How to Create an Ombre Interior

While the dip dye trend may be phasing out in your local hair salon, fabulous tie-dye and watercolour tones are taking over the interior design world with ‘ombre’ style accessories and decor. From bold, hippy style designs to more soft and sophisticated looks, this trend is great for adding an abstract style twist to both modern and traditional home interiors.

If you love retro 1960s style interiors then why not channel your inner hippy with some bold and eye-catching tie-dye prints that give a cascade of colour that is soft yet vibrant. This look works particularly well on bedding, throws and cushions to give a fresh and uplifting ambiance that will sit perfectly in both minimal and vintage homes. For a slightly more Bohemian twist on this look then choose natural earthen tones such as beige, chocolate and mustard and combine relaxed ombre patterns with natural linen fabrics and fringing that give a relaxing and calming feel.

If you are feeling artistic then why not try your hand at creating an ‘ombre’ style feature wall using a simple sponge application technique. Select two or three colours that sit next to each other on the tonal spectrum and apply them in even width bands that run horizontally across your wall (this step can be done with a brush or roller). Before the paints are dried take a large damp sponge and begin to dab the area where two colours meet to blend and soften the distinction between the two hues. This will create a blended watercolour effect that works particularly well with orange, yellow and red for a sunset look or crisp white and blue for a refreshing coastal feel. For a more sophisticated take on this look then select white, grey and black for a textural monochrome design.

Ombre style accessories are a must have purchase this season and will transform even the plainest of home interiors into a visually diverse and colourful setting. Ombre plates and mugs will look great against a plain white or black painted dining table and can be partnered with a central ombre painted vase for a fabulous table centrepiece. Select bold blues, pinks and greens for a fresh and spring-like ambiance or opt for simple cream and taupe or cream and gold for a more neutral take on this design.

Ombre style frosted glasses will look fabulous displayed in a simple white dresser for a modern and colourful focal point.  If you wish to create your own ombre design then take a selection of mason jars, photo frames or candle holders and paint them in graduating colours that will stand out against a plain feature wall or mantelpiece area.

Painted furniture is as popular as ever and furniture up-cycling has become a cost effective way of updating your current interior look and style. ‘Ombre’ style furniture items are stylish and easy to achieve with some simple paint tester pots in your chosen colour scheme. Take a chest of drawers or tallboy and paint the main framework in one solid colour from your selection. Then paint each individual drawer in a different colour graduating from dark to light or light to dark depending on your desired finish. If trying this look on a wardrobe or sideboard then paint stripes of different colours across each door and blend with a sponge for a soft and sumptuous tonal finish. This look also works well on a nest of tables that can be displayed in graduating steps of colour that correspond to your chosen interior colour scheme.

If you are a fan of colour and pattern then bold statement wallpapers will take centre stage in any room of the home. Retro style chevron patterns look great in an ombre style colour formation and give a vintage style look with a twist of contemporary design. Select retro colour palettes such as orange, beige and yellow or for a fresher and more modern look then opt for monochrome or metallic finishes that give a sophisticated and refined finish. If you are wary of concentrating that much colour and pattern to your walls then select a large ombre style rug that can be placed in the centre of the room for a zoned area of colour and a sense of movement that is fun and functional.

For more ideas on using an ombre style pattern in your home, take a look at this week’s Pinterest board – Pinterest – Ombre Interiors