Learning from nature

I often hear from people that they know nothing about colours, that they don’t know how to mix them, which shade or pattern to choose. And so they prefer to stick to greys and beiges. Meanwhile, according to Japanese aesthetics, the beauty we aspire to is contained in nature. So all you need to do is … simply to look around you. Nature offers us ready-made solutions every day, shows us how to blend colours and different textures. It’s not afraid of bold colours and contrasts. Purple and green is a very successful colour combination. How to use it in an interior? Here are some tips.

Option for conservatives

If you’re really afraid of colours it’s better to use them in a form of accessories. In case you get bored with a given combination, you can simply replace or mix them with other colours. As a rule of thumb in interior design it's good to go for a maximum of 3-4 colours (including white or wood colour of the floor). If you decide on white walls – and you need to know I am very orthodox in this matter for which I apologise all interior paint producers - then for bigger size elements use colour 2 (it will probably be neutral like grey or beige, preferably as natural as possible) and for accessories go crazy with colour 3, which you can boldly combine with one or two more colours, playing with different textures and patterns. This can also be complemented with graphic strokes of the invisible brush, in the form of black or graphite installation elements or lighting. The combo of purple and green likes company. It looks phenomenal when combined with larger patches of yellow, orange or warm shades of wood, for example teak. It also looks good with other colour accents in similar proportions - red, cobalt or claret. Preferably all at once.

Option for the semi brave

If you're a bit more daring, go for one large piece of furniture in your favourite shade of purple or green - a sofa, armchair, rug, faucet or wardrobe - and match it with smaller accessories that contain that colour or match it well, with a stronger pattern or design. When choosing patterns, it's good to follow the rule of one common denominator, i.e. either choose one colour or one shape that will appear in all accessories. This works phenomenally well in fashion, so why shouldn't it work in interiors? It is also worth taking a look at Japanese kimonos from different periods, especially the mid-20th century, which are extremely successful colour combinations, to which I will probably devote more than one article.

Option for bold maximalists

You can go wild covering large surfaces and dimensions with colour. However, it is also worth keeping some moderation and consistency, i.e. not exceeding the recommended maximum number of colours in the interior, juxtaposing different textures and materials, remembering about the principle of a common denominator, so as not to fall into the trap of monotonny on the one hand, and colour cacophony on the other, which would kill the style. Good luck!