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This is a collaborative post.
When it comes to home décor, the colours you choose will have a substantial impact on the result you eventually enjoy. Whether you’re looking to create a certain mood in a certain space, or you simply prefer one colour over another in general, the right colours can make a big difference. The colours you select set the mood, style, and overall atmosphere of your living space.
But there’s more to it! Blues and greens often promote tranquility and calmness, making them suitable for bedrooms or relaxation areas. Reds and oranges are energetic and warm, perfect for social spaces like living rooms and kitchens.
But which colours pair well with which? In many cases, finding out is a matter of trial and error. But we can also make use of basic colour theory to settle quickly on a theme that will tie together a room, and make the entire home feel more visually coherent.
Let’s see how – I promise, it’s going to an interesting read.
Understand the Colour Wheel and Basic Colour Theory
Colour theory allows us to determine which colours match with which. It’s all based around what’s called the colour wheel – which arranges different hues around a circular diagram. Colours that sit right next to one another will tend to work well, as will colours that are directly opposite one another. Think of all the film posters you’ve seen that make use of contrasting blue and orange.
Creating a Colour Palette
When choosing a colour theme, aim for a harmonious palette that flows well from room to room, especially in an open-concept space. Start with a base colour and build your palette around it.
A good rule of thumb is the 60-30-10 rule:
60% Dominant Colour
This should be the main wall or large furniture colour, providing a sense of unity throughout the space.
30% Secondary Colour
Use this for upholstery, curtains, or larger accessories. It should contrast nicely with your dominant colour.
10% Accent Colour
This can be used for decorative items or artwork. It adds interest and pops against the more dominant colours.
Many of the online tools and visualisers you might find are used by designers of every kind. With their help, you’ll be able to pick out a few favoured colours, and then find shades that match with them. Take a trip down the rabbit hole of Pinterest and Instagram for inspro as well. They are excellent resources for discovering various colour themes. Create a mood board by pinning your favourite combinations, which can help clarify your vision.
Consider the Purpose of Each Room
Of course, your choice of colour for a given space will need to reflect what you’re trying to get from that space. For a bedroom, you might want something soft and calming, like a pale sky blue. For a living room, you might want a little bit more energy and dynamism, which is why yellows can work.
In the case of spaces like the bathroom, the tiling can occupy as much visual space as the walls themselves, which is why it’s often a good idea to visit a bathroom showroom in search of inspiration.
Work With the Existing Elements
Consider the furniture, flooring, and architectural features already present in the room. You’ll want to select colours that complement these elements rather than clash with them. You don’t want to change EVERYTHING in that room after all!
Balance Neutrals with Bold Accents
Take the safe option, and cover everything in bland, pale shades, and the home might end up looking a little bit boring. If you might like that. But then you’ll need to spice it up with hanging decorative elements. On the other hand, too many bold, saturated colours can create a sense of visual bombardment that might feel overwhelming. Some people like that, but most don’t.
Often, the best approach is to balance the two. Look at feature walls, and specific kinds of wallpaper, which can add a touch of character to a space without overwhelming it.
Factor in Natural Light and Room Size
In reality, the rooms you’re decorating will be heavily influenced by the natural light that’s coming into them. In smaller spaces, lighter colours tend to be preferred, since they will tend to distribute natural light and make the space feel larger. If the room is big enough, you can take the opposite approach, and use darker hues to introduce a sense of intimacy.
Test Before You Commit
Once you’ve settled on a few potential colour combinations, it’s wise to test them in your space before making a final decision. Purchase sample pots of your chosen colours and paint swatches on the walls. Observe how they look at different times of day, with varying natural light. This step can prevent costly mistakes and helps ensure you love the colours in your actual environment.