MYTH BUSTING!

A MYTH  by definition - is a fiction or half-truth, especially one that forms part of an ideology. At some point in the timeline of a myth, there is a distinct point where the fiction is obscured and becomes the truth.

The world of Interior Design is not immune to the concept of myths. On the contrary,  it’s riddled with these small nuggets of ideology. I thought I’d use this weeks blog as a platform to explode some of these decorating myths.

Myth 1:- Blue always makes a room feel cold

The Truth -Blue is often seen as a chilly colour, however used well, it can give an area a peaceful and relaxed feel. The key to using it successfully is to choose the right shade, paying close attention to the aspect of your room and to the proportion of other colours in the space. To avoid the cool feeling of blue, use a warm-toned shade of blue such as aqua and turquoise.  It can also be warmed up by adding accents of yellow or orange for a more energetic. Pale blues are a soothing choice for bedrooms and living rooms, while deeper more intense shades such as midnight blue or navy look amazing in more formal setting such as dining rooms.

Myth 2:- Dark Wall Colour are oppressive

The Truth – When chosen carefully, rich colours can give a room an inviting, warm and intimate feel. For period homes,  painting the walls in deep shades was a traditional way to offset detailed features and lavish furnishings.  In modern homes, rich tones can add a dramatic look and are great for enhancing key features of a room. If the room is small you can opt for one feature wall in a rich , dark hue and balance it by using lighter tones on the other walls. Deep chocolate, burgundy, aubergine and olive tones all look fabulous.

Myth 3:- You can’t go wrong with white walls

The Truth – Due to its reflective qualities, white can make a room seem bigger than it is. However it can also leave it looking cold and clinical. If you do want to use white there are so many different shades  available , go for a softer option.  Try an Antique white or a white with a hint of another colour. If you are adamant that you want to use pure white then add tones of rich wood and deeper tones of creams and beiges in your soft furnishings while adding lots of textured finishes.

Myth 4:- Bathrooms and Kitchens should always be tiled to make them waterproof

The Truth – With the explosion of a new generation of water repellent paints and wallcoverings, there is no longer the need to rely on tiles as the only options for these areas. For a modern effect, try a stainless steel splashback . Perspex is another option and comes is a myriad of colours. If you prefer a more natural look, try a tongue and groove wooden covering. Once it’s stained and sealed it becomes splash proof and is suitable for most areas.

 Myth 5:- You can’t mix florals and stripes

The Truth – Mixing different patterns can create a stunning look in your home, the key is to make sure that they are made up of the same two or three colours.  For a sophisticated effect play with the scale of the pattern. Use one(either the floral or the stripe) in a large print and add touches of the other in a smaller, softer print.

This is just the tip of the iceburg when it comes to myths and the world of interiors. With interior design the rule is that there ARE NO RULES! If it feels right and looks right to you, then chances are it is right. It’s all a matter of personal choice and taste.

However if you still feel you need any help or advice with any new projects you are working on in the home, then we are always happy to help. For contact details and other services we offer, please take a look at our website www.saiinteriors.co.uk