Paint your dream space with colour
The colours you choose for your home’s interior do more than just cover the walls—they set the tone, shape the atmosphere and bring personality to your space. Whether you want to create a calming retreat, a lively entertaining area or a timeless, elegant home, selecting the right colours is key. Follow our tips to choose colours with confidence!
Get inspired
We’re all naturally drawn to certain colours, so start by looking around your home. Do you have a favourite cushion, a piece of art or a rug you love? What is it about those colours that appeal to you?
You can also take inspiration from your wardrobe, nature or design magazines. Once you start noticing the shades you love, try creating a mood board to see how different colours work together. This will help you define your personal style and make the selection process easier.
Set the mood
Each room in your home has a unique purpose, and the colours you choose can enhance that. Ask yourself: How do I want this space to feel?
Living areas: Warm tones, like soft beige, warm greys or earthy greens, create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
Bedrooms: Soft, muted colours like pastels, deep blues or gentle greys encourage relaxation.
Dining rooms: Rich, dramatic hues like deep navy, forest green or warm terracotta add depth and sophistication.
Dark or south-facing rooms: Instead of fighting the limited natural lighting, embrace it with moody, deep colours for a cozy feel.
Remember, warm hues (with yellow, pink or orange undertones) add softness, while cool hues (with blue, green or purple undertones) suit modern, open spaces with plenty of light.
Assess the light
The amount of natural and artificial lighting can completely change how a colour looks. A shade that seems perfect in-store may look entirely different in your home.
Bright, sunlit rooms: Cooler colours help balance the light and prevent spaces from feeling washed out.
Dimly lit rooms: Warmer tones can help reflect light and make the room feel brighter.
Artificial lighting: Ceiling lights and lamps can alter colour perception, so test your paint under different conditions before making a final decision.
Go with the flow
Even if you’re only painting one room, think about how it connects to the rest of your home. A good colour scheme flows naturally from space to space. One way to maintain consistency is by keeping ceilings, trims or accent colours the same throughout. This helps create a seamless, polished look without every room needing to be the same colour.
Create colour harmony
For a well-balanced, visually appealing space, consider how colours work together. The colour wheel is a great tool for this:
Complementary colours (found opposite each other, like blue and orange) create contrast and vibrancy.
Analogous colours (sit next to each other, like blue and green) provide a harmonious, soothing effect.
Monochromatic schemes (shades of the same colour) create a sleek, sophisticated look.
A well-thought-out colour palette will make your space feels cohesive rather than disjointed.
Consider your décor
Your wall colour doesn’t exist in isolation—it interacts with your furniture, flooring, and décor.
- Timber, concrete, and textiles absorb and reflect light differently, which can change the way a paint colour looks.
- A bold wall colour can be balanced by neutral furniture, while a neutral wall allows you to experiment with vibrant furnishings.
- Testing samples in your space—next to sofas, cabinets, or artwork—will give you a true sense of how the colour works.
Test before you commit
Once you’ve narrowed down some options, try them out! Use test pots to paint large pieces of card and observe the colour at different times of the day.
- Look at the colour in morning light, evening shadows and under artificial lighting.
- How does it look behind your sofa, near your kitchen cabinets or against your favourite artwork. The success of a colour almost entirely comes down to how you style it - pair it with beautiful things, and it will look glorious!
- Leave your samples up for at least three days to ensure you love the colour in every condition.
Choosing paint colours can be an exciting, creative process rather than a daunting one. Trust your instincts, test your options and have fun bringing colour into your home!
Still unsure? Get expert help!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or just want a second opinion, a colour consultant can take the stress out of the decision. They understand how lighting, finishes, and undertones work together and can help you find the perfect shade to bring your vision to life.