Our homes are spaces where we retire after an exhausting day in quest of relaxation and rejuvenation. Therefore, homeowners generally prefer making a space that is most conducive to relaxation. This can be done in several ways, including the use of soft colours and textures, that result in a calm environment. In this article, we will explore 10 soothing colours you can use in home decor to transform your space into a haven of calmness and rejuvenation.
See also: Unique neutral colours ideas for homes
Sage green
Fresh, organic and deeply restorative, this muted green with undertones of grey is like a breath of nature for your indoor space. This colour works well in accents like cushions, curtains or furniture like painted cabinets.
Best for: Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens
Pair with: Natural wood, linen textures, rattan, soft whites
Source: Pinterest ideafactory247/3799980930211048
Dusty blue
Bring home the charm of the dawn sky and soft coastal waters with this calm, misty blue with a hint of grey. Walls, bedding and upholstery look gorgeous in this colour.
Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms
Pair with: Whitewashed wood, tanned leathers, brass accents
Source: Pinterest Gardening_Olivia/58757970136762234
Warm taupe
With a subtle warmth that makes the space feel grounded and inviting, this earthy shade between grey and brown makes for a great neutral to incorporate as a dominant base colour in home decor. It can act as a sophisticated backdrop, especially for plants and textured or bold decor.
Best for: Walls, rugs, upholstered headboards
Pair with: Soft whites, ivory, deeper browns, preferably in layers
Source: Pinterest evyvehomes/99219998035878350
Soft terracotta
How about the vibe of desert sunsets and pottery hues for your home? That’s exactly what this mellow, sun-baked clay colour brings to the table. Use this colour to add gentle warmth and a boho vibe to your entryways, reading corners or outdoor spaces.
Best for: Accent walls, scatter cushions, pottery, linen throws
Pair with: Dusty blues, creams, olive greens
Source: Pinterest allcrafts1/31454897392452605
Misty grey
Clean, airy and quietly elegant, this silvery grey with cool undertones can transform your cabinetry, walls and modern minimalist decor.
Best for: Any room as a neutral base for layered decor
Pair with: Soft blues, whites, pale woods
Source: Pinterest dressthathouse/16466354883897587
Pale apricot
A delicate shade with warm, sunlit undertones, this shade is similar to peach minus the excessive sweetness, making it a more subtle choice. It is ideal for adding a gentle glow to spaces that receive natural light aplenty.
Best for: Bedrooms, bathrooms, soft accents (lampshades or textiles)
Pair with: Sage green, warm taupe, brass hardware
Source: Pinterest jhonparvez/211174977811056
Muted lavender
What’s better than a greyed-out shade of purple for an ethereal feel? Muted lavender can be used on walls, bedding or in velvet cushions for an airy touch to your space.
Best for: Bedrooms, meditation space, bathrooms
Pair with: Grey, white, soft silver
Source: Pinterest decorfacil/10766486605648539
Creamy off-white
Who doesn’t recognise this soft and timeless classic? A warm, creamy white with hints of beige or ivory can act as a calming canvas for any of the other shades on this list.
Best for: Wall colour in place of stark white
Pair with: Natural materials like jute, wool, light woods
Source: Pinterest wisedocks/22306960649304915
Muted olive
The earthiness of this mid-tone green with a touch of grey makes it a sophisticated and organic choice. If you wish to add depth and warmth to your bland or neutral-heavy interiors without compromising on the calming vibe, this is your go-to option.
Best for: Kitchen cabinetry, accent walls, sift furnishings
Pair with: Terracotta, warm taupe, natural wood
Source: Pinterest joelleosta/307792955803287806
Seafoam green
Invoke the vibe of sea glass and the coastal calm with a light, breezy green flaunting subtle undertones of blue. Tiles, painted furniture or light curtains can benefit from this serene, beachy feel.
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, sunrooms
Pair with: Crisp whites, sandy beige, pale woods
Source: Pinterest Sunitasubba60/67272588179073023
Housing.com POV
Soothing tones for homes will never go out of style as relaxation is always a priority for homeowners. While incorporating these tones, it is important to remember that texture matters as much as the colour. So pairing these with a combination of raw linens, woven baskets, matte ceramics and soft wool will enhance the effect further and ensure that the space does not look too bland.
FAQs
What makes a colour calming in home decor?
Shades with soft, muted or earthy undertones without harsh contrasts and saturated pigments fall under calming tones.
Which rooms are best for soothing colours?
These colours work well in bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms or any other space meant for unwinding and relaxation where a peaceful vibe is desired.
Can soothing colours also look modern and stylish?
The key to making the most out of soothing colours is layering. Incorporating different textures and pairing with contemporary minimalist furniture can help.
Are soothing colours suitable for small spaces?
Go for light, airy toned like misty grey, pale apricot or seafoam green to make small spaces appear bigger and brighter.
What colours pair well with soothing shades?
Depending on the specific colour, soft neutrals, muted metallics, natural woods and earthy textures go well with soothing shades.
Are soothing colours only meant for neutral or minimalist interiors?
These shades work equally well in boho, coastal, Japandi and traditional spaces depending on how you balance colour, pattern and texture.
How do I stop soothing colours from looking bland?
The key is to layer different materials in similar tones, mix matte and glossy finishes and varying light and dark shades for depth and interest.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
