More Commonly Asked Questions

In our last blog, we talked about trends, challenges, and mistakes in interior design in South Florida homes. Today, we will cover how the South Florida lifestyle and climate influence interior design.

Living on the water, whether you are by the ocean in Delray Beach, or on a manmade canal in Coral Springs lends itself to magnificent views. Many residents in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton enjoy looking out onto nature, with towering trees and splendid shrubs. In places like Plantation Acres, Davie, and Parkland, you do not have to look far to see a horse meandering down the street. It is no wonder that so many homes feature floor to ceiling windows. No matter where you call home in South Florida, your interior design should reflect your likes, needs, and surroundings.

Reflecting the South Florida Lifestyle with Interior Design

How does lifestyle influence interior design in South Florida?

Lifestyle plays a significant role when it comes to influencing interior design, no matter where you live. Here in South Florida, our abundance of sunshine and water can impact your furnishings. This is especially true if you live close to the ocean where saltwater can cause permanent damage.

For example, if you place furniture close to a window that gets a significant amount of sunshine, you could notice fading and damage to your furnishings. Window treatments and products that help control the light are something to consider. Changes in the positioning of the furniture may also help. An interior designer can help you rearrange and redesign your room to make the most out of your South Florida lifestyle. Bedrooms that get the early morning sun can benefit from blackout shades or drapery.

LED lighting is not only efficient, but it does not give off heat. That is an added benefit here in South Florida where summers are often hot enough without any unnecessary help. Fans are another plus for rooms that get a southwest exposure to help keep the air and AC moving.

Climate and Interior Design in South Florida

All of this brings us to our next question: how does climate influence interior design in South Florida?

Two words – window treatments! Seriously, window treatments do much more than beautify your home. They help control light and block the heat that can send your power bill soaring higher than the thermometer during our long, hot summers.

Also, year-round outdoor entertaining is commonplace throughout South Florida. Investing in higher end patio furniture that will last up to the hot, humid summers and rainstorms is important. You also want to consider the weight of the furniture, as storms can often necessitate bringing everything indoors.

Make sure to check out our last blog in this series that focuses on interior design common requests, downsizing, and advice for packrats and collectors.

Contact HK Interiors to discover how our interior design services can help you transform your home or office into the vision you desire. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

Commonly Asked Questions

Residents and business owners looking for South Florida interior design need look no further than HK Interiors. From Miami to Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale to Boynton Beach and everywhere in between, HK Interiors is your first choice for home and office interior design.

Today, we are talking about South Florida interior design trends, challenges, and mistakes people often make.

Current Trends in South Florida Interior Design

What are the current interior design trends in South Florida?

That is not only a commonly asked question but one I hear all the time. Interior design is not about following trends; it is about ferreting out what the client wants, what already exists in the residence or office, and how to mesh it all together. Unless, of course, they want to start from scratch.

Interior design is like fashion; it changes with the seasons – although we do not have that much of a season change in South Florida. Design trends can be overdone, saturating the market until it becomes mundane. It is not about the trend – it is about what the clients want to achieve and what the home needs.

One example of this is how the gray palette was starting five years ago. Before long, gray was everywhere. However, what happens when a client has Mexican tile but still wants to incorporate gray into their South Florida interior design? It is my job to marry the two so that the home looks cohesive and the colors compliment each other.

Challenges Facing Interior Designers in South Florida

What are the biggest challenges you find when dealing with clients in South Florida?

All too often, people think of interior design as Pinterest, a trip to Target, or Wayfair. It is none of those things. The biggest challenge is often educating people about the design requirements of their home. There are specific challenges for many homes in South Florida. Interior design often has to take into consideration two-story ceilings, 12-foot wide sliding doors, or open floor plans. Homes like these require thoughtful planning, along with proper scale and proportions of the product. We often have to consider custom window treatments, large furniture, or multiple items to fill an expansive space.

Of course, there is a difference between large and bulk. You do not want to go online and order a 7-foot sofa or 24-inch coffee table from Wayfair and think that it will look right in a room that is 18ft x 15ft. Preconceived notions frequently go out the window when reality sets in. By using the services of a professional interior designer, residents in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach can have a home that reflects their style and meets their needs.

Common South Florida Interior Design Mistakes

What are the most common mistakes people in South Florida make in their homes?

Whether you are talking about single family homes, townhouses, condos, or apartments, the mistakes are many. Wall color is a significant issue as some people naturally gravitate towards colors they like, yet do not work well together. You also have to look at how the contrast color on the walls works with the furnishings and accessories. Speaking of walls, store-bought window treatments do not always accentuate our large South Florida windows. It does not matter if you live in Coral Springs, Parkland, or on the water in Lighthouse Point, you want to have window treatments that suit your space. The goal is to compliment your room while allowing you to enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds you.

Another significant issue is furniture. Because so many homes have open floor plans (which are great for entertaining), undersized furniture can look out of place. An open floor plan requires careful planning to get the most out of the space without it looking crowded – or empty. Placing a small rug in a large room, or too large a rug in a small room is another relatively common South Florida Interior Design mistake.

The second blog in this series focuses on how interior design in South Florida is influenced by lifestyles and climate. Finally, our last blog will cover how age impacts design elements, when it is worthwhile to spend a bit more, downsizing, and what packrats and collectors can do with all their “stuff.”

Please contact HK Interiors to discover how our interior design services can help you transform your home or office into the vision you desire. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your South Florida interior design needs.

Black is classic, ageless, timeless, sophisticated, versatile – a color that never goes out of style. However, you have to be very careful when using the color black in interior design. Too much black can be overpowering. When used properly, interior designing with the color black can make your home or office a visual masterpiece.

Black is universal in any design styles, and is often incorporated in Asian, industrial, minimalist, and contemporary, among others.

There are many ways to use the color black in your home or workspace, including:

• A black accent wall
• Black window treatments
• Black furniture or upholstery
• Black textiles such as rugs or pillows
• Black vases, bowls, picture frames, or other accessories
• Black iron beds
• Black lighting fixtures

Why Choose a Black Accent Wall?

When thinking about wall color, many people first consider white or a shade in the white or neutral family. The color black is about as far away from white as you can get in the color spectrum. However, painting an accent wall black can add a dramatic flair to a room, just keep in mind the following if you do:

• A room with a black wall requires an abundance of natural light – make sure there are plenty of windows otherwise reconsider your color selection
• Black works well with monochromatic, neutral colors
• Consider using natural materials and textured fabrics to soften the black accent wall
• Pick one bright accent color to provide a vibrant contrast against the black wall
• Graphite stone provides a textured look for walls, such as in a shower

Using the Color Black for Window Treatments

You can use the color black for window treatments against light colored walls for bold contrast. Correctly used, black can impart an expansive feel to a room. Patterned shades make a statement while adding dimension to a room. Therefore, using a neutral curtain over the shades can create a multidimensional and layered look.

Black sheers offer a bit of elegance, especially when accented with a tiny bit of color. Light filtering roller and solar shades still allow you to use the color black while allowing in natural light. Sheer black drapes create an exciting image in a room that features metallic furnishings as the light bounces off the metal.

A black cornice over sheer white drapes compliments a black rug, accessories, and zebra print chairs. The combination of black and neutral colors with gold, aqua, and blue accents on the wall lend an open airy feel to a small space as highlighted in the photo below.

Choosing Furnishings in the Color Black

Selecting furniture in the color black creates a timeless look in your room, as black is elegant, classic, powerful, and gives a rich feel to the home or office. Many people choose a black leather couch as it creates a look of wealth or abundance. Since black furnishings can make a room feel smaller, it is best to incorporate this color in larger rooms. One thing to remember about black furniture is that it will also show dust, scratches, lint, and pet hair more than some lighter colors.

In the photo below, you see how black has been incorporated into an elegant dining room, complimented by a gold and crystal chandelier and glass table top.

Using the Color Black to Accessorize Your Room

Pillows and rugs that feature black geometric shapes attract the eye and make a room “pop.” You can take that same effect upwards and use geometric designs as a cornice over sheers or blinds, as shown in the pillow below. The eye-catching appeal draws your attention to what might have otherwise been a boring corner.

A black chandelier hanging from the ceiling contrasts against white walls and will help draw the eye upward, enlarging the feel of the room. In the photo below, you can see how to incorporate black lighting fixtures over a corner table with black seating. A small area can receive a visual pop of color and elegance when incorporating black into the design.

Black vases, picture frames, end tables, and other accessories can help you add a bold touch of this color to your room. In the room below, floor to ceiling windows bring the beauty of nature indoors, while providing an abundance of natural light. The placing of a black, Oriental screen in the corner, along with black accents on the throw pillows adds a unique flair to the room.

Pairing the color black with other hues can provide the following feel to your room:

• Black and white – timeless, classic, sophisticated
• Black and gold – luxury
• Black and red – dramatic
• Black and purple – royalty
• Black and silver, brass, or copper – opulence

When pairing the color black with pastel colors, you will create a harmonious look to the room. Use bright hues for vibrant contrast.

Contact HK Interiors to discover how to incorporate black and other colors into your home or office. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

Have you ever wondered what type of interior design style best fits you? Our interior design styles quiz will help determine what is most important to you in your surroundings.

1. What statement describes your current interior design?

a) Everything is well planned out and to my complete tastes

b) My furnishings are a little bit of this and a little bit of that

c) My tastes have changed since I first decorated my home

d) What interior design?

2. What are you looking for in furniture?

a) Sleek designs, sharp lines, less is more

b) Oversized furniture that you can get lost in

c) Comfortable, functional, and long-lasting

d) Not sure, but I will know it when I see it

3. What type of wall art catches your eye?

a) Large paintings with ornate frames

b) A cluster of smaller, themed paintings or photos

c) Landscapes, seascapes, or nature

d) People, animals, or action photos

e) Am I supposed to put art on my walls?

4. What type of accessories do you like to have around your home?

a) Meaningful knickknacks from trips and special times

b) Photos of family members

c) Large vases, crystal, pottery, plants, or statues

d) Functional accessories that perform a duty while looking nice

e) Nothing – the less to dust the better

5. What color scheme most defines how you want your surroundings to be?

a) Neutral whites, beiges, pale colors

b) Black, white, grey, silver, and maybe a touch of one color (red?)

c) Sea colors such as aqua, blue, teal, green, and turquoise

d) Brown, gray, black, and neutral

e) Orange, red, yellow, blue, and gold

f) Color scheme – you mean there is an order to it?

6. What makes you feel most at home?

a) Wood, wood, and more wood

b) Metal, brick, stone, glass, and wood

c) Rattan, wicker, and light-colored wood

d) Fabric, fabric, and more fabric

7. How do like your walls covered?

a) White paint – the cleaner the better

b) Brightly colored paint

c) Wood paneling

d) Wallpaper

e) Textured paint

8. What is your idea of storage space?

a) Built-in bookshelves

b) Moveable bookshelves

c) Staggered shelves on the walls

d) Hidden storage

e) I have nothing to store

9. What is your favorite type of flooring?

a) Wide wood planking

b) Tile

c) Carpet

d) Hard flooring and area rugs

e) Whatever is easiest to keep clean

10. What is your design style?

a) Traditional or old-fashioned

b) Modern or contemporary

c) A mish-mash of this and that

d) Something very stylish

Here is one last bonus question from our interior design styles quiz:

11. What room do you most want to change in your home?

a) Bedroom

b) Living room

c) Dining room

d) Den or family room

e) Kitchen

f) Bathroom

g) Home office

h) Every room

You can learn more about different interior design styles in our A to Z guide to 24 styles. Make sure you check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the blogs.

Now that you have answered our interior design styles quiz contact HK Interiors to discover how our interior design services can help you transform your home or office into the vision you desire. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

Getting back from a lovely European vacation, my husband and I had an opportunity to tour 12^th century castles in Germany. It is always fascinating to learn about their daily life. It was especially hard for those toiling away in the kitchen. Just think about this for a minute – there were no microwaves, dishwashers, self-cleaning ovens, or any of the other modern conveniences we take for granted. Back in the 12^th century, they knew how to build kitchens. In a medieval castle, kitchens were an important feature as the Lord of the manor would often throw grand banquets and lavish feasts.

In many medieval castles, the kitchen location is below the Great Hall as in the photo above. After preparation, the banquet would be taken upstairs to the guests. Some castles had kitchens housed in separate buildings to reduce the risk of fire to the primary residence. Still other medieval castle kitchens were located in the great hall.

A benefit of having the kitchen in the main castle was that it also served to heat the building. Many castles that had kitchens in the primary structure also had separate stone staircases used by the servants to deliver the food. …more

Whether your bedroom is small or large, the right design can combine functionality and personality. What is it that you want most out of your bedroom design? That is the first question to answer.

Some people want to turn their bedrooms into a serene escape from the hectic pace of daily life. Others look to their love of creativity for a visual masterpiece that transforms their bedroom into a work of art.

Whatever your desire for your master bedroom, it is possible to create, and on budget.

The next thing to do is to look around your current bedroom. Are there elements you would like to keep? Some people love their window treatments or a piece of furniture that they want to use to enhance their new bedroom design.

Perhaps you want to start from scratch – keeping nothing from the past and instead opting for a whole new look. You might even be moving into a new home and working from the ground up.

Your interior designer will help you identify the elements most important to you by discussing bedroom design ideas. Colors, textures, patterns – all are essential elements of your new space.

How to Get Started on New Bedroom Design Ideas

Everything in life starts with a plan, and interior design is no different. Bedroom design begins with discussing your likes, dislikes, and visions. Then, your designer will likely create concept boards such as the ones below.

Concept boards help to narrow your design likes and dislikes. Perhaps you want an eclectic piece of furniture to be the focal point of your bedroom design. In the pictures for the bedroom above, both the couch and the black iron bed add a unique and artistic feel.

The bedroom decorating ideas presented in your designer’s concept boards are a starting place to take your design to the next step – implementation.

Master Bedroom Designs That Bring Deep Sleep

In the first master bedroom design below, the client loved blue. We started with a blank slate – every element of the room would be new. Laminate floors replaced the carpet, while accents on the pillows and bedspread matched the blue on the walls. Gold picture frames complemented the gold accents in the bed table lamps. The room has a simple yet elegant look and feel.

In the following design for bedroom, the client was still using her college days furniture. We completed an entire makeover from floor to ceiling. Blackout shades are hidden from sight under the cornices. Traversing sheers soften the windows. The furniture elements brought a mature touch of class to a room that once held memories of college days.

In the final bedroom picture below, an art lover wanted to mix textures and patterns to create an eclectic haven. Multiple throw pillows accent both the sofa seating area and bed. The warmth of the walls and fabrics created a serene yet sophisticated statement.

As you can see, bedroom design can express many different feelings and desires. To learn how to transform your bedroom into a magnificent getaway from the outside world, contact HK Interiors. Our interior design services can help you create magic in any room of your home or office. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

You want a new look for your room, home, or office, but have no idea how mixing patterns works. For some people, the simple task of putting together an outfit or choosing the right tie, purse, or shoes can seem daunting. When it comes to your home, the results will last a long time – getting it right the first time can save you a lot of money.

That is why it is often best to hire an interior designer to help with mixing patterns and textures for that perfect look. Yes, you may be spending a bit more money up front, but what you save in the long run is usually worth the expense.

An interior designer knows how to mix patterns and textures. You do not want an abundance of large, geometric shapes that will tax the eye. Too many small design patterns can confuse the eye, especially if you are working with a small space.

Complementing colors are often opposite each other on the color wheel. They may also come from combining certain colors. Such as using blue as the dominant color with yellow and green as accents. Finding a fabric that combines all those elements is an excellent starting point. Choosing a stripe, chevron, or other bold pattern for the main fabric is always a good touch.

In this blog, we will touch mostly on patterns, saving an extensive look at textures for another article.

Dos of Mixing Patterns in Your Home

Interior design has rules, and while nothing is etched in stone (unless part of your design), there are some basic guidelines to follow when mixing patterns in a room.

Know that you can mix solids, stripes, and dots in the same room. Florals are also excellent patterns to mix into the design.

Here are 3 important “Dos” of pattern mixing:

1 – Use shades of the same color. Different shades of a color create a softer, quiet ambiance. The photo below shows the fabrics chosen to accent a brown sofa.

2 – Do use multiple colors but pick one multi-colored fabric and build patterns and textures from there. The chaise featured the dominant color in the room. Colors from the pillow in the front provided additional accents and patterns.

3 – When mixing patterns, make certain they are different. Stripes, dots, ikats, geometrics, or florals can all work together when following the same color scheme as in the kitchen banquet below.

Remember to include some neutral light colors to give the eyes a rest from the chosen patterns. Multiple scale patterns can work as long as they do not contrast too much.

Don’ts of Mixing Patterns in Your Home

Of course, where you have dos, you also have don’ts. Mixing patterns, textures, and colors that do not go well together will tax the eyes and create a space that is the opposite of relaxing and enjoyable.

The 3 important “Don’ts” in the list below will help you avoid making costly mistakes:

1 – Don’t be inconsistent with the quality of the fabric.  Using an inexpensive fabric will not wear well in the long run and can lead you to increased costs down the road.

2 – Do not choose a fabric that does not belong. If you use very soft colors for a bedroom, the one lipstick red chevron with big yellow dots will ruin the feel.

3 – Avoid using large-scaled patterns on smaller accent pieces, such as throw pillows. They are best meant for larger items like beds, walls, or wherever a large repeat is needed.

One last word of advice – avoid mixing patterns and colors that are too busy. Visually, it is too much to look at and will be competing for your attention.

You can also contact HK Interiors to discover how our interior design services can help you transform your home or office into the vision you desire. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

How many times have you walked into a furniture store and wondered how many other people have that same sofa? Finding out that you just spend thousands of dollars on the identical bedroom set that a friend has can be frustrating, at the very least. However, buying custom furniture can eliminate those concerns.

Your furnishings should reflect your personality and lifestyle. That does not mean you have to pay thousands more than what a showroom is offering. Yes, you will pay slightly more for custom made furniture than an off-the-floor piece, but it will be worth it.

Whether you are furnishing your very first home, or remodeling for the umpteenth time, opting for personalized, handmade furniture over mass production can take your home to the next level.

For some people, the thought of buying custom furniture can be daunting. How will you know what you want? That is where the services of an interior designer can be invaluable. As you can see in the renderings below, your designer will sketch out drawings for your concept. You will be able to provide input as to what features and custom ideas to incorporate into your new furniture.

There are five benefits of buying custom furniture that we will explain today:

• Higher quality
• Good Investment
• One-of-a-kind
• Perfect function and fit
• Exact color and size

Higher Quality Benefits of Custom Furniture

The cookie-cutter approach to furniture manufacturing means assembly line products filling up the floor of your favorite showrooms. To get top quality mass-manufactured furniture, you will likely need to go to designer showrooms and pay higher prices.

The other option is custom furniture manufactured to your specifications from master builders. The builder will pay attention to every detail, ensuring that the finished product meets your expectations. Remember, when you pay for custom furniture, you get long-lasting quality at the same time.

Custom Furniture Is a Good Investment

Some people naturally equate custom furniture with designer furnishings. That is not the case. Of course, you can go the designer route if you desire. However, custom does not always mean high prices.

Your designer will work with a custom furniture manufacturer to stay within your budget for the project. Options for wood, style, and materials will help create a unique look without breaking the bank.

Custom Furniture is One-Of-A-Kind

Unlike the standard showroom sofa available in three different colors, you have the option to choose from a myriad of fabrics and designs. Best of all, your new pieces will be unique, one-of-a-kind furnishings that you will not see in your neighbor’s home.

Your, and your interior designer’s imagination can be put to work creating a piece of furniture that speaks to your dreams, desires, and needs.

Custom Furniture Provides the Perfect Function and Fit

Function and fit are two primary reasons why people turn to custom furniture manufacturers. Perhaps you have an oddly shaped wall and need a wall-unit to fill the space, or maybe you want hidden compartments or unique shelving to display your collectibles. Having furniture custom built to your space specifications beats carrying around a tape measure from showroom to showroom.

First, we look at function. What do you need the piece of furniture to do? Then we turn to the space and consider the fit. Whatever your need and requirements, custom, handmade furniture can provide the answer. Whether you are looking for simplicity or a piece that is complex, your needs can turn into spectacular designs.

Another benefit of having furniture crafted to your needs is the incorporation of electrical and wiring needs. This is an especially important feature to consider when designing an entertainment center. You may want to change stereo or television components in the future. Ease of getting to wiring can make quite a difference when the time comes. Your interior designer also knows the type of craftsmen necessary to complete your project. An electrician may be necessary if you are installing lighting in a unit.

Get the Exact Color and Size You Need from Custom Furniture

From wood to fabrics to laminates, custom designed furniture can incorporate different materials and patterns to meet your requirements, as well as your desires. You do not have to settle for the three options offered by the furniture store. Only your imagination can hold you back – but do not worry, your interior designer will help you along the way.

Remember, your designer knows reputable furniture manufacturers that can create what you want at a reasonable price.

Contact HK Interiors to discover how our interior design services can help you create magic in your home or office. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

Most people automatically think that hiring an interior designer is expensive. They will have to spend extra money to have someone do something they can do themselves. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Professional interior design can actually save you quite a bit of time and money that you did not expect.

Today, cost-conscious homeowners turn to professional interior designers to create the home of their dreams – for less money. What you pay in fees often comes out to far less than you would have spent on costly design mistakes.

Are you ready to learn the 5 ways hiring an interior designer can save you money?

If so, check out the list below:

• Interior designers can prevent you from making costly mistakes
• An interior designer can save you time and money
• Access to trade only discounts
• Knowing when to spend money on quality for durability
• Planning for the future

Interior Designers Can Prevent Costly Mistakes

How often have you gone shopping and come home with an impulse buy? When looking for furnishings or accent pieces for their homes, consumers often buy what they like. Until they get something home, they have no idea how it will look in the room. If your new sofa looks great, but now everything else doesn’t match, you could be spending well more than you bargained for when you started your remodel.

Hiring an interior designer before you start buying is a smarter move. After listening attentively to your wants, likes, and dislikes, the designer can determine where your money can be best spent. Careful planning of the room can avoid costly mistakes.

Hiring an Interior Designer Can Save You Time and Money

Yes, you can spend hours, days, or even weeks searching online for that perfect vase or rug or end table. Or, you can let your interior designer free up your time by researching what you want.

Hiring an interior designer means that someone else, with extensive knowledge of where to look, is doing the legwork. Designers know to check measurements, lead time, quality, pricing, and durability. Their knowledge translates into significant savings for the consumer.

Interior Designers Often Have Access to Trade-Only Discounts and to Trade-Only Showrooms

Some manufacturers offer direct discounts to interior designers. That incentive saves the consumer money on any purchases with that company. Trade discounts can add up to a nominal discount or wholesale pricing.

By hiring an interior designer, you may save a significant amount of money on that designer furniture you thought was out of your price range.

Interior Designers Know When to Spend a Little Bit Extra on Quality

You may not want to spend that extra $500 on a higher-quality sofa right now, but if it outlasts the cheaper one by ten years, the purchase may be worth it. Interior designers know that quality craftsmanship stands the test of time. Your interior designer will help you determine when and how to spend more to save in the long run.

There are pieces of furniture, art, etc. that are worth splurging on, and other areas where you are better off saving money. Will your room look better with new flooring or wallpaper? Should you spend more on window treatments or furniture for the biggest impact? These are questions that can be best answered by hiring an interior designer.

Interior Designers Know How to Plan for the Future During a Remodel

Your life is ever-changing, and your home should reflect that fact. No, that does not mean going out and buying new furniture every few years. It is about adjusting your home to changes in your lifestyle.

For example, a family with young children will want to invest in furnishings that will grow and change as the children age. When you hire an interior designer, she or he will consider that in any remodel or design.

Another example is keeping in mind market value, and how a particular remodel will hold up in future sales. Even though you may not be planning to move at this time, a good interior designer knows that everything can change overnight. Incorporating concepts and ideas that will add to a home’s market value is an excellent way an interior designer can save you money.

To discover 8 ways to afford an interior designer, click here.

Are you ready to save money on your next remodel? If so, contact HK Interiors to discover how our interior design services can help you create magic in your home or office. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

In our previous blog about basic color theory, we discussed the primary colors of red, blue, and yellow. Next, we will examine the impact of the secondary and tertiary colors.

What are the secondary colors?

When you combine two primary colors, you wind up with a secondary color. Red and blue equal purple. Red and yellow make orange. Yellow and blue turn into green.

What are the tertiary colors?

By mixing primary and secondary colors, you wind up with the following six tertiary colors:

• Red-orange
• Yellow-orange
• Yellow-green
• Blue-green
• Blue-violet
• Red-violet

Of course, the art of color theory does not stop there. By varying the amount of one color in the combination, you can wind up with an endless array of shades. Just walk into any paint shop, and the swatches are astounding. How will you ever decide?

That is where the help of an experienced interior designer is invaluable. The use of color in design is an art. There is also a science behind it – often termed room color psychology. As an interior designer, it is my role to help select the precise shades for your room. We can incorporate color schemes into your walls, window coverings, furnishings, flooring, or accent pieces.

Incorporating Secondary and Tertiary Color Theory into Your Home

When we delve into the psychology of colors in interior design, we often find ways to address specific issues a person may have. For example, the right colors can help if you have a lot of stress in your life. We will want to add cooler, calming colors, such as varying shades of purple, blue, and green into your home.

The color theory wheel also helps you pick complimentary colors – but we will save that conversation for another time.

Now let us examine the color theory behind the three secondary colors. The tertiary colors will be variations of the impacts you read about below:

Purple – Often associated with royalty, purple brings with it a feeling of power. When tinged with more of a blue undertone, purple can add calm and serenity to your space. Purple shades that have a bit more red increase attention and are more dominating. You can also use purple to stimulate creativity.

Orange – When looking for a touch of warmth, consider a vibrant shade of orange. The kitchen and dining room are two areas of your home that can benefit from orange as it stimulates appetite and may help improve digestion

Green – It is natural to think about nature when using the color green. This is a wonderful way to incorporate the outdoors into your home. Green is associated with balance, harmony, energy, and stability.

Using Color Theory to Go Beyond the Primary and Secondary Colors

The world would be a boring place if we stopped at the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. There is still so much more to experience – and to bring into the home. We can continue to use color theory to add other hues into our interior designs, such as:

Pink – It is not surprising that pink is often found in the rooms of little girls. Pink has a fresh sweetness that is soothing to the eye.

Gray – Elegant yet conservative, beware of yellow tints that can impart a depressing feel. Gray brings a refreshing appearance, especially when combined with white, black, and a hint of color. Using silver shades will spice gray up and bring a feeling of wealth and prosperity. Gray is a great neutral color.

Black – If you are looking for a bold, powerful, and elegant look, search no further than black. Just be careful not to overdo black in your home.

Brown – Also associated with nature, brown is a neutral color that adds stability and security to your space. The richness of wood is symbolic of good taste and is often used in offices

White – Clean, crisp, refreshing – perhaps the most neutral of all “colors.” White is quiet, airy, pure – devoid of color, and lends itself to any accents. You can also achieve a formal look by using cooler shades and textures of white. Warmer hues bring a cozy feel to the room.

You can also refer back to Part 1 of this series on color theory to read up on the primary colors.

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