Colour

A room with various shades of green painted in vertical stripes on the wall

When it comes to interior design, one of the most impactful factors is the colour of the walls. From warm tones, to cool shades, we'll guide you to the perfect combination.

Sail White

Crown Walls & Ceilings Matt Emulsion

Choosing the right colours for your home

The hues that adorn your living space can go beyond just aesthetics; they can significantly influence your mood, emotions, and overall well-being. Whether you're aware of it or not, the colours surrounding you have a subtle psychological effect that shapes your experiences within your home.

What wall colour is best for mood?

Warmer tones like shades of red, orange, and yellow tend to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. These colours evoke feelings of warmth and intimacy, making them well-suited for areas where you want to foster social interactions, such as the living room or dining room. However, it's important to strike a balance, as overly vibrant warm shades might lead to restlessness or even feelings of anxiety.

Cooler colours like blues and greens are often associated with tranquillity and relaxation. They can lend a sense of calm to spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms, where you seek solace after a long day. Lighter shades of these colours can make a room feel more open and airier, while deeper tones can create a sense of intimacy. These colours are particularly suitable for those looking to create a retreat-like ambiance.

For spaces where creativity and energy are desired, shades of yellow and green can be perfect choices. Yellow is known to promote optimism and stimulate the mind, making it a great option for home offices or creative studios. Green, often associated with nature, can instil a sense of balance and renewal, making it suitable for spaces where you want to feel rejuvenated.

Neutral colours such as taupes, greys, and beige provide a versatile canvas for any room. They can create an elegant and timeless backdrop, allowing you to experiment with various decor elements. Neutrals are known for their ability to create a sense of balance and harmony, and they also provide a visually restful space that can work well in any area of the home.

While the overall colour palette of a room plays a crucial role, don't underestimate the power of accent walls. Introducing a bold and contrasting colour in a specific area can add depth and focal points to a space. This technique can be particularly effective when you want to draw attention to a particular architectural feature or a piece of art.

How does natural light affect the colour of the room?

Natural light is an understated stimulant that profoundly impacts the perception of colour within a room. The intensity, angle, and quality of sunlight can cause colours to shift throughout the day, altering their appearance from warm and vibrant to cool and subdued. To accurately see how the colour of your home will interact with natural light, it's crucial to observe it under various lighting conditions.

Paint swatches or test areas should be tried near windows or light sources to gauge how they respond to direct sunlight, diffused light, and shadowed areas. Studying your samples during different times of day can reveal how these colours evolve with changing light. This meticulous sampling process ensures that the chosen colour resonates harmoniously with the room's illumination, delivering the desired atmosphere and aesthetic regardless of the sun's position.

How to use feature walls, accents and trim to create a different look

The presence of trim, accents and other small colour pops can either complement or contrast with your wall colour, significantly influencing the overall aesthetic. Crisp, white trim can make a bold wall colour pop, creating a striking contrast that adds depth and visual interest to a room. Conversely, using a trim colour that matches your walls creates a cohesive and harmonious look, making the room feel more open and seamless.

A feature wall is a simple yet highly effective strategy to breathe new life into any room. This design technique involves painting or decorating one wall in a way that sets it apart from the others, creating a captivating focal point that can dramatically alter the look and feel of the entire space. Accent walls, when painted in a contrasting or complementary colour, can become a focal point, drawing attention to a particular area or architectural feature. This technique is especially effective when you want to highlight a fireplace, a piece of artwork, or a unique architectural detail.

Incorporating your wall colour into your decor and furnishings can further tie the room together. Consider how your furniture, curtains, and accessories interact with the chosen wall colour. This cohesiveness can create a harmonious and balanced interior design.

So, which wall colour is best?

Ultimately, the colours you choose for the walls inside your home can have a profound impact on your emotions and experiences. When deciding on a colour scheme, consider the function of each room and the atmosphere you want to create. While there are general psychological associations with colours, personal preferences and cultural influences also play a role.

It's important to select hues that resonate with you and create an environment where you feel comfortable and happy. So, whether you're opting for soothing blues, vibrant reds, or calming neutrals, your choice of wall colours can shape your home into a space that truly reflects and enhances your well-being.