Rose & Grey: How to use colourful trends with confidence in 2012

Now we’ve hit 2012 I’ve been inundated with exciting trend predictions, bright colour picks and hot products for the coming year, from bloggers who’ve kept their eyes and ears open and the trend experts who specialise in this area.

Image credit: olliandlimeblog.com

The experts at Pantone are tipping the bright citrus blasts of Tangerine Tango as the colour of 2012 and Farrow and Ball agree that bright paint is back, saying we’ll be using bold, unexpected shades on our walls and in our home accessories this year. In December, our friends at Trend Bible showed you the upcoming pastel and neon trends, with a focus on hot pink and sunflower yellow..

So it looks like fruity brights are going to be a big colour trend for 2012. We’ve already seen these shades emerge for the summer’s London Olympics, with the Olympic logo in hot pink and mascot Wenlock sporting lightning stripes in Pantone’s bold orange.

But how do we bring such vibrant shades into our home? To make you more confident with the bold colour choices for 2012 I spoke to Lyndsey Goodger, co-founder of mydeco.com supplier Rose and Grey:

Why do you think some people are cautious when considering bright colours in their home?

‘Adding bright colour to your home can seem like a bit of a statement and that can put some people off. Also, a neutral palette can be calming and make your space feel peaceful. But you can add colour subtly to your home without shock impact.’

How have you used colour in your own home?

‘I like to start with a neutral palette. Grey walls, white floors or natural floorboards, then add colour with accessories. Our kitchen is painted in grey but we have open shelves with bright-coloured bowls and plates on them and really colourful prints on the walls.’

Be inspired by this 3D kitchen with bright pink accents:Designed by mydeco.com community member hunny

‘In the lounge the furniture is in shades of grey and blue but I have covered our dining room chairs in a fantastic bright apple-green print. They really lift the room, and also my mood whenever I look at them. I find bright colours really inspiring and good to be around. I am currently finding a space for our fabulous new Multi angle lamp.’

For those who aren’t used to bright colour in their home, what is a good first step?

‘Create a moodboard as this will help you work out which colours go well together. If you will be looking at them every day you need to be sure that they create the right feel for the room and that you will be happy with them.’

Moodboard created by mydeco Insider

‘When it comes to decorating, start with neutrals as these will then form the basis of your colour scheme to which you can then add stronger and brighter colours with accenting fabrics and accessories. Wallstickers are a great way to add colour as they can be applied and removed easily, while framed prints and scatter cushions are an obvious choice for adding colour.’

What is your top ‘do’ and ‘don’t’ for using colour with confidence?

‘Do: Give it a try. Colour can be a mood enhancer and everyone should try it in the home. Start by using an accent colour in one room to see how it looks. Then, if you like it you might feel braver to redecorate with colour.

‘Don’t: Use bold contrasting colours in every room of the house.’

Shop for Rose & Grey home furnishings and accessories that will compliment existing colourful decors or add bright splashes to more neutral homes.