How to Use Colour in Your Home

Embrace the Rainbow: A Beginner’s Guide to Confident Colour Choices

I hear it all the time: “I love colour, but I’m terrified of getting it wrong.” If this sounds like you, you’re definitely not alone! But here’s the thing – using colour in your home should be joyful, not stressful. Let me share some gentle ways to bring more personality into your space.

Start Small, Dream Big

You don’t need to paint an entire room orange to embrace colour (though if that’s your vibe, go for it!). Begin with accessories – cushions, throws, artwork, or even a single statement vase. These can be easily swapped out if you fancy a change, making them perfect for colour beginners.

Easy Starting Points:

• Colourful cushions on a neutral sofa
• A bright throw draped over an armchair
• Fresh flowers in unexpected vases
• Vibrant tea towels in the kitchen

The 60-30-10 Rule

This interior design classic takes the guesswork out of colour distribution:

• 60%: Your dominant neutral (walls, large furniture)
• 30%: Your secondary colour (curtains, rugs, accent furniture)
• 10%: Your pop of colour (accessories, artwork, plants)

This formula creates balance whilst ensuring your space feels cohesive rather than chaotic.

Understanding Undertones

Here’s where many people come unstuck – not all whites are created equal! Cool whites have blue or grey undertones, whilst warm whites lean towards yellow or pink. The same principle applies to every colour. When choosing paint, always test samples on your walls and observe them at different times of day.

Colour Psychology in Practice

Different colours genuinely affect how we feel in a space:

Blues and Greens: Perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms, these colours promote calm and relaxation. Think soft sage in a reading nook or powder blue in a child’s room.

Yellows and Oranges: Brilliant for kitchens and dining areas, these warm tones encourage conversation and appetite. A sunny yellow kitchen feels welcoming from the moment you walk in.

Purples and Pinks: Often overlooked, these colours can be incredibly sophisticated. A muted lavender creates a serene bedroom, whilst blush pink adds warmth without being overwhelming.

My Favourite Colour Combinations

For the Colour-Curious:

• Soft sage + cream + natural wood
• Dusty pink + grey + brass accents
• Navy + white + touches of coral

For the Bold and Beautiful:

• Emerald green + gold + deep purple
• Burnt orange + teal + warm timber
• Sunshine yellow + charcoal + copper

Practical Tips for Every Room

Living Rooms: Use colour to define different areas. A colourful rug can anchor your seating area, whilst artwork adds personality to bare walls.

Kitchens: If you’re nervous about coloured cabinets, try a colourful splashback or paint just the island in a contrasting shade.

Bedrooms: Colour behind the headboard creates a focal point without overwhelming the space. Consider wallpaper with a subtle pattern for added interest.

Bathrooms: Don’t overlook these smaller spaces! A bold paint colour can transform a boring bathroom into a jewel box.

When Things Go Wrong

Made a colour choice you’re not loving? Don’t panic! Often, it’s not the colour itself but how it’s styled. Try changing your accessories first – sometimes all a room needs is different cushions or artwork to feel completely transformed.

Remember, your home should reflect your personality. If you love a colour, there’s almost certainly a way to make it work in your space. Trust your instincts, start small, and most importantly – have fun with it!