Creating a harmonious colour scheme for your home involves various factors such as colour theory, lighting conditions, window placement, and the size of the room. Without going into all the intricacies and boring you for hours, I have narrowed it down and shared the top tips that I personally use.

Nadine Richardson is founder and designer of Interior Motifs,
an interior design studio in Market Harborough, UK.

Colour Palette Ideas

If you’re unsure where to begin with choosing colours for your room, I recommend scrolling through Pinterest and saving all the colour schemes you absolutely love on a dedicated board.  

Pay attention to the schemes that excite you. What lights a spark within you? It should be something you instantly fall in love with. 

Aim to gather at least 20 pictures, and then take a look at your board. You may notice a recurring colour or a common theme emerging. It could be earthy tones, a mix of white with pops of vibrant colours, or a serene and neutral palette. 

Find what resonates with your personal style and the mood you want to create in your room.

Paint Colour Ideas

Many people are naturally drawn to a specific colour so if you already have a colour in mind, that’s a great starting point. 

Now, you need to find complementary colours that match well and evoke the desired atmosphere in the room. 

Paint companies like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene often showcase matching and complementary colours on their websites, providing valuable inspiration and paint colour ideas.

Wall Colour Combinations

Certain wall colour combinations always work well together. Here are a few examples:

• Experiment with different shades and tones of a single colour to achieve a sophisticated monochromatic look.
• Explore different shades of blue to create a soothing and calming ambience.
• Embrace the freshness and tranquillity of various green hues.
• Infuse warmth and energy into your space with shades of red.
• Opt for versatile neutral colours that provide a timeless backdrop.

Interior Design Colour Palette

Remember, colours aren’t limited to just the walls. Your colour palette should encompass your entire room, including your sofa, soft furnishings, wallpaper, and more. When creating a colour palette, consider all these elements in conjunction with your wall colour. The wall colour is just one part of the overall composition.

60 30 10 Rule

A popular guideline among interior designers is the 60 30 10 rule, which helps distribute colours throughout your room. The main colour should occupy approximately 60% of your space, applied to walls, the sofa, the rug, and possibly the ceiling. Remember, you can use different shades or tones of the same colour within this 60% range. The secondary colour should account for about 30% of the room and can be applied to elements like curtains, accent chairs, cushions, patterns in the rug, lamps, and art. Finally, the remaining 10% should be dedicated to small items, such as a vase, cushion, art, plant pot, or picture frame. Ensure that all colours are evenly dispersed throughout your room.

Pairing Colours

Avoid using the exact same colour in every aspect of your room. Instead, create depth and interest by selecting different hues or shades within the same colour family. For example, pair a forest green wall with an olive green sofa and a pastel green plant pot. This approach adds visual dimension and keeps the room visually engaging.

North Facing Rooms

Many clients struggle to find the right colours for north-facing rooms. In these rooms, the light tends to make colours appear cooler and more blue than what you selected at the paint shop. 

Warm-toned colours, such as creams and reds, work best in such spaces. Avoid using a brilliant white; instead, opt for a white with a yellow undertone. True greys may appear bluish, so if you prefer a true grey, choose your paint with yellow and red undertones,

On the bright side, the advantage of a north-facing room is its consistent lighting throughout the day, which ensures that colours remain stable and consistent. 

CAOT painta have a neutral paint pack for North facing rooms.
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