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Dark and light, matte and shiny. Contrasts add interest to a room. This dining room uses contrast to create some unexpected design twists. Dark walls and light furniture flip the more common formula of dark furnishings against white or cream walls. Flat and reflective surfaces mix things up to create contrast between textures.

The dark walls make the room feel dramatic and intimate. Dark floors continue the dramatic, cozy feel. These dark colors are the perfect offset for the crisp white furniture. The glossy white buffet, table and chairs are the focus against the darker backdrop of browns.

The grass cloth covered walls have loads of texture. This texture contrasts against the high gloss polished surfaces of the sleek white furniture. The mirror’s reflective surface is another bit of sparkle against the flat texture of the wall. High gloss paint trim and a dark, polished floor add further shine to surfaces.

Pale blue glass lamps complement the contrasting gold of the curtains, chandelier and mirror frame. The cool blue gives a nice contrast to the warm tones of the browns and golds in the room. A single red object on the buffet completes the triadic color scheme of blue, yellow and red.

Rather than rely on pattern and tons of color, this modern dining room uses contrast to create an inviting, sophisticated space. There is a subtle pattern of brown and white on the chair seats and with the chair backs, but otherwise solid swaths of color dominate the space.

Understanding Color: Warm vs. Cool Colors

Often decorators will mention that a particular color is warm or cool. This can be confusing, particularly for those of us who haven’t taken art since primary school. Understanding the difference and meaning of warm vs. cool colors can be a helpful addition to your bag of tools when you are making decorating decisions. The good news is that this concept is easy to learn and apply.

Warm colors are called that because they are the colors of a sunny day. Yellows and oranges, as well as affiliated colors such as orange-reds, yellow-greens, and browns, constitute the easiest to spot warm colors. Cool colors reflect a rainy or foggy day. Blues, purples, turquoises, and some blue-toned reds and pinks make up the cool collection. Colors can vary in their warmth and coolness, so don’t expect to recognize every color as warm or cool right away. If you’re not sure, compare it with others in the space.

Warm and cool colors from a decorating sense behave very differently. Warm colors seem to approach you. They are inviting and energizing. Cool colors are distant, and create a sense of serenity. Because of their characteristics, warm colors work well in dining rooms or areas where conversation and energy are valued. Cool colors are effective in bedrooms, where the goal is to relax and fall asleep.

Most rooms have both warm and cool colors in various combinations. Rooms that are all one or another can be uncomfortable, although you may not be able to determine why. Cool colors keep a warm room more under control, and even a few warm color elements, with their relatively strong visual impact; help a cool room seem more welcoming.

If you’re planning to make some color changes, factor the balance of cool vs. warm colors you want in each room. Experiment by removing a number of warm or cool pieces from a room, to see how it affects the feeling of the space. By factoring in the level of warm and cool color elements in your home, you may be surprised to discover how much more effectively you can capture the feeling you want in each room.