Designing with Jewel Tones in Your Home

Color is a powerful tool in interior design, significantly influencing the ambiance of your space. To infuse your room with depth and sophistication, consider incorporating jewel tones into your design scheme. These sumptuous, saturated hues introduce a sense of warmth and intimacy, whether used as striking accents or as a cohesive palette throughout the room.

Defining Jewel Tones

Jewel tones are precisely what they sound like—luxurious, opulent shades reminiscent of precious gemstones such as sapphire, ruby, amethyst, topaz, and emerald.

Embracing Jewel Tones Throughout

For spaces with limited natural light or a naturally darker ambiance, leaning into the richness of jewel tones can enhance the mood rather than diminish it. For example, in the rooms shown above, we utilized a monochromatic scheme featuring deep sapphire and fiery opal red. Applying these tones extensively, including on rugs, creates a dramatic, enveloping effect, akin to a cocoon of color.

Accessorize with Jewel Tones

While bold jewel tones can make a lavish statement, they’re often most effective as accents in lighter, airier spaces. Think of jewel-toned accessories—curtains, fabrics, and furniture—as you would a standout piece of jewelry. They don't need to dominate but should complement and elevate the existing elements in your room.

Add Luster

The allure of jewels lies in their brilliance, so bring that same radiance into your space with lustrous materials. Velvets and metallic finishes capture light and add a layer of luxury. An emerald green curtain or a sapphire blue pillow can introduce texture and sheen, enhancing the overall impact of the room.

Complement with Metal

Just as gemstones are beautifully highlighted by metal settings, jewel-toned furnishings and decor shine even more when paired with metallic accents. Incorporate brass, gold, or silver elements, such as a brass table base or a metal coffee table, to add dimension and sophistication. While gold imparts warmth, polished nickel and chrome also enhance jewel tones, offering a chic contrast.

Pairing Jewel Tones

Why settle for one jewel tone when you can combine two? Pairing jewel tones, such as sapphire and topaz, creates a vibrant, high-impact palette that enriches a bright, airy room. This approach leverages complementary colors—those opposite each other on the color wheel—which intensify each other’s vibrancy and create a dynamic, energizing atmosphere.

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