Interiors viewpoint: how do I decide on a colour scheme for my home?

It’s very easy to feel overwhelmed at the prospect of home redecoration. With infinite choice and inspiration everywhere you look, how on earth does one decide, and where on earth does one start?

Here’s some food for thought to get the creative juices flowing…

Take it personally.
There’s nothing more personal than the inside of your home. Forget current trends and online influence –  reflecting on your personal style and the aesthetic you want to achieve is the most logical place to start. What colours make you feel happy? Relaxed? Energised? What kind of look are you drawn to- minimalist, traditional, cosy or something a bit more eclectic and vibrant?

Your home should reflect your taste and personality, so work out the different emotions that come to the fore when you review different colours – and trust your gut. It’s great to gather inspiration from interior design magazines, websites and social media platforms, building mood boards as you go, but don’t forget to keep your style at the heart of decisions.

Function vs form
Pay close consideration to the function and use of the room(s) in question. Different colours can evoke wildly different moods, emotions and atmospheres. For example, calming blues and greens are often used successfully in living rooms and other spaces to relax, while bolder colours like reds or oranges may work well in a lively dining area.

Shine a light?
The amount of natural light a room receives can affect how colours appear on the walls. Rooms with ample sunlight can handle bolder and darker colours, while rooms with limited natural light may benefit from lighter shades to create a brighter and more open feeling.

Consider also the undertones of paint colours. Colours will have warm, cool, or neutral undertones, which can affect how they appear in different lighting conditions. For example, a grey with a blue undertone may appear cooler than a grey with a beige undertone.

Room Size and Proportion:
Darker colours can make a room feel cozier and more intimate, but they can also make a small room feel even smaller. Lighter colours can create a sense of spaciousness. Consider the size and proportions of the room when choosing colours.

Existing Furnishings and Decor:
Are you going to keep the furniture, artwork and décor you already have? If so, consider how the chosen colour scheme will complement or contrast with these existing elements. Sometimes, a colour scheme adjustment can update a space without the need to replace everything.

Architectural Features:
Are there any architectural features, such as trim, moldings, or built-in shelving to consider?These elements can be painted in a contrasting colour to create a focal point or visual interest.

Colour Harmony:
Familiarise yourself with the colour wheel to understand colour relationships and how different hues work together. Explore colour harmonies like complementary (opposite colours on the colour wheel), analogous (adjacent colours on the colour wheel), or monochromatic (variations of a single colour). These schemes can help create a balanced and harmonious look.

Cohesion and Flow:
How do colours flow from one room to another, especially in open floor plans? A cohesive colour scheme throughout your home can create a sense of unity and continuity.

Remember that choosing a colour scheme is very much a personal decision, and there are no hard and fast rules. The goal is to create a space that feels comfortable, harmonious, and reflective of your style and personality. Experiment, gather inspiration from design magazines and websites, and don't rush the decision-making process.

If you would like professional advice from our interior design team, pop an email over to Molly for more information and an informal chat.