Experience the current trend in decorating: a 'Cosmic' color palette, perfect for creating dark, alluring spaces.
If you're a fan of astrology, daydreaming, and a touch of the dramatic (or even if you're not), you simply must learn about cosmic color palettes. These mystical shade schemes bring an enticing depth and atmosphere to any environment they inhabit. Unlike more literal interpretations, they can take on a much edgier, refined edge when it comes to interiors.
So, what makes up a cosmic color palette? Houston-based color expert, Lauren Battistini, explains to me that it centers around deep, cool, almost-black purples, indigos, and blues, accented by shimmering off-whites, lilacs, the softest periwinkle tones, and a healthy dose of that sunny, orange-infused yellow. She adds that charcoal serves as the deepest neutral anchor.
These color palettes feature deep, captivating saturations, but don't let that intimidate you. As Lauren put it, "despite their darkness, there's a calming, soothing quality about the cosmic palette when used in home interiors." Dive headfirst into this cool trend and let it transport you into the cosmos.
Below, I've showcased three stunning examples of designer-approved cosmic color palettes to bring out your inner celestial energy.
1. Purple-Dominated Palette with Cream Accents
There's no denying that cosmic hues pack a punch when it comes to richness (or chroma). To temper this intensity, Lauren suggests "selecting deep, soothing colors with less vibrancy."
Introduce deep, tranquil navy blues and equally dark plum purples to your space for a relaxed, grounded atmosphere. Having a rock-solid foundation in these colors allows you to select complementary shades to lighten up the room.
Throw in some glam velvet furniture in fabrics with a metallic finish or metallic blended artwork featuring deep purples, blues, and black for an added layer of mystery.
But how do we fit that sunny orange-yellow? Lauren suggests subtly incorporating it in unexpected spots, like coffee tables, art pieces, or statement floor lamps. The perfect finishing touch? Include a few gleaming white accents for a balanced, harmonious energy.
Lauren is a Houston-based color expert, chief color strategist, and founder of LFB Color Consulting. With credentials in color consulting, she offers her expertise in color advice for both residential and commercial projects.
Price: £1.50/peel-and-stick sample
Price: £5.50/sample
Price: £5.50/sample
2. White Canvas with Futuristic Lilac Accents and Charcoal
Did you know that cosmic latte, a rich, light beige, closely matches the color observed from over 200,000 galaxies? Lauren suggests you try Farrow and Ball's Au Lait for this captivating shade.
Though bright white is usually best used sparingly, cosmic latte makes for a lovely, serene visual break in this otherwise deep-toned palette. For those inspired by the recent Space Age interior revival, a neutral canvas like this sets an ideal backdrop for developing that futuristic, modern edge. Embellish with artwork or contemporary accessories to add a pop of color.
Price: £5.50/sample
Price: £5.50/sample
Price: £2/peel-and-stick sample
3. Deep Blues with Intriguing Reds and Metallic Yellows Popping Up
You'll find this palette variation to be the most saturated of the bunch, drawing inspiration from the stars and the expansive universe. It features deep, intense blues and purples, complemented by luminous touches like gold, silver, or bright yellows, pinks, oranges, or turquoise to mimic nebulae and stellar formations. The contrasting shades create a balanced, non-overwhelming atmosphere.
"Midnight blue and purple pair wonderfully with touches of gold or vibrant yellow," affirms interior designer and architect at GCG Architectes, Olivia Charpentier. She also suggests employing matte midnight blue, black, or deep purple for walls and complementing it with gold or silver metallic lighting fixtures and hardware. Velvet fabrics, mirrors, or reflective accessories can add the finishing touches that amplify the cosmic experience.
When it comes to adding cosmic touches to your decor, paying close attention to the materials and finishes is crucial. Lauren recommends using holographic surfaces, ceramic pieces, or art with a pearlescent finish, as well as fabrics with a metallic overlay in silver or pewter.
With your cosmic color palettes in place, immerse yourself in the intricate details that bring it all together: metallic decor, Statement lighting, and unique furniture that's truly out of this world.
- Incorporating a cosmic color palette into your interior design can create an enticing depth and atmosphere, especially with deep, cool purples, indigos, and blues combined with shimmering off-whites, lilacs, and sunny, orange-infused yellows.
- Lauren Battistini, a Houston-based color expert, suggests using charcoal as the deepest neutral anchor in cosmic color palettes, which also includes earthy tones like periwinkle and lilac.
- For a relaxed, grounded atmosphere, deep navy blues and dark plum purples can be introduced in a living room along with glam velvet furniture, metallic art, or metallic blended artwork featuring deep purples, blues, and black.
- In the white canvas palette with futuristic lilac accents and charcoal, using Farrow and Ball's Au Lait for the captivating cosmic latte shade creates a serene visual break amidst the deep-toned palette.
- Deep blues and purples with intriguing reds and metallic yellows can create a balanced, non-overwhelming atmosphere, as suggested by interior designer Olivia Charpentier, who also recommends matte midnight blue, black, or deep purple walls and gold or silver metallic lighting fixtures and hardware.
- When developing cosmic interiors, focusing on materials and finishes like holographic surfaces, ceramic pieces, or art with a pearlescent finish, along with fabrics with a metallic overlay, can amplify the cosmic experience.
