WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Johanna Lehtinen (Copenhagen Apartment); Paris Brummer (Fish Hoek House); Dook (Montagu Home); Supplied

Understanding the fundamentals of colour can make all the difference before embarking on an interior design project. We spoke to interior design professionals Jeremy Volkmann, owner of BHC School of Design, and Hendre Bloem for their expert advice on using colour to create a space that feels cohesive, stylish, and uniquely yours.

1. Choose the Right Colour Palette

The foundation of every beautifully designed room lies in its colour palette. “The use of colour can be so personal, and the psychology behind how a person interacts with the design plays an important role,” says Jeremy. The key is to determine the room’s focal point:

• For bold walls: Choose accent colours that highlight the architectural features or create a dramatic backdrop.
• For statement furniture: Opt for neutral wall colours to let your furniture shine.

By establishing a clear focus, you ensure all the elements in your room complement one another seamlessly.

2. Balance Bold and Neutral Colours

“I look at the space as a whole because everything from the furniture colour to rugs, feature lights and even artwork can play a role in determining the wall colour,” explains Hendre. Striking the perfect balance between bold and neutral tones is an art form:

• Bold colours: Add vibrancy and personality.
• Neutral shades: Ground the room and provide a soothing contrast.

This harmony ensures your space remains cohesive while reflecting your style.

3. Layer Textures for Depth

One hallmark of professional interior design is the thoughtful layering of textures. This approach adds depth and interest to your space. Combine:

• Soft fabrics like velvet or linen.
• Rugged materials like leather or wood.
• Metallic finishes for a touch of glamour.

“The trick is to layer fabrics, textiles and paint that are all relatively similar in hue,” says Hendre.

4. Understand Colour Schemes

“Before choosing the colours you’d like to use in your interiors, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of different colour schemes – specific combinations of colours, compiled to form harmonious spaces,” says Jeremy. To master this, use the colour wheel to your advantage:

• Harmonious schemes: Use colours adjacent to one another on the wheel for a calm and peaceful vibe.
• Complementary schemes: Pair opposite colours on the wheel for bold contrast and energy.

These techniques help bring personality and purpose to your interiors.

5. Apply the 60/30/10 Rule

Proportion is everything in design, and the 60/30/10 rule provides a foolproof formula for achieving harmony. Here’s how it works:

• 60%: Dominant colour – covers the largest area, such as walls or large furniture.
• 30%: Secondary colour – used for upholstery, rugs, or curtains.
• 10%: Accent colour – reserved for accessories like cushions, artwork, or decorative objects.

“This timeless guideline for compiling a colour scheme involves the use of proportion when deciding on colours for a space, and results in harmony,” says Jeremy.

Ready to Learn More?

Want to dive deeper into the world of interior design? Our 8-week VISI X BHC Interior Decorating Core Principles online course is designed for aspiring interior decorators who want to master the essentials, including:

• Space planning
• Colour theory
• Design elements and principles

Study Anytime, Anywhere

Our on-demand model makes it easier to fit learning into your schedule. Select your preferred start date from the dropdown calendar at checkout and begin your journey to becoming a design pro.

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The post Colour Confidence: 5 Simple Rules for Perfectly Balanced Rooms appeared first on Visi.

Four interior design gurus – Jeremy Volkmann, Hendre Bloem, Mia Senekal and Clinton Savage – share their approach to using both bold hues and neutrals in projects. Because before you pick up a paintbrush, a few expert tips can make a huge difference.

Choosing the Right Colour Palette for a Specific Space

MIA When selecting a colour, I look at what the space needs to hold. What is the feature of the room? If it is the walls, then I would go for a bold accent colour – but if it is the furniture pieces, then I’d prefer to use a neutral palette for the walls.

JEREMY Although the use of colour is fairly subdued in my designs, I tend to involve the client in the process at an early stage. The use of colour can be so personal, and the psychology behind how a person interacts with the design plays an important role. As a rule, however, I tend to avoid colour trends because they usually date over time, and rather try to focus on a neutral palette, with more textured surfaces within the environment.

CLINTON Before starting any project, there is a process of getting to know the client – understanding their vision and what inspires them, and how this translates into the space. Colour plays a very important part in this. Finding the right balance between trends and longevity will also influence the colour palette, as well as existing decor and lighting. The room in question and its functionality – be it the main bedroom, a child’s bedroom, the kitchen, a study – also plays a role in determining the right colour palette. Each space has an intended purpose that it will serve, and the colours need to work with that.

Balancing Bold and Neutral Colours in Interior Design

HENDRE It’s all about balance when it comes to the use of colour and tones. I look at the space as a whole, because everything from the furniture colour to rugs, feature lights and even artwork can play a role in determining the wall colour. Hendre Bloem Interior Design is known for neutral colour tones that are used in quite bold ways.

JEREMY Neutral colours are timeless, comfortable and warm – and they’re definitely my “go-to”. Accents of bolder colour tend to come thorough in decor accessories such as throws, pillows or artworks. I’ve certainly had to adapt my design style over the years, which has allowed my spaces and designs to evolve. I would suggest using tints or shade variants of the neutral colours chosen as the “bold” colour. Playing with the brightness of these shades will help to set the desired feeling within a space and can create an illusion of depth.

Creating Interest and Depth in a Space when using Primarily Neutral Colours

HENDRE Here it’s all about the layering of tones and the introduction of textures as a contrasting element. I have used the same sort of colour tone on certain projects, yet have achieved a great sense of depth and warmth by combining this with various textural materials. The trick is to layer fabrics, textiles and paint that are all relatively similar in hue.

CLINTON Using textures and layering always creates interest in a space that is primarily made up of neutral colours. Artwork is a great design element for creating a focal point, and so is interesting furniture. Adding reflective furniture pieces and mirrors while paying special attention to lighting is also key.

Incorporating Current Colour Trends into Designs, but still Ensuring Longevity and Timelessness

MIA I like to use trending colours on smaller accent walls or furniture pieces – this allows for easy changes with time. That’s the magic of paint: you can alter an entire space by just repainting one wall; it all looks new and fresh.

HENDRE When it comes to paint, I tend to choose neutral and monochromatic tones. That said, using on-trend colours can also make a statement in key spaces, and especially in areas that are easily repaintable. At Greyton Lodge, areas such as the guest loo and wine bar are great examples of using a single colour on walls, and how it then blends seamlessly with the other tones used in the space.

CLINTON While it’s temping to follow the latest trends, we’re always mindful that these will date. Everyone has their own style, so consider choosing furniture, artworks and other key pieces in colours that resonate with you, because these will always be relevant. Bring in current colour trends with accessories such as scatter cushions, rugs, throws and smaller decor items, or with wallpaper and painted accent walls – these can be changed more easily and affordably. Finding the right balance here is the key to creating a timeless look that will not date.

The Role of Natural Light in Selecting the Right Shade

MIA Natural light is the most attractive feature you can have in a space. When it comes to choosing paint colours, I always take the swatches outside to view, because colour changes with light. Natural light is enhanced by lighter colours, creating a sense of grandeur in a space.

HENDRE Lighting is vital, and it’s important to see things such as paint colours in natural light – but also in the same “temperature” that will be used in the home’s artificial lighting. The surrounding environment also has an impact. For example, if the space is a house on the beach, facing west, the glare of the setting sun will likely be quite harsh – so you might want to move away from a very light or pure white colour, and opt for slightly warmer neutral tones.

CLINTON When it comes to aesthetics, natural light does a far better job of bringing out colour than artificial light. Opting for lighter shades will make a space feel brighter; they tend to reflect the natural light that enters a space. To really maximise this, we use considered design elements such as mirrors or, if possible, a big window, for further emphasis and reflection. All of this will result in a space that feels light and open.

Using Colour to Solve Specific Design Challenges and Enhance a Room’s Functionality

MIA Working with smaller spaces is always a challenge. When you use light and bright colours, it opens up a space.

HENDRE Because paint is relatively affordable and easy to apply, we have used it in various scenarios to solve a design problem. We designed a boutique hotel in which natural oak beds were used in the bedrooms, and at a certain point we realised that, because of other unforeseen costs on site, we could no longer create additional headboard elements as we’d originally planned. The solution was to use a feature paint colour – we achieved the balance we were looking for and pulled the whole look together.

JEREMY Without a doubt, the correct paint specification can mask irregularities in the wall surface. There are so many incredible paint techniques available that I often try various textures and techniques in one space. Not only do these surfaces change as the light changes, but they also provide movement and feeling within the space. Be careful, though – if not applied correctly, many of these techniques can result in costly mistakes. I’ve learnt this the hard way!

VISI Online Masterclass Videos

You can hear more from all our experts when you enrol for our VISI X BHC ONLINE INTERIOR DESIGN COURSE. Jeremy Volkman is the owner and managing director of BHC School of Design, which also happens to be the place from which our other design gurus – Hendre Bloem, Clinton Savage and Mia Senekal – graduated.

Each of them has created an extensive masterclass video with VISI’s editor-in-chief Steve Smith, covering:
Interior decorating core principles (Clinton Savage)
Furniture design (Mia Senekal)
Materials and finishes (Hendre Bloem)

Looking for more design inspiration or tips on how to revamp your space? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.

The post A Colour Masterclass appeared first on Visi.

We have partnered with the renowned BHC School of Design to create brand new modular online courses – the perfect platform to learn the basics of interior design.

BHC is a highly respected, single-purpose provider of design education, that is accredited by the Dept. Of Higher Education & Training, SAQA, and the Council Of Higher Education.

This Cape Town-based School of design offers a comprehensive 3 Year full-time registered Diploma Programme in Interior Design and now, with the new VISI x BHC Online Interior Design Courses, you have the perfect opportunity to start your interior design journey from the comfort of your home.

If you’re a student thinking of becoming an interior designer, a home owner wanting to revamp your space or a professional needing to earn The African Institute of the Interior Design Professions CPD points, then our comprehensive online courses are perfect for you!

Enrol for the next intake commencing on October 4th.

INTERIOR DECORATING CORE PRINCIPLES

8 Week Online Course | Earn 4 IID CPD Points

This gives you a solid grasp of decorating basics, from elements and principles to colour, style, and trends, enabling you to create well-designed interiors. Explore colour theory practically, experiment with schemes, and apply decorating principles to personal style and trend evaluation.

MATERIALS AND FINISHES IN INTERIOR DESIGN

9 Week Online Course | Earn 4.5 IID CPD Points

Not only will you discover a world of products, materials, finishes, and accessories in interior design, but you’ll learn how to source them, and delve into the key realms of lead times, delivery logistics, installation intricacies, and cost considerations.

LIGHTING DESIGN

9 Week Online Course | Earn 4 IID CPD Points

From understanding natural light to mastering artificial fixtures, this module is all about the art of illuminating spaces that evoke emotions, set the mood, and enhance the ambiance. You’ll also gain a comprehensive understanding of materials, lamps and lighting design.

INTRODUCTION TO FURNITURE IN DESIGN

9 Week Online Course | Earn 4.5 IID CPD Points

Immerse yourself in the fundamentals of furniture selection and design, from understanding the evolution and future of furniture, to basic ergonomics and the variety of material and finishes available. This holistic perspective will allow you to make informed decisions on furniture design.

+ VISI Masterclasses

Each module has a Masterclass where we chat to a celebrated professional interior designer, getting their insights and expertise gleaned from years of experience with real-world interior design projects.

• CLINTON SAVAGE – Clinton Savage Interiors and Architecture
• HENDRE BLOEM – Hendre Bloem Interior Design
• PLOY PHIROMNAM & GUY VAN DER WALT – Hoi P’loy lighting
• MIA SENEKAL – owner, murmur furniture design

The post VISI Launches Online Interior Design Courses with BHC School of Design appeared first on Visi.

BHC School of Design (Pty) Ltd is recognised as one of the leading interior design and interior decorating institutes in Southern Africa. BHC is a private provider in Higher Education and approaches education in a unique and innovative manner.

BHC School of Design offers a comprehensive three-year Interior Design Diploma programme, as well as the one-year Higher Certificate in Interior Decorating (SAQA: 83547), which is one of the first SAQA-registered Interior Decorating programmes in South Africa. The vocational nature of the programme consists of assessments designed to simulate industry requirements as far as possible. Learners are given the opportunity to solve real client briefs and participate in a three-week experiential learning module where they can apply their knowledge and skills.

Recently the institution has relocated to new premises at 72 Salt River Road, Woodstock. The spacious studios have been designed to allow the learner to develop their skills and stimulate creative thinking. The premises are centrally located in the Woodstock design hub, are easily accessible by public transport and are in close proximity to the Cape Town business district.

The institution works closely with the design industry and provides learners with the opportunity to gain invaluable exposure to the workings of the interior decorating, design and architectural fields. BHC School of Design has, over the past 20 years, established firm connections with both professionals and suppliers within the industry as the following quotes illustrate:

• “BHC is one of the leading schools nationally. Your curriculum is broad and it seems to cover most areas of our industry.” Decam Projects
• “Better than the norm, best I have dealt with.” Zollner Architects
• “Still one of the best institutions, in my mind. The working pace that BHC enforces makes its students stand head-and-shoulders above the rest.” XZIBIT

BHC School of Design, 72 Salt River Road Woodstock, 021 447 7288, info@designschool.co.za, www.designschool.co.za

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