Looking for fresh color inspiration? TikTokers and others are now looking to iconic artist and Bauhaus educator Josef Albers for interior design ideas, particularly color schemes. Albers’ lifelong study of color relationships has resulted in a vast collection of art featuring unexpected color pairings that can bring a new dynamic to a space. Design professionals share their insights on incorporating Albers’ stunning color concepts into your own home.
Meet Our Experts:
– Margarita Bravo, founder and CCO of Margarita Bravo design studio
– Suzan Wemlinger, principal interior designer at Suzan J Designs
– Elle Cantrell, founder and lead designer at Elle Du Monde
– Nureed Saeed, owner and creative director of Nu Interiors
Who Was Josef Albers?
Josef Albers was a German-American artist and educator born in the late 1800s. He was a student and later a teacher at the Bauhaus school, where he met his wife, fellow artist Anni Albers. After moving to the United States, Josef taught at Black Mountain College before becoming head of Yale University’s Department of Design. Known for his exploration of color through various mediums, Albers left a lasting legacy in the art world.
His Artistic Legacy:
Albers’ art and teachings focused on color interactions and perceptions. Through his Homage to the Square series, which spanned over 25 years and included more than 1,000 works, he delved into the study of color relationships using nested squares. His work can be seen in museums worldwide, showcasing the impact of color and light on his compositions.
Designer Tips for Using Albers’ Art as Inspiration:
Design experts emphasize the importance of considering proportions and color relationships when drawing inspiration from Albers’ artworks. His structured yet fluid approach to color layering can be translated beautifully into interior design, providing a guide for creating harmonious color schemes that enhance a space.
Indeed. The 60/30/10 rule is a widely used principle in interior design that naturally harmonizes with the arrangement of squares. The concept involves assigning percentages to different elements within a space: the largest outer square represents the dominant wall or upholstery color (60%), the mid-tone middle square is reserved for key furniture pieces or millwork (30%), and the smallest inner square is ideal for accents such as pillows, art, or a bold door color (10%). An alternative method suggested is to work from the inside out, starting with an accent color inspired by the innermost square and selecting complementary hues accordingly. This approach aims to highlight a standout shade while ensuring that supporting colors add depth and unity.
As exemplified by Albers, light also plays a crucial role in color perception. Before painting, it is advisable to test paint swatches in various lighting conditions. To effectively use Albers as a reference, it is important to embrace his bold use of saturation without hesitation. Colors inspired by Albers should be vibrant and intense to maintain their magic.
When using color as a starting point in interior design, designers recommend beginning with a color that resonates the most and using it as a foundation on walls, ceilings, and millwork. Additional colors can be incorporated through fabrics, rugs, window treatments, and painted furniture to create a cohesive palette. Selecting a dominant color as the focal point and building upon it with complementary hues through accessories or statement pieces is also a popular approach.
When translating Albers’ color theories into a living space, consider color drenching the room with a dominant shade and layering in other colors through furniture, rugs, and accents. Remember that Albers’ art serves as inspiration, and there is no strict rule dictating exact color matches. The key is to ensure that colors share similar depths for a harmonious look.
Monochromatic palettes can be challenging to balance, especially with bold colors, so starting in smaller spaces like a bar or powder room can be helpful for those new to working with saturated hues. Remember that Albers viewed color not just for its aesthetic value but also as a functional tool to guide movement and emotion within a space.
Nureed Saeed, owner of Nu Interiors, emphasizes the practical aspect of color inspired by Albers and the Bauhaus movement. Understanding color as a functional tool that influences both emotions and spatial navigation can enhance the overall design experience.
Raising the height of a room can draw your eye upward, while using color can enhance the productivity of a space. A tip for success is to select colors that harmonize with each other and have similar saturations or tones. Avoid conflicting colors or selecting paints from different saturation families, advises Saeed. She also suggests opting for colors that serve a functional purpose rather than solely decorative ones. For more tips on painting walls professionally, check out the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.
