Colours that exude drama

There are many benefits of using bold and dramatic colours in interior design. The most obvious ones are that you can use these colours to draw attention to something. Think about how many times a white car catches your attention, then compare it with the number of times a red or yellow car does. It’s the same with rooms, walls, and interior decor in general.

Bold and dramatic colours like red will naturally claim all the attention – so if you really want a winning interior decor strategy, you will use the power of bold colours sparingly. If you have a trophy that you want everyone to see without making it obvious, mount it on a wall that is painted crimson red in a room where the other walls are painted off-white/beige. The centre of attention can be anything from awards to family photos, or even small showpieces.

Dramatic dark shades like charcoal grey are also good at hiding stains, so if you’re worried about ink spills showing or the chair scrapes looking ugly on walls, use these shades to mask any such imperfections.

Yes, when used correctly, the right shades of dramatic colours will make a small room look bigger. What you need to keep in mind is colour theory – dark shades absorb light and make rooms look smaller; light shades do the exact opposite.

You can also use the same colour theory to create a sense of depth. Paint the wall behind your bed in a dark colour, say navy blue, and paint the other walls off-white. In such a case, go for a semi-gloss paint finish so that it reflects more amount of light.

The easiest and most effective way to figure out the best complementary colours for a room is to look for balanced combinations. For example, if your main wall is painted dark blue, go for light grey or white for the other walls. A dark red shade works well with beige or off-white furniture and curtains.

Maintaining the vibrancy of dramatic wall colours can be done easily with consistent efforts. All you need to do to maintain the vibrancy of dramatic wall colours is to regularly dust off the walls.

But at the very start, before the painting work even begins, choose the best options based on practical choices. For a room that receives a lot of sunlight, go for paints with UV resistance.

Yes, bold colours work in bedrooms if used creatively.

A dark green or blue wall behind the bed creates a peaceful effect, while lighter shades like cream or beige on the other walls help balance the colours. Avoid very bright colours such as red or orange, as they can be too overwhelming for a bedroom. Add pieces like light-coloured curtains and cushions to help the room relaxed and comfortable.

Bold colours make your walls stand out and give your rooms a fresh, stylish look.

For example, painting one wall in a shade like charcoal grey or blue can change the look of the entire room without needing extra décor. These shades are practical because they can hide small cracks or stains on walls, which reduces maintenance work.