High Contrast Colours for Play Areas

Children tend to respond well to vivid colours, patterns and shapes, so using a high contrast colour palette in play areas can capture your little one’s attention and is guaranteed to look fun! If you have a multifunctional space like a living room with a play area, you can use colour to create zones and clear spaces for playtime.

Our guide features several colour ideas that will spark their imagination while putting a unique stamp on your décor. Explore the best colours for infants and children to find the perfect fit for your home.

Choosing colours for children’s spaces
 

It’s no surprise that the top colours that stimulate the brain are warmer hues, like reds, oranges, and yellows. Incorporating these shades into play areas makes for a fun and nurturing environment for your little one to spend time in, whether learning or playing.

If you have a multifunctional room, like a living room with a play area in one corner, consider how the design will work overall. For example, if you have a neutral living room, then a bold colour or print could work well in the play area.

Why choose a high-contrast colour palette?

High-contrast colours or patterns are an excellent option for children's spaces, thanks to their exciting visual appeal. What better backdrop for playing with toys, painting or drawing?

Our Creative Director, Marianne Shillingford, recommends pairing light and dark shades together to create maximum contrast:

“Choose light and dark paint in the same shade for a tonal effect or bright, clashing hues for a bold statement that will capture your little one’s attention. Alternatively, you could paint a small section of the wall with monochrome stripes and chevrons to give them something exciting to look at without disrupting the harmony of the room if it’s a multifunctional space”.

How to decorate with contrasting colours
 

Need more inspiration? Discover fun ways to use bold colours in play areas and multifunctional rooms, from patterns to letters, numbers, shapes, and animals that kids will love looking at.

Polka dots

Circular patterns are softer than stripes or chevrons but still add impact. Yellow shades like Lemon Punch and Honey Mustard are great for livening up a neutral scheme. For a more dramatic look, create multi-coloured polka dots with three or four shades to bring more colour to your design.

Colour blocks

Another way to create a fascinating space for children is by painting large blocks of bright colours next to each other. This technique is known as colour blocking and combines two or more contrasting shades. Also known as complementary colours, they sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, creating balance and harmony when used together in a design.

Pops of print

You don’t need to cover an entire wall with a pattern to make an impact. Unexpected pops of pattern, such as striped table legs in blue and grey or diamond shapes inside a cupboard or drawer, will add a chic and bespoke feel to a play area.

Discover Marianne’s top tips for introducing print and texture to children’s spaces:

“As well as adding visual texture to your design with print, you can enhance their sense of touch by contrasting different physical textures around the room. Pair soft, brushed cotton bedding with a chunky knit blanket, and go for velvet or silky cushions”.

Letters and numbers
 

Incorporating words and letters adds a personal touch to your children’s spaces. Use stencils to paint letters or numbers onto the walls or display wood and felt letters as decorative accessories. Alternatively, to make this an interactive area that promotes learning, hang letters on hooks or use magnetic surfaces so they can create new words every day.

Nature

Introduce a sprinkling of Mother Nature’s magic with painted motifs, whether flowers, animals or sea creatures. Not only is this a great way to create a themed design, but it will instantly add colour and interest to the space. If you don’t want to commit to painting on the walls, then framed wall art and soft furnishings in your chosen theme can bring a touch of nature to the play area.

Maps

Ignite your little one’s wanderlust with a colourful map of the world. Maps are available in various colours, shapes and sizes, so you can find one to complement your décor.

Once their play area is complete and they have a dedicated zone for fun, it could be time to refresh their bedroom décor to promote rest. Explore our favourite kids’ bedrooms and nursery ideas to get inspired, whether you need gender-neutral nursery ideas for a new baby or a more grown-up bedroom for teens.

Download the Dulux Visualizer app to see how your finished room could look. Hold up your smartphone camera to the wall you want to paint and choose a colour to try it out.