What to Consider Before Adding Colour to Your Home

Choosing a new colour for your home is much more than just picking something that looks good in isolation. You need a tone that reflects your style and complements the architecture. Before you start splashing paint on the walls, there are a few factors to think about that can help you make an informed choice.

The impact of natural and artificial lighting

Lighting is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, factors when choosing colour for your home. The way natural light pours in can completely change how a colour looks throughout the day.

Rooms that face north, for example, tend to have a cooler, bluish light, which can make certain colours feel a little cold. In these spaces, warm tones like yellow, terracotta or pink can help balance that chill and create a more welcoming atmosphere. South-facing rooms, on the other hand, get plenty of warm light, so here you can go for cooler tones like blues and greens that will feel crisp and refreshing.

Don’t forget about the light bulbs in your home either. The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of your bulbs can affect how colours appear, especially in artificial light. Incandescent lights, with a warmer tone, can make colours feel richer, while older LEDs tend to give off a cooler light, potentially altering the look of your paint.

Basic colour theory & harmonies

Colour theory can be intimidating, but it shouldn’t be. A simple understanding of how colours work together can help you create a cohesive look. If you want something bold and contrasting, consider complementary colours, like blue and orange. These opposites on the colour wheel bring out the best in each other.

If a calmer, more restful look appeals to you, try analogous colours like blue, green and blue-green, which naturally harmonise. For a sophisticated vibe, a monochromatic scheme – using different shades of the same colour – can lend a sense of depth without overwhelming the space.

Colour psychology

Colours can also impact the mood of a room, so it’s worth considering the function of the space. In bedrooms, cool colours like soft greens and blues can help you relax and create a more restful environment.

Kitchens and dining areas, places where you want to encourage energy and conversation, benefit from warm, stimulating tones like reds and yellows. Even a luxury green kitchen could be a great fit in your home.

If you’re designing a home office or study space, deep greens or blues can promote focus and concentration, creating an ideal environment for productivity.

The "architecture" of the space

Before committing to a colour, take a step back and think about the room’s architecture. The colour of the walls can affect how high or low a ceiling feels. If you have a room with a tall ceiling, dark colours can create a more intimate, cosy atmosphere. Light shades, on the other hand, can make a room with lower ceilings feel more spacious and airy.

The 60-30-10 rule is a classic decorating guide to help you balance your colours. It suggests using 60% of a dominant colour (for walls), 30% for a secondary colour (upholstery or large furniture), and 10% for accent colours (like cushions or artwork).

Also, keep in mind the fixed elements of the room – like flooring or a stone fireplace – that won’t change. These need to work with your new colour choice to create a unified look.

Finish and sheen

The finish of your paint is just as important as the colour itself. A flat or matte finish can hide imperfections, but it’s harder to clean, making it more suitable for areas with less traffic. Satin or eggshell finishes are perfect for most living areas because they’re durable but still offer a soft sheen. If you’re painting trim or doors, consider semi-gloss or gloss, which are more reflective and easier to clean.

Lastly, always test your colours before you commit. Never buy a gallon of paint based on a tiny sample. Instead, use peel-and-stick samples and move them around the room at different times of the day to see how the colour looks in both natural and artificial light. This way, you can make sure it’s the right choice for your space.