Decorating
Trend Alert: Ombre Walls to Dye For
From bold and bright to soft and whimsical, dip into this colourful trend with these graduated wall treatments
The word ombre is derived from the French word ombrer, which means ‘shadow’ or ‘shade’. However, you might know it best as the popular design trend where one colour fades into another – most often from light to dark. Seen everywhere, from the world of fashion to hair salons and even desserts, our favourite place to try it is in the home – here are some ideas to make it work for your walls.
A primary colour such as blue can be significantly more effective on an ombre feature wall when complemented with soft neutrals. While pure white dominates the space, tan cushions in a range of textures bring a touch of earthiness – a few blue cushions thrown in help to balance out the colour in the room.
The dark side
Charcoal works well in a home office, creating a feeling of order and businesslike sophistication. Keeping the top half of the walls white lessens the risk of a room looking narrow and boxy, which is further helped by upward-facing lighting.
Are you ready for the dark side?
Charcoal works well in a home office, creating a feeling of order and businesslike sophistication. Keeping the top half of the walls white lessens the risk of a room looking narrow and boxy, which is further helped by upward-facing lighting.
Are you ready for the dark side?
Neutrals such as grey can be used in almost any room to bring a sense of calm, their silvery tones making for a chic and modern dining room. Starting with a pale grey shade rather than stark white will make the transition from light to dark a lot smoother.
The great outdoors
Why should the inside of your home have all the fun? There are plenty of places to experiment with ombre walls outside, like this vibrant guest house. Four shades of green have been used in a modern colour-blocking style, with the cube both standing out from and blending in with its natural environment.
Why should the inside of your home have all the fun? There are plenty of places to experiment with ombre walls outside, like this vibrant guest house. Four shades of green have been used in a modern colour-blocking style, with the cube both standing out from and blending in with its natural environment.
Think pink
Pink is a hue than never really goes out of style, popular as ever with Pantone naming ‘Rose Quartz’ as one of its colours of the year for 2016. Soothing, restful and ideal for bedrooms, soft baby pink is the perfect shade to transition to white – introduce a neutral colour such as charcoal if the room is a little too sweet.
Browse more pink kids’ bedrooms
Pink is a hue than never really goes out of style, popular as ever with Pantone naming ‘Rose Quartz’ as one of its colours of the year for 2016. Soothing, restful and ideal for bedrooms, soft baby pink is the perfect shade to transition to white – introduce a neutral colour such as charcoal if the room is a little too sweet.
Browse more pink kids’ bedrooms
Vibrant fuchsia pink will add a punch of personality to any area of the home, and is even more striking when used with ombre effect. For bolder colours, choose a feature wall and leave the rest of the room neutral, or paint the remaining walls in the lightest shade of your chosen hue.
Dip-dyed curtains
Who says you need paint to enjoy ombre walls in your home? Floor-to-ceiling curtains can be just as effective and require less time and commitment – perfect for renters or those looking for a quick and easy update.
Who says you need paint to enjoy ombre walls in your home? Floor-to-ceiling curtains can be just as effective and require less time and commitment – perfect for renters or those looking for a quick and easy update.
Ombre curtains make a subtle statement by keeping the darker colour at the very bottom, while still allowing the sunlight to seep through, which can make the colour change appear more subtle. You could even try dip-dying your own as a fun weekend project.
Being a warmer shade of blue, turquoise will prevent a room from looking cold and uninviting. If you choose to use this style throughout several rooms – particularly if you also have ombre curtains, furniture or decor – crisp white floors and ceilings can help to break up the colour and keep it fresh and modern.
See more turquoise spaces
See more turquoise spaces
Don’t limit ombre to painted surfaces – tiles are an excellent way to bring this look into your home. A soft, tonal style will stand the test of time on a bathroom wall more than bolder patterns, which work well in smaller spaces such as a kitchen splashback or fireplace hearth.
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Have you dipped into the ombre trend? Share your photos and tips with us in the Comments.
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See what else in trending in interiors
SHOW US
Have you dipped into the ombre trend? Share your photos and tips with us in the Comments.
MORE
See what else in trending in interiors
Instead of painting the entire walls of this living room, which would have made the space cold and stark, the lower section has been left untouched. An icy white hue gradually fades to allow the natural timber to show through, bringing a feeling of warmth. White and tan leather couches and a circular grey floor rug further transform this traditional room into a modern living space.