Colour and tone have the power to define a space, as well as an individual’s style. Colours can be used to influence our perception of size, mood and function.

The design principles often used for colours and tones are not just for interiors, they can also be applied to personal style and accessories. This is shown through how colour can establish a visual hierarchy, as it will direct attention to specific focal points or highlight certain features.

The Foundation of a Beautiful Space

Fitted furniture can form the canvas for any room, with the tone of cabinetry and wardrobes setting the mood of a space.

Light woods can make a room feel airy as they reflect light to make a space feel brighter and larger, whereas darker toned woods invoke a sense of luxury and make the atmosphere feel warmer and cosier.

The aesthetic of kitchen units and bedroom doors are big decisions in defining the character of a room, as they are large surfaces that can dictate an entire space. Unlike other characteristics of the room (e.g. cushions, rugs, paint) changing kitchen units and bedroom doors involves more extensive renovation and it can be more time consuming and expensive.

The material used in fitted furniture can have a large impact on the lighting and tactile feel of a room, as high gloss textures will reflect light much more dramatically than darker matte materials, such as the black leather often used for office chairs.

Popular furniture tone trends can include:

• Warm wood tones – this includes dark woods like walnut, mahogany and dark cherry. These darker woods can make a space look more elegant and sophisticated.
• Light, natural wood tones – this trend favours woods that have lighter, neutral or pale finishes that enable the natural grain to show through, which can make a space look brighter and airier.
• Earthy tones – earthy tones evoke a sense of nature and complement natural wood, using colours such as terracotta, rust, olive, green and beige.
• Bold tones – jewel tones, like emerald, sapphire and amethyst, are used in statement pieces to add a touch of luxury to a room. Similarly, deep blues and greens are used for large upholstery or cabinet finishes to make a room seem more sophisticated and contrast wood.

Adding Light, Depth, and Texture

Specialist glass surfaces can be used in a room to interact with light and tone.

For example, mirrors (such as a mirrored splashback) can be used as a clever design tool within a room in order to reflect light and expand a kitchen so that it looks larger. In smaller rooms, mirrored glass surfaces are essential for manipulating the light in order to create the illusion of more space.

However, there are other ways in which mirrors can be used as a design tool. If a room has dark corners, placing mirrors within these can make the space feel more open, and they can also be used to camouflage imperfections on walls, such as chipped paint, peeling wallpaper or other issues.

Mirrors are additionally helpful for highlighting architectural details in the home, such as columns and pillars.

Similarly, coloured glass panels can be used within kitchen cabinetry to introduce a bold accent into a room, or frosted glass can be used to create a soft, diffused look in the bedroom. Glass can be introduced to add a modern, polished element that complements furniture that you already have in a room and add a touch of sophistication. The neutral nature of glass makes it a versatile choice for adding to a room, as it will not clash with the existing decor and seamlessly blend with all kinds of interior styles.

Making A Personal Statement

When looking at choosing tones for your personal aesthetic, you can do this through handbags and accessories.

There are many parallels between accessorising a room and accessorising an outfit, as both have similar principles of adding a finishing touch to complement core elements. Accessories are used in both instances to complement the main focal points, and they are a way that you can insert texture, warmth and personality. The tone and texture of a handbag can harmonise with or vibrantly contrast a person’s outfit in the same way that accessories can with a room. The tone of smaller items like wallets and purses can be used as a complementary accent to an outfit, or you can instead use a bold coloured handbag as a statement piece.

This is similar to how you can add extra touches to a room through smaller items like artwork, plants and soft furnishings, or choose items that contrast a bold statement piece like a wardrobe or a sofa. As well as being functional, these accessories are also a way to express your personal style in the same way that you would when decorating the rooms of your home.

Both the interiors of homes and personal accessories are about making intentional choices, with these choices showing how you have a consistent appreciation for tone and style. By paying attention to these details, you can create a more beautiful and harmonious environment, both in your home and personal style.