How to: Layer colour and texture

Gone are the days when the essential palette for decorating rustic rooms was limited to burgundy, navy blue and forest green. As, er, lovely as those colours can be (although not when they’re all put together!), the trend today is to lean toward more vibrant shades to bring some luminescence to dark rustic spaces. While we love the patina of wood ceiling beams and the warm tones of antique pine furniture, the idea is to add drama and excitement to a more staid, traditional aesthetic.

Instead of competing with those neutral hues, add jewel tones of emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue and citrine yellow. Keep in mind that these tones should be limited to the accessories you decorate with—not your wall colours. Walls should be kept in the neutral range, white or cream, say, as a clean backdrop for the rich textures and shades of furniture pieces and accessories.

Feel free to create whimsical vignettes using mismatched tones and textures for added interest. Use a critical eye to make sure you’re not overwhelming the space: remember that less is more.