Decor and Paint Color: Setting the Mood in the Master Bedroom

If you want to change the ambiance of a room, changing the color is one of the most effective ways to go about it. Color alone does not create mood. Rather the atmosphere of a room depends on a number of factors, including the furnishings, lighting and the contours of the space. Color schemes can not simply be imposed on an existing room and architectural style may also need taking into account.

For example, the minimalist look characteristically brings together modernist architecture, clean lines, pure forms, natural materials and neutral tones, resulting in an airy, uncluttered feel. In contrast, the mood of the Tuscan look depends on warm, earthy colors. Other decorative styles are also associated with particular color palettes. A color style mismatch will prevent you achieving your overall goal.

Your furniture and decor style may give you inspiration for an appropriate color scheme. Taking your lead from your room instead of trying to make a room fit a color scheme is the sensible route. That doesn’t mean you have to be timid, but breaking the rules of good interior design can produce a jarring effect that is antithetical to ambiance. A color wheel can help you choose contrasting and complementary colors.

Which Mood?

If you find a color scheme that fits your room and furnishings and will create the mood you want you’re ready to begin. Otherwise you may have to consider restyling and acquiring different furnishings and fittings. Plain modern furniture and even some antiques will often support a range of different color schemes for your room’s mood makeover.

Colors and Atmosphere

Pastels and Neutral Colors:

These colors are useful to create a sense of space and calm. Neutral colors help create a sophisticated modern look and will go with many different decor styles.

Primary Colors:

Bright basic colors can complement a contemporary room as well as adding cheerful accents to a room featuring cottage furniture. The mood is casual and informal.

Rich and Deep Colors:

Rich colors, such as greens, reds and even purples can create an atmosphere of sensual opulence in a master bedroom, especially with dark wood, antique furniture.

Earthy Colors:

Depending on the depth of color, these colors too can help create a warm and sensual atmosphere.

Blue and White:

Synonymous with cleanliness and calm, this popular color scheme is especially well-suited to fresh and unpretentious cottage-style decor.

Black and White:

High contrast black and white color schemes suit rooms with unfussy furnishings, producing a cool, sophisticated look.

Browns and Burgundies:

Few colors can be both neutral and warm, but these fit the bill. They are especially useful for master bedrooms whose occupants want to avoid frilly femininity.

Lighting, Color and Mood

Light, both natural and artificial, can powerfully affect color and therefore atmosphere. Different types of light can intensify colors or bleach the life from them. Always bear in mind that a cold room may demand warmer hues of your chosen color and vice versa. Getting color values right is essential in creating mood.

Colored lights are one way of manipulating mood in a room without necessarily painting and changing soft furnishings. The right light can turn a bedroom that is neutral and cool by day into a room that is full of warmth and sensuality at night.