Colour my home

How to choose colours that speak to you.

Choosing colours for a space is one of the most personal and impactful ways to make it feel like home. Colour has the power to set the mood, influence how we feel, and bring a space to life. The key isn’t just choosing colours you love; it’s choosing colours that feel like you. Let’s explore how to create a colour palette that doesn’t just look beautiful but brings your unique personality and energy into every corner of your home.

Finding your colour personality

Discover your palette.

Before you dive into paint swatches or fabric samples, take a moment to think about the colours that resonate with you. Think beyond trends, what hues make you feel calm, energised, inspired, or cosy? Colour is an extension of personality, so whether you’re drawn to deep, moody tones or fresh, airy pastels, honour what feels right for you.

One of my favourite ways to help clients identify their palette is to explore what colours already surround them, favourite clothes, treasured keepsakes, or even a favourite landscape. These little inspirations often contain the colours that make us feel most ourselves, and they’re a great foundation for building a palette that feels authentic.

A moodboard inspired by a favourite dress.

Building depth with shades and tones

Layering colour for a rich, inviting space.

Once you’ve found a colour that speaks to you, remember there’s no need to stick to just one version of it. Playing with different shades and tones of a single colour can add depth and sophistication to a room without overwhelming it. For example, if you’re drawn to terracotta, layer it with warm peaches, soft blushes, and even rich copper tones. This kind of tonal layering creates an atmosphere that feels both cohesive and multidimensional.

And if you’re ready to go bold, consider colour drenching, using a single hue across walls, trim, and even furniture. Colour drenching wraps a room in one immersive tone, adding a rich, cocooning effect. Some worry that drenching will make a space feel small, but it often does the opposite! When the same colour extends from walls to ceiling, it blurs boundaries, giving the illusion of depth and making the room feel more expansive. For instance, a warm sage or soft, muted blue can create a seamless, airy vibe, where the eye travels easily across the room without the interruption of contrasting colours.

When to choose paint colours

Is there a right or wrong?

Some designers suggest choosing your paint colour last, letting elements like flooring and architectural finishes take the lead. It’s solid advice, after all, while paint colours are practically endless, flooring and certain finishes have more limited options. If you do want to start with a statement piece, like a favourite painting or a standout rug, let it be your colour guide. Just plan carefully to ensure the surrounding hues highlight, rather than compete with, that focal piece. When balanced thoughtfully, it’ll make your room feel intentional, cohesive, and, most importantly, like you!

Once you’ve settled with a paint colour, make sure to get a sample tint before committing. If you are hesitant putting a patch up on the wall, best practice is to paint it on a larger piece of thick paper and use some blue tack to stick it on to a prominent spot in the room. Glance at it regularly while walking past and include different times of the day into your observations. You will be surprised how different the tone will look with the bright morning sun streaming into the room versus the glow of your evening light sources.

Material board that plays with autumn tones.

Colour that flows

Creating harmony across rooms.

Each room can have its unique character, but a well-chosen palette also creates a sense of flow and harmony. Using colours that complement each other, whether they’re in the same family or offer a gentle contrast, ties the space together beautifully.

A good rule of thumb is to pick a base colour for your primary living areas and then choose complementary colours to carry through into smaller spaces, like hallways or bedrooms. If your living room features olive greens, consider warm neutrals, sandy tones, or sage greens for connecting rooms. This continuity helps the home feel like a unified, flowing space while allowing each room to retain its own personality.

For an added layer of connection, carry decor in a main room colour through to adjoining rooms. If you have deep blue cushions in the living room, try bringing hints of that same blue into the hallway with a piece of artwork, a patterned throw, or a vase. These subtle touches act like a colour thread weaving through the home, giving each space its unique flair while linking them in a way that feels effortless. This approach also allows for creativity within a consistent palette—your home feels cohesive yet full of life.

Adding colour pops

The power of accents.

While a cohesive colour scheme creates harmony, there’s beauty in a little unexpected contrast. Accent colours, those vibrant pops that break up a dominant palette, add excitement and energy, bringing a touch of tension that can make a room feel dynamic and alive.

Imagine a soft, sage-toned room with an unexpected splash of mustard yellow or a deep plum throw in an otherwise neutral, sandy space. These pops of colour don’t overwhelm but create a focal point that catches the eye and invites curiosity. Accent colours can be introduced through cushions, artwork, vases, or even an eye-catching chair, giving you flexibility to change things up without fully committing to a permanent statement.

Accessories are a great way to introduce colour pops.

These subtle touches act like a colour thread weaving through the home, giving each space its own personality while keeping the whole place feeling like it belongs to the same family, no awkward silences between rooms. With each choice, you’re building a space that flows naturally, feels genuinely you, and keeps things interesting at every turn.

So go ahead, embrace your colours, have fun, and trust your instincts. You might just surprise yourself with what you create!

Until next time.

Vera x