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How to confidently select the perfect colour palette for your home without feeling overwhelmed. Top tips from an Interior Designer.
Choosing a colour palette for your home can be a challenging task. With a wide array of colours available, it is natural to feel unsure about your choices. However, a thoughtfully chosen palette can significantly enhance your space, bringing warmth and personality to your home. This guide will provide practical tips and insights to help you make confident decisions about your colour selections.
Understand the Basics of Colour Theory
To start, it’s important to understand the basics of colour theory. Colours can be grouped into three main categories:
Primary Colours: Red, blue, and yellow. These are the foundation of all other colours.
Secondary Colours: Green, orange, and purple. These colours emerge when you mix two primary colours. For instance, mixing blue and yellow creates green.
Tertiary Colours: These are the result of mixing primary and secondary colours, like red-orange or blue-green.
The Colour Wheel
Having a colour wheel to hand can be a great way to understand colour theory in more detail. They break down the main colour categories mentioned above and help you to group colour harmonies.
Let me explain these a bit more...
Complementary Colours
A complementary colour scheme uses colours that re opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as orange and blue.
The key to creating a successful complementary colour scheme is to ensure one colour dominates over the other. For example, you think dark blue walls and an orange sofa.
Monochromatic Colours
A monochromatic colour scheme is one that uses one colour is a variety of tints, tones and shades.
When using this type of colour scheme, it is important to consider the features within the space, and add textures and different finishes to create depth and character.
Harmonious (analogous) Colours
A harmonious scheme, or analogous scheme as it is also know, is one which uses colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel. For example, green and blue.
The key to creating a successful harmonious scheme is to stick to the same tint, tone or shade of colour. This helps prevents one colour becoming more dominant than the other.
Consider Your Space
Each room in your home serves a distinct purpose, and your colour choices should reflect that. For example, using soft blues and greens can create a calming atmosphere in a bedroom, while warm reds and yellows can energise a kitchen. Consider these factors:
Function: What activities take place in each room? A lively dining area might benefit from warmer tones to encourage social interaction.
Size: Light colours can make a small room appear larger. Darker shades can add cosiness to larger spaces. For instance, a small living room painted in light beige can create an illusion of space, while a spacious family room could be enhanced with a rich navy blue.
There are of course, exceptions to this rule. Don't be afraid to embrace darker colours for a smaller room, especially when colour drenching. It can actually make the room feel bigger, when done correctly.
Lighting: Natural and artificial light can alter how colours appear. For example, paint that looks bright yellow in daylight might appear more muted under artificial light. Test samples in various lighting conditions to avoid surprises later.
Draw Inspiration From Your Surroundings
Take a few moments to observe your home and its environment. What colours resonate with you? Are there shades in nature that bring you peace, such as the greens of trees or the blues of the sky? You might also find vibrant oranges and reds in flowers that inspire warmth.
Incorporate elements from your surroundings into your palette. For example, if you love the ocean, consider incorporating shades of teal and sandy beige into your home. Additionally, look at your existing furniture and artwork. For instance, if you have a colourful rug, pull colours from it for your wall paint to create a harmonious and intentional look.
Create a Colour Palette
Now that you have a direction, it's time to create your colour palette. A well-rounded palette usually contains one dominant colour, one secondary colour, and a couple of accent shades. This is based off of the 60-30-10 rule. I talk about this in more detail in my blog post here.
Choose a Dominant Colour: Select the primary hue for the room. For instance, a soft neutral can create a calming effect.
Select a Secondary Colour: Choose a colour that complements your dominant colour. Using a neutral as your dominant colour can give you a wide range of secondary colour options. However, there are considerations, take a look at this blog post for more about choosing the perfect neutral.
Incorporate Accent Colours: Use accent colours for, accessories, art, or larger furniture pieces.
Test Your Colours
Testing colours before committing is crucial. Purchase small sample pots and paint sections on your walls. Observing the colours in different lighting throughout the day can reveal how they truly look in your space. I talk about this more in this blog post, and the principles should be applied to any colour that you are testing.
Pay attention to your feelings in the room at various times. For example, a soothing blue might make you feel relaxed in the morning but cold at night. If you find a colour is not creating the desired ambiance, don’t hesitate to try another.
Consider Trends Wisely
It's tempting to jump on the latest colour trends, but remember: trends fade. Choose colours that resonate with your style and fit the overall feel of your home. For example, if your style leans towards the minimalist, a palette of soft whites and earthy tones can provide timeless elegance.
Use trends as inspiration rather than a rule. If a current trend is a rich emerald green, but you lean more toward a muted sage, stick to what feels right for you.
Professional Input
As an Interior Designer, colour is a bit part of my job. I can provide tailored advice to take away the stress and worry over the selection process.
My design consultations are the perfect for this, you can find out more here.
If you work with on a larger project, this is something we spend a lot of time considering, as it is crucial to get it right for your home and lifestyle.
A Balanced Approach to Choosing a Colour Palette
Choosing the right colour palette for your home can be a stressful task but by grasping the essentials of colour theory, understanding your spaces, drawing inspiration from your environment, and thoroughly testing your choices, you can create a palette that fits your style and mood.
Trust your instincts as you make your selections. Your home should genuinely reflect who you are. Armed with these tips and a clear plan, you can turn choosing a colour palette into an exciting and fulfilling journey.
Happy decorating!
Kerry x
How can working with an Interior Designer at Hinton House Interiors help?
Still struggling with design decisions? Maybe, you just need a quick room refresh? Or, perhaps you just don't have the time to take it all on?
Hinton House Interiors is here to help. I offer a full design service, including design project management, as well as design consultations where we can cover any design dilemmas you have. All services can be found here. Drop me a message, I'd love to help.
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Residential Interior Designer based in #Southampton, #Hampshire, also covering the UK.
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