and beige that are neither warm nor cool by themselves, though sometimes they have tinges of one or the other. Neutral colors often provide a canvas on which to paint your overall design scheme.
For example, you may have walls of an eggshell color against which you set furniture upholstered in a vivid blue or a deep purple. Or you may have beige furniture bedecked with emerald green throw pillows or with a midnight blue rug on the floor. Neutral colors are restful for the eyes and help to make the more vivid colors pop.
Mix cool colors and neutral tones for the perfect look.
4. Add Soft Surfaces
Cool colors can make your interior feel stark and unwelcoming. This is especially the case if the overall style of the room is one that emphasizes sleek, hard surfaces, such as modern or industrial design. You can soften the effect while maintaining the cool color scheme by adding a rug or carpet in a cool color or a cool-tinged neutral color.
This is a good way to add some interesting texture to the room, and even if the overall color temperature is cool, wool rugs or similar textiles / fabrics can add some literal warmth to the room.
Cool colors and soft surfaces make for the coziest room.
5. Take Inspiration From Nature
If you’re nervous about using complementary color pairs, take a close look at the world around you. Nature incorporates many complementary color pairs that you may never have noticed before. Lilac flower blossoms have light purple petals surrounding a yellow center. Holly plants have red berries against green leaves.
Try watching a sunset and take note of all the warm and cool color combinations you see, such as red, purple, blue, or orange and turquoise. Let the beauty of nature inspire you to create a unique color scheme.
Decorating with cool colors in the form of plants is soothing and natural.
6. Reflect Your Own Personality
Interior decorating is a form of self expression. If you have a vibrant personality, a cool color scheme may not be a good fit for you. You may be better off using cool colors as accents for overall warm tones. However, if you do decorate with cool colors, you may want to choose those that are particularly bold and eye-catching, such as a bright aqua or a deep amethyst.
However you choose to incorporate cool colors into your design, be sure to express yourself.
You’ll find rugs in a range of cool colors and cool-tinged neutrals in the Nazmiyal Collection. Browse our selection of rugs to spark your inspiration.
Twenty or so years ago my father gave me a beautiful antique Persian rug - after so many years (and kids and pets) it needed some TLC, so I brought it to Nazmiyal. I just picked it up today and - wow! They got the stains out entirely and the entire rug is brighter; they also made some repairs - it's back in my living room and looks fantastic, and the bill was lower than I'd expected. Overall it was a great experience - the people are wonderful, the work was perfect, and I saw so many beautiful rugs at their store that I found myself wishing for a larger apartment. Next time I need any work done on a rug, or find an open bit of floor I know where I'll be heading.
It is always a delight going to the Nazmiyal showroom. This Qashqai is one of several purchases made over the years, and mom is truly enjoying it. Jason and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They listen to the customeru2019s needs. When I go to the showroom, it is like visiting my family because we have the same appreciation for the textile arts.nnOriental carpets are a rare discipline to be educated in, because you canu2019t go to a university to have certain types of training and experience, such as knowing the cultures and processes of carpet weaving. Jason has such a refined eye that he can distinguish a good rug from a great rug, and that knowledge is offered to the customer to elevate their point of view.nnComing here has been an initiation into a world of culture, art, and beauty which has sustained me, and for that I am grateful.
Loved my runner rug purchase from Nazmiyal. Love the ability to purchase, try and return if it didn't work out! I had it shipped to California and everything worked out beautifully!
NAZMIYAL is the best source for antique and vintage rugs and carpets. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, Jason himself is an amazing dealer who handpicks each and every piece in his stunning collection and is happy to educate the consumer, not just make a sale. I always trust his experience and great eye for all my spaces!
I had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Nazmiyal. I was very impressed by their selection, the quality of their beautiful carpets, and their extremely reasonable prices. Really I cannot say enough about how helpful everyone at the gallery was - especially Omri, work with him if you can! - and how happy I am with my new antique rug. Five stars, highly, highly recommended!
