In interior design, the choice of colour combinations is crucial for creating a pleasant and harmonious environment. Using summer hues can breathe freshness and lightness into a space, but it is important to consider the right proportions when choosing colours to achieve a harmonious effect. When selecting colour combinations in interior design, it is advisable to follow the 60-30-10 rule: 60 percent of the space should be in the main colour, 30 percent in neutral shades, and 10 percent in accent colours.

The main colour is the one that dominates the space. It is most commonly the colour of the walls and other larger surfaces, such as floors and large pieces of furniture. The secondary colour complements the main colour and is used for medium-sized surfaces, such as smaller pieces of furniture, curtains, and carpets. The final 10 percent is made up of accent colours, which bring vitality and boldness into the space. These are used on smaller surfaces, such as decorative cushions, artwork, vases, and other decorative elements.

When you start designing an interior, the first thing you should do is gather all your ideas and wishes and create a so-called “mood board.” Choose colours, materials, textures, and a style that resonates with you and fits well with your lifestyle. It is helpful to ask the following questions when planning a space:

• Where is the space—by the sea, in the mountains, in the countryside, or perhaps elsewhere?
• Is the space naturally bright? Does it feel warm or cool?
• Which style resonates with you and reflects your personality?

Preparing in advance makes the whole process easier and ensures that the final appearance is harmonious and fits well into the surroundings of your holiday home.

Neutral tones bring calm and natural warmth

You can’t go wrong with neutral earth tones, as they provide a feeling of warmth and connection to nature. When deciding on the choice of colours in the suggested proportions, it is important to keep in mind that lighter hues make a space appear larger, while darker hues make it appear smaller but also create a feeling of domesticity and intimacy. The space in the example is naturally bright and warm, so we chose the soft and sandy N05-2 shade as the main colour for the walls. The secondary colour is represented with brown shades such as N03-7 and furniture made from natural wood. The choice of furniture style depends on you and your preferences. For a holiday home by the sea, you can choose a modern minimalist style, the Scandinavian style, or renovated rustic furniture. Don’t mix styles, as the theme of the space will be lost, and smaller spaces will appear even more cluttered. Of course, you can allow slight variations if you want to emphasize your personality with a particular piece. The accent colour in the space is pastel blue, which is reminiscent of the sea and sunny skies. The blue shades are brought into the space with sofa cushions, bedspreads, curtains, or even with the dining room table settings, place settings, or paintings. And don't forget to choose the right materials, such as the rattan carpet and the clay vase on the coffee table, as well as the patterns on the cushions and curtains. The choice of material is very important when it comes to curtains, and you can choose between lightweight materials such as linen or heavy jacquard curtains. Finds from the beach, seashells or pebbles in candle jars, an old, unique straw hat, or a fan that you bought as a souvenir on a faraway trip can also bring a cozy, natural touch.

A touch of the sea and fragrant flowers

The blueness of the sea and blooming pink flowers with sandy beaches is one of the most attractive seaside combinations that bring more liveliness and colour contrasts into a space. We chose a stronger colour combination because the space was already bright enough to start with. We chose the B03-5 blue shade for the main colour, as it visually cools the room, which fits especially well in holiday homes by the sea. The darker the shade of blue you choose, the more intimacy and homeliness you'll add to the room. The secondary colour is represented by soft sand and beige hues such as N02-4, which are reflected in the choice of light wood furniture and a cream-upholstered three-seater sofa. Choose only furniture you really need, as small holiday homes can quickly become over-cluttered. For the icing on the cake, add contrasting accessories such as sofa cushions and flower troughs in pink hues. Special attention should also be paid to combining different textures to make the space more dynamic. And we can’t forget the personal touches that create a cozy and nautical feeling, such as a natural fan and a rattan bowl in our case.

A natural oasis with a touch of extravagance

A dynamic natural combination of green and blue, enriched with gold accents, transforms the space into a forest oasis and adds a touch of extravagance. As the main colour in the space, the dark green G12-7 creates a feeling of fresh woods after a storm. Dark green hues can be beautifully accentuated with golden details, which are evident in the choice of furniture, the chandelier, and the natural parquet floors in a warm shade. The chosen furniture appears refined and modern, and the dark blue accessories emphasize the contrast and give a slightly cool appearance. The coolness of the blue hues can be mitigated by the choice of material – the velvet on the seat is soft and warm, and the carpet has the same feel. In this combination, the golden colour is not only desirable but essential, adding warmth and a sense of luxury.

A sunny colour with a hint of the sea

The vibrant colour combination of yellow and blue brings warmth and freshness into the space, as both colours evoke the sky and the sun. The white walls bring freshness, while the light grey couch and flooring have a neutral and cool effect. The basic design of the interior in a white-grey combination creates a neutral canvas that allows for a livelier play of colour shades. The secondary and accent colours are in similar proportion in this case. The yellow was brought into the space with a bedspread, dining chairs, and decorative elements. The blue carpet serves as a counterbalance to the yellow, as does the decorative board, which nicely complements the owner’s personal style. The neutral base means that there are many possibilities for combinations in shades of blue and yellow. Whether it's a chandelier, a dining set, paintings, or kitchen element fronts, they'll add more personal character and vibrancy to the space.

And don’t forget the accessories that can bring a sense of homeliness and reflect your personal experiences, such as a bowl from your trip to Morocco or a decorative fish made of driftwood. Use accessories sparingly, as the space can quickly become overcrowded and create a feeling of clutter. As the saying goes, less is more – choose only those pieces that have a special meaning for you and fit harmoniously into the overall ambiance.