How to Create a Watercolour Interior

For me an empty interior space is like a blank canvas which invites us to create a personal and visually stylish artwork that will transform the look and feel of our homes. This spring a fresh new trend is emerging that brings together the movement and softness of classic watercolour paintings with the contemporary flair and style of modern interior design.

When it comes to selecting a colour palette for your watercolour inspired interior then look no further than your local art supply stores where you will find an array of watercolour paints in a multitude of shades and tones. A spectrum of blues will create a crisp and clean interior feel that looks striking alongside red, pink and peach for a classic watercolour spectrum. Yellow, purple and green create a lovely floral style colour palette that will create an area of classical beauty within your chosen interior space. Once you have been inspired by the colours of the watercolour paints then take a few small tubes to your local DIY store so you can match them to an emulsion for an eye-catching and tonally accurate finish.

Watercolour fabrics are the must have accessory this spring season as they create a visually artistic focal point in a neutral or bold interior space. A selection of colourful cushions will create a burst of vibrancy against a light or dark upholstered seating area and can be displayed in a watery rainbow arrangement or mixed and matched with traditional watercolour floral designs or ombré style prints. Watercolour bedding looks wonderful in a fresh crisp white bedroom space and creates a bright and uplifting ambiance in which to relax. Soft pastel tones can be combined with simple neutral sheets for a delicate and feminine feel or with deep black or navy for a more masculine and abstract design.

Wall art has become increasingly popular over the past few years with more and more people choosing to showcase a feature wall using a canvas, sticker or mural design as opposed to traditional repetitive patterned wallpaper designs. Watercolour art not only features an array of subtle yet striking colours but the style of painting means that there is a sense of movement and life in the finished design. Wall murals in simple watercolour brush stroke designs will look fabulous on a large and neutral feature wall and can be pasted to the wall with little to no mess or effort. Bold watercolour flowers will look great in an alcove or chimney breast wall for a centralised area of visual style. If you prefer a more traditional look then select an eye-catching watercolour canvas or framed art work and display above a fireplace, bed frame or sideboard for maximum impact and visibility.

Watercolour inspired accessories are readily available across both the high street and antique stores with a vast array of colours and patterns that will add the finishing touch to your interior space. Lamp bases in swirling marble effect ceramics will create a burst of colour on a side table or bedside cabinet and can be matched to your cushions and rugs for a complimentary arrangement of colour. Watercolour ceiling pendants will create a centralised area of colour and pattern that will breathe a breath of fresh air into a plain or minimal interior space. Vases, bowls and ornaments should be selected in complimentary or contrasting pastel and watercolour tones and can be displayed in specific block colours or wave like patterns for an area of texture and beauty along a mantelpiece, console table or windowsill.

If you love statement furniture items within your home them there is no better way to add a focal point to your interior space than with a bold painted furniture item in your chosen colour scheme. If you have an old table, chest of drawers or shelving unit then try your hand at some crafty handy work by transforming it into a sculptural watercolour art work. Sand and prime your chosen item and then paint the piece in a dappled and sweeping watercolour design using a selection of paint colours. You can soften the sleek edges of the paint by dappling a damp sponge over the still wet paintwork for an authentic watercolour look. For a more subtle design, select a key tone from your watercolour palette and use this tone to paint a selection of co-ordinating furniture sets that will look fabulous in a dining room or living room area.

For more ideas on creating a watercolour inspired interior, take a look at this week’s artistic Pinterest board - Pinterest - Watercolour Interiors