Cool color rules designers use for a balanced scheme

It often feels like warm colors are the only right choice in interiors, but we could say that that is finally changing. Lately we’ve been seeing cooler tones used in interior spaces, and the result is both soothing and stylish.

The risk with cool color schemes (and why it seems more forgiving to stick with warm tones) is that they can make spaces feel cold and dull if not balanced properly. So the key to finding cool tones is to think of the color scheme as a whole, so that your space is inviting and full of depth.

That said, color schemes can often be a minefield with many things to consider. To make things a little easier, we asked designers and color experts for their cool color rules to ensure a well-balanced space.

‘Cool tones, such as blue, green and gray, can bring a sense of calm and serenity to a space, making them perfect for evoking a sense of peace in your space,’ explains the London-based interior designer Natalia Miyar. “However, they can also make a room feel stark and cold if they are not carefully balanced.”

8 rules to follow when decorating with cool colors

‘Cool colors, such as blue and green, create a relaxing and serene atmosphere and are ideal for this small rooms or spaces designed for relaxation,” explains Hannah Yeo, Senior Color Marketing Manager Benjamin Moore. ‘Lighter shades can make a room appear larger, while darker shades add a touch of sophistication and drama.’

Before you decide how to add balance to your cool color scheme, first understand how coolness varies between certain shades within the same color family, Hannah suggests:

‘Not all green and blue shades are cool. Color is relative and every shade has nuances that can be warm or cool. For example, olive green has a warm undertone, while fresh mint green feels cool. Understanding these undertones can help you achieve balance and add depth and dimension to your space.”

Read on to find out how the experts balance cool colors to get the most out of them for a harmonized and cohesive space.

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1. Choose lighting and hardware with warm tones

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

You have to pay close attention to it lighting ideas in a cool color scheme as they provide a subtle way to warm up the space.

“We generally warm up the lighting and hardware in rooms decorated in cool color tones,” explain designers Jordan Winston and Tate Casper of Oxford design. ‘Brass and bronze add a much-needed layer of warmth to cool tones.’

From warm-toned fixtures and fixtures to the tone of the lighting itself, sticking to warm tones when designing lighting ensures that the room’s dominant cool colors don’t make the space feel dull.

2. Stick to subtle, cool tones

(Image credit: Walls in Stardew by Sherwin Williams)

If you want to embrace cool tones in your home but maintain a neutral feel, stick to subtle cool tones when it comes to your decor. paint ideas. Instead of aiming for saturated blues and greens, opt for softer versions of these typically cool tones. This creates a comfortable environment that is not so overtly ‘cool’.

“One of my favorite ‘rules’ when using cool colors is to use subtle tones in your design,” says interior stylist Alexis Woodbury Earman of The Woodbury House. ‘A good example is the use of more light blue than the traditional primary blue on the color wheel. This method allows you to use multiple colors in a space without losing the light and airy feel often associated with cooler tones.”

3. Create an analogous color scheme

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Sticking to the color wheel, another rule designers focus on is the theory of analogous color schemes. In other words, this is where colors that are next to each other on the color wheel are used in a room, so in the case of cool colors this could be shades such as purple, blue and green.

“When I work with cool colors, I always make sure the room has an analogous color scheme, meaning I use at least three cool colors in a room to work with each other and create interest,” explains designer Gabrielle Bove of Opaline Interior Studio. ‘I always use wood and natural woven textures to balance and warm up a cool color scheme.’

4. Add warmth through texture

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

When designing a room around cool colors, it’s just as important to consider the textures in the space. Textures such as wood, rattan and wool can enhance the warmth and add a cozy atmosphere to the room.

“To prevent a space from feeling too cold, I like to add warmth through textures, accents or materials such as wood, brass or warm lighting,” says designer Natalia Miyar. ‘Layering different shades can also help add depth and prevent the space from feeling sterile.’

Designer Courtney Hill Utt of Chu Interiors also recommends this approach, adding, “Always mix warmer tones and accents to offset the predominantly cool palette so the space feels grounded and timeless.” It can be small details, such as a warm wooden side table.’

“Materials such as matte finishes, soft linen and organic textiles play an important role in adding warmth and depth to a space,” agrees Karolina Wierzbicka, head of design at August. ‘A room with cool tones can have velvet cushions, woven throws or textured wallpaper.’

5. Integrate natural elements

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Another cool color rule to consider is to introducing natural materials. This can create a soothing atmosphere that enhances the soothing feeling of cool tones.

“Bringing in elements from nature is a fundamental neuroaesthetic strategy, and cool colors work especially well with biophilic design principles,” explains designer Erica McLain, founder of McLain of Design Interiors.

“For example, the use of greenery connects us to the soothing influence of nature,” Erica adds. ‘To enhance this, you can use living plants or natural stone to link the color scheme to organic patterns. This not only enhances the visual appeal, but also promotes a deep sense of well-being, rooted in our innate connection with nature.”

6. Use the 60-30-10 rule

Credit: Victoria Covell Interiors, photo Anna Stathaki

The 60-30-10 color rule is a well-known color rule, and it’s one that Tash Bradley, director of interior design and color psychologist at Lickrecommended when working with cool tones.

‘The general rule is: if you decorate with a cool color, such as blue, green or purple, divide it into your own color. 60-30-10 rule‘ says Tash. “So if the dominant color is cool, that’s your 60%, I would add a warm color for that 30%. That could be one complementary color – I always look at the other side of the color wheel. If you went with blue, go with orange for your 30%.”

The remaining 10% may have a slightly more vibrant shade that looks like a accent colorwhich can add a colorful, unexpected moment to complete the schedule.

“Balance it with a little injection of a warm color,” adds Tash. ‘That could be through your couch, your bed or your floor.’

Interior designer katie schroder, principal designer and founder of Studio interior design also applies this rule when working with cool colors: ‘When decorating with cool tones, you should be careful that you do not only use cool tones. Rust and mustard are great colors to balance cool tones, or if you want to go with neutral tones, use ivory, camel and brown tones to warm it up.”

7. Think about the direction of your room

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

It is well known that the direction a room faces (north, south, east or west) affects the amount of sunlight the room receives and therefore the way paint colors appear in the space. While this can make the paint selection process require a lot of deliberation, Tash Bradley’s rule makes it easier to navigate: use cool colors with warm undertones in north-facing rooms (in the Northern Hemisphere).

“Just think about the room you’re decorating,” Tash begins. ‘So if it’s a north-facing room and you want to go for a cooler color, go for a cooler color with a warm undertone. Go for blue, green or purple with a red, pink or yellow undertone. If you have an east, south or west facing room, don’t worry about the undertone.’

8. Create a tonal color scheme

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Finally, designers recommend using a tonal color scheme when working with cool colors.

‘Cool colors don’t have to be monotonous; combining different shades of cool tones within the same color family is another contemporary approach,” adds Karolina Wierzbicka. ‘For example, mixing light and dark blues or playing with different shades of gray can create a sophisticated yet dynamic space. This subtle variation keeps the design visually appealing.’

“Consider layering different shades of the same cool color family,” agrees designer Erica McLain. “Pairing a light blue wall with deeper blue or teal furniture creates a gradient that adds dimension and intrigue.”

Each of these cool color rules will make your scheme feel balanced and comfortable and keep you from feeling cold. Of course, you need to think about the specific space you’re working with, as some rules will work better in certain rooms. Whatever rule works for you, we expect a lot more love for cool color trends by 2025.