The 2022 Academy Awards were notable for several reasons. There was the astonishing shade thrown by Will Smith at Chris Rock in the form of an on-stage slap and heckling from the audience. Then there was the shade thrown by Best Actress Winner Jessica Chastain in the form of her stunning Ombre Gucci dress! We posit that Ombre is ready for a comeback into the world of interiors.

Jessica Chastain on the red carpet at the 2022 Academy Awards.

Ombre – literal translation: ‘to shade’ – can transform a wall or create depth and perspective for a room, adding interest and texture. It can also work on curtains, furniture and soft furnishings.

Here are some ways you can start bringing it back into your interiors in 2022.

Use One Colour for a Subtle Gradient 

Use one colour to give depth to a room. Creating an upwards gradient can help to expand the space.

Image: Hipcouch

Use a Delicate Pastel Palette

Create a dreamy watercolour effect with ombre graduation; a gorgeous backdrop for an all-white or neutral interior. Wallpapers also work well, such as this one from Mural Wallpapers.

Image: Mural Wallpapers

Try Curtains or Wall Hangings

Using more vibrant colours in Ombre layers can make a wall a focal point, while using Ombre curtains allows a more subtle effect that can be easily changed out (image in feature article, above).

Harness the Power of the Colour Wheel!

A colour wheel shows the relationships between colours and visually places primary, secondary and tertiary colours. It’s an essential tool for interior designers to develop colour schemes.

When it comes to Ombre, choosing colours that sit next to each other on the wheel can help you create a soothing palette. See Dulux’s handy guide to how to use a colour wheel.

Stay connected for more design and furniture inspiration, as well as the latest information on the Australian International Furniture Fair, Australia’s premier buying and networking event for the furniture industry, 14 – 17 July at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

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