No room is complete without artwork. Artistic pieces can change how your space feels—complement or contrast it—but whatever the purpose, they always bring the room’s design to life. 

Wall art can add visual interest and character, create a focal point, or unite design elements of a room. When selecting your artwork, the colour scheme should play the central role in the decision, creating balance and maintaining a cohesive mood in the room.  

It is not only about choosing the right colour in relation to the existing palette. It is also about what mood that colour will bring to the room. 

The importance of colour in artwork shouldn’t be underestimated. This is why The House Outfit has compiled this guide to help you make the right choice when you select your next favourite piece of art. 

Understand Your Interior Design's Colour Scheme

Before you rush to select an art piece, take a moment to study your existing colour palette. Think of it as the foundation from which you can build the perfect harmonious feel you dream of. 

To start, notice the dominant colours in your room while keeping your focus on large areas and items. Consider the colour of the walls, furniture, textiles and ornate pieces and whether you want your artwork to complement or contrast them. Complimenting means the artwork will feel like part of the whole atmosphere of the room, unite these pieces and remain rather unnoticeable. Contrast, on the other hand, will make the artwork a focal point and introduce visual interest or even depth. 

Take it one step further and consider the undertone of your room. Is it warm or cold? Use the answer to find the artwork that integrates seamlessly into the overall palette for a cohesive look.

Colour As a Vehicle of Emotion

Colour has a profound emotional impact, which makes it a crucial factor when choosing the right piece for your place. Colours like red, orange and yellow will energise the room, make it feel warmer, and possibly even bring a sense of excitement to the overall atmosphere, which makes them perfect for active spaces like the living or dining rooms.

On the other hand, cooler tones like those in green wall art, or blue wall art will help you relax and unwind at the end of the day, making them ideal for living spaces. 

Neutrals bring a more minimalist or pared-back look to your space. They effortlessly complement other design elements, add sophistication to the atmosphere, and even provide a sense of balance. 

So, when you select the right artwork, consider also what kind of room you have in mind for it and what kind of emotion you’d like to channel there. 

Artwork Colours Defined by a Room's Function

As mentioned before, the function of your room is equally important to its colour palette. Artwork should match the purpose of the place it is meant to adorn. 

Living rooms go well with vibrant and bold colours that can stimulate conversations. However, pieces with more soft, calming hues, even pastels or more muted tones, are perfect for bedroom wall art that will bring a truly relaxing feel. If you are planning on elevating where you dine, then warmer tones are your friend, with deep reds or earthy tones being shades that promote appetite. 

The Importance of Contrast & Balance in Colourful Home Decor

You can play with the colours of the room and the artwork you choose to create a visually engaging space where each piece exists in harmony and serves a purpose. If you choose to use art to contrast the room’s colour scheme, this will create layers of nuances, more depth and added visual interest. For example, placing wall art in bold colours against a white or neutral background will help the colours pop, and before you know it, you will have a striking focal point. 

However, when going for bold artwork, consider the rest of the room to maintain balance. Vibrant colours might clash with too many other eye-catching elements and make your space feel overwhelming rather than harmonious. 

The Art of Home Decoration Colour Combinations

The beauty of artwork lies in the colour combinations within it. These, however, can influence and even disrupt your overall interior design palette. When you mix patterns and colours, a good tip is to try to repeat one or two key hues across different pieces in the room. This way you will maintain a cohesive scheme without risking the introduction of a colour that will feel foreign to your space. 

You can also use colour as a unifying theme, which will help artwork pieces work in harmony rather than clashing together. Consider pairing your neutral wall art with frames in copper or gold to match other metallic ornaments in your space. If you prefer the sophistication of a more earthy atmosphere, combine your art with wooden frames in oak to create a more natural feel. 

Colourful Wall Art vs Room Dimensions

Now that we have discussed colour, combinations of colour, and the role of the purpose of a room, another key thing to have in mind is the size of your artwork and where you intend to place it. 

Keeping things in good proportion is key to achieving balance and allowing your artwork to shine. If the piece is too large, it can dominate your space and feel intrusive; while too small, a piece may get completely lost in the noise of other decor. 

To avoid a mistake, it is a good idea to implement some strategic thinking. For example, place bold-coloured artwork above neutral sofas or on an accent wall so it becomes the focal point and balances the energy of the surrounding elements. 

Before going shopping, consider your room’s dimensions and other ornates to make sure your piece will fit in without overpowering or getting lost. 

After All, It’s All About You

Despite it all, your home is your personal sanctuary, and choosing the right artwork means choosing what feels right for you. It’s all about being mindful of what already exists around you and the emotions you want to convey and be charged with. Your personal style should shine through every corner of your rooms, so your next favourite art piece should simply be one you actually love. 

And now, armed with these insights, you will be sure to pick the pieces that will bring the most balance and taste to your space. Just trust your instincts and the colours you are naturally drawn to, as they will likely complement the ones already existing in your room. After all, the one who curated your place was you. 

Ultimately, curating your own art collection is also about enjoying the process and building a space that feels personal and meaningful to you and your loved ones. And with colour as a powerful tool, you can endlessly reshape the atmosphere of your home.