When a musician composes a piece of music they use notes, cords and keys to set the mood of the piece and covey the emotions that they were feeling when they created it.

Well you may not be aware that designers can also use these concepts in regards to colour schemes. In design, cords are used to relate to the range of tones that can be used in a colour scheme. Keys on the other hand relate to tonal changes in the design of a colour scheme. As in music these changes can be either major or minor.

Minor changes are used to create schemes that are subtle, understated and compliment one another, whilst major ones create bold and dramatic contrasts that make the room pop with colour.

Also, as in music the cords can be of different levels as well. High cords refer to light colours such as whites, creams or pastels. Intermediate cords include mid tones such as browns, oranges and greens and low tones are darker, involving blacks, purples and navy blue.

So, now that you know what we mean by keys and tones in regards to colour schemes, you are going to want to know how to use them to redecorate your home. So, let us help by giving you some top tips on how to stay in tune when striking colour cords.

High Minor

To create a high minor space, you want to establish a light and airy feel to your room. Try rustic features such as timber doors and frames and an all-white colour scheme. Soft white furnishings and delicately patterned fabrics will combine to give your room a soft and feminine feeling. If possible fill the room with natural light to compliment the light colours and make them seem even more peaceful and relaxing.

Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms.

High Major

Like a high minor look, bright white is a good choice for a high major feel. However, instead of complimenting it with other whites and soft colours, you want to make it pop with bright contrasting colours. Bright blues and lime greens are ideal for creating a light and summery atmosphere

Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms

Intermediate Minor

To achieve an intermediate minor atmosphere you want to be thinking about traditional looks for your room. Think lighter browns, wood, granite worktops and soft grey tiles and you’ll be on the right lines. Compliment light brown paints with wooden units to create a harmonious and warm feel that will make anyone feel at home.

Ideal for kitchens.

Intermediate Major

Think of those wonderful offices and drawing rooms from 70s movies and you’ll know what we mean by striking an intermediate major tone. Dark brown units, flooring and shelving will look fantastic combined with soft yellow furnishings. Go for tall bookcases or shelving to help accent the richness of the room and consider a traditional fireplace.

Ideal for living rooms and drawing rooms.

Low Minor

Think simplicity for the colour scheme. All black colours will create a mood that’s both stylish and dramatic. You want everything to blend in seamlessly with everything else – from the tables and chairs, to the units and worktops. Low minor schemes are all about simplicity that also looks incredible. Break up the darkness with a few dark grey or silver features such as hand rails, taps and door handles.

Ideal for kitchens and dining rooms.

Low Major

For a low major scheme, you want to be thinking along the same dark lines as a low minor one. However, this time you want to be breaking things up with much bolder colours than the simple dark greys and silvers that we described above. Golden or bright red furnishings will really pop against the darkness of the room and give your space a stylish and dignified look that is sure to turn heads.

Ideal for hallways.

Well, we hope you now have a much better understanding of colour chords and keys and a grasp of some of the ways in which you can achieve the different combinations of both.

The key to making the most out of these concepts is to sit down and think long and hard about the emotions and feelings that you want your rooms to invoke. Do you want your bathroom to conjure up feeling of cleanliness and purity, or do you want it to make a bold statement? Are you shooting for your kitchen to bring about feelings of warmth and tradition, or modernity and drama? Maybe you want your living room to appear calm and serene, or it could be that you want to go for richness and decadence?

Whatever you decide, consult your designer on the best ways to achieve the mood that you desire. There are so many options out there and there is no shame in admitting that your artistic flair may be somewhat lacking. Colour combinations can be difficult to figure out sometimes, so don’t be afraid to consult the professionals on the matter.

Please let us know of any great combinations that you have come up with and what chords and keys you think that they strike.

Have fun.