Tag: Decorating

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Design & decor

Paint perfection: Why hire a colour consultant

Home decorating can be an exciting task to take head-on since you get to personalise your living space. But the excitement often gives way to the daunting task of choosing the right colours for your furniture and walls.

Navigating the world of colour can be overwhelming, but don’t worry — a colour consultant can help you select the right hues for your home. In this article, we’ll explore why recruiting paint colour consultants is not just a wise decision but a crucial step before painting your house.

What does a colour consultant do?

A colour consultant specialises in breathing new life into living spaces through colour. Armed with a keen eye for design and a deep understanding of colour psychology, they curate palettes that elevate the client’s living experience.

These professionals have degrees in interior design or similar fields, so they bring educated recommendations. Their work doesn’t just focus on matching paint colours but also shades, tones, and hues, making for a more holistic and personalised approach to design.

Their toolkit includes colour selection theory knowledge, an understanding of the latest trends, and intuitive flair. When consulting a specialist, their services generally range from in-home consultations to virtual guidance, giving the highest level of flexibility to meet your needs. 

Common mistakes homeowners make when choosing paint colours

A modern living room with yellow walls | Source: iStock

Ignoring natural light dynamics

Many homeowners fall into the trap of overlooking the impact of natural light when choosing their colour palettes for a room. For instance, pastel yellow may look pleasing, but its brightness might be too much once it’s hit by the sun during a specific time of day.

It’s crucial to consider how sunlight affects your chosen hues, so you’ll know whether to get curtains, blinds, or additional layers to temper the sunlight at specific times. 

Going after trends

Riding the wave of what’s hot and trendy can be exciting, but it can eventually lead to dissatisfaction as time goes on. 

Opting for the trendiest colour might seem like a great idea initially, but what’s in today could be outdated tomorrow. Your once-modern home may feel like a time capsule, which can merit costly repaints to keep up with the ever-evolving design landscape.

Neglecting your home’s overall style

Another pain point for most homeowners can be choosing colours and palettes that clash with the existing style of their homes.

Picture this: having a vintage-themed home with bold, modern colours or a modern space with dull shades or eclectic hues. Sounds like a nightmare, right? This jarring clash between your home’s inherent style and your chosen colour scheme can create a visual disconnect.

Underestimating undertones

Homeowners may inadvertently opt for colours or two-toned colour combinations with undertones that clash with flooring, furniture, or fixtures. 

Consider the scenario where you’ve chosen a calming blue for your bedroom, only to discover its subtle green undertone clashes with the warm wood tones of your furniture. This oversight can turn a well-intentioned colour scheme into a mismatched palette.

Skipping sample testing

Sometimes, the excitement can get the better of you when you decide to skip the crucial step of sample testing. 

Skipping sample testing goes beyond mere disappointment. The paint you loved in a small swatch may behave differently on larger surfaces, interacting in unexpected ways. 

Without a test patch, you risk committing to a colour that clashes with your furniture, throws off the room’s balance, or doesn’t give the atmosphere you want for your space.

5 Benefits of hiring a paint colour consultant

A colour consultant with a client | Source: iStock

They can offer you a personalised experience

One of the primary benefits of hiring a colour consultant is getting a personalised colour palette tailored to your unique style and preferences. These experts delve into the lifestyle and taste of your home, offering a colour scheme that goes beyond generic recommendations.

They give room-specific recommendations

Colour consultants recognise that every room plays a distinct role in your daily life. They ensure that the colour scheme looks good and aligns seamlessly with the intended atmosphere and purpose.

The result of considering these details is a recommendation that’s best suited for the room at hand. 

You can avoid costly mistakes

Hiring a colour consultant nearly guarantees you an outcome that’s to your liking. Whether it’s selecting a shade that clashes with furniture or underestimating the impact of natural light, their expertise minimises the risk of expensive repaints and makes your initial investment in paint a well-informed one.

They coordinate their recommendations with exterior elements

Architectural style is another crucial factor colour consultants consider. They carefully assess the design elements of your home, from traditional Victorian details to sleek contemporary lines. 

This evaluation ensures that the chosen colours enhance the architectural features, highlighting your home’s unique character.

They can offer post-project support

A colour consultant’s job doesn’t end after the room is done and the homeowner is satisfied. Some services can also offer post-project support, giving you valuable tips on preserving the chosen colour of the space and long-term maintenance, and might even assist with future renovations to keep your home’s aesthetic intact.

When you should consider hiring a colour consultant

A colour consultant with paint colour swatches | Source: iStock

Enlisting the help of a colour consultant becomes handy when a project or the homeowner’s uncertainty can benefit from professional guidance and ideas. 

  • When you’re working on a big project. Having an extensive or large-scale project that involves several rooms can be a headache. In this case, their expertise can streamline the decision-making process.
  • Indecisiveness about colour choices. If you are drowning in a sea of paint swatches and unable to commit to different colour palettes, a consultant offers the advice, clarity, and confidence needed. They interpret your preferences, lifestyle, and existing elements to tailor recommendations.
  • When you want to create a holistic and cohesive colour scheme. Paint colour consultants consider the flow of spaces, creating a seamless transition from one area to another. This is particularly valuable for homeowners who aim for a unified and aesthetically pleasing ambience but aren’t sure how to achieve it.

What to expect when working with a paint colour consultant

The process typically begins with an initial consultation, during which the consultant seeks to understand your vision, lifestyle, and preferences. This sets the foundation for a personalised approach that aligns with your unique taste and the specific requirements of your home.

They will offer insights into different colour concepts, trends, and combinations so homeowners are able to make sound decisions when painting their homes. Colour consultants will also navigate through lighting conditions, architectural nuances, and the elements already present in your home.

As advisors in this partnership, the colour professionals guide you through various options, presenting colour samples and explaining the rationale behind each choice. This step guarantees that you love the colours and understand the intention behind them. 

5 Tips when hiring a colour consultant

A cosy living room interior with beige and olive walls | Source: iStock

Check their credentials and experience

Make sure the colour consultant has relevant credentials in interior design or a related field. Inquire about whether they have extensive experience and past projects they can show you. A seasoned consultant brings a wealth of knowledge and a portfolio that showcases their ability to transform spaces.

Ask for reviews or references

Request references from their previous clients or look up online reviews to gauge the consultant’s professionalism, communication skills, and client satisfaction rates. Doing this helps you gauge their professional track record, as well as how reliable they are during past jobs. 

Assess their flexibility and adaptability

Home projects can be dynamic, and changes might occur along the way. Inquire about the consultant’s flexibility and ability to adapt to evolving needs. A consultant who can navigate adjustments with ease provides a smoother process, especially in the face of unexpected challenges.

Talk about how the consultation process will go

Clarify how the initial consultation will go and what they plan to do with the information given to them. A good colour consultant should take the time to understand your vision, lifestyle, and existing elements in your home. 

Understand the cost structure

While some consultants charge a flat fee, others may include added services to their billing, so it’s important you and the consultant talk about it early on to avoid any miscommunication. Understanding how much a consultant costs upfront helps manage expectations and ensures there are no surprises as the project unfolds.

Consult, colour, conquer! 

Don’t let colour selection overwhelm you, and enlist the help of a professional in paint colour consultancy. Not only can they offer invaluable advice, services, and even helpful resources, but they transform the daunting task of selecting colours into an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

Embrace the journey of home transformation with confidence—consult a colour expert and turn your house into a haven of comfort and self-expression!

FAQs on hiring a paint colour consultant

What is a colour consultation paint?

They help you find the right colour for your home. They have the job of considering every aspect of home furniture and tastes and delivering the best colour combination. They specify the exact colours that you’re using.

How much does colour consulting typically cost?

The cost of colour consulting in Australia can vary based on factors such as the consultant’s experience, the scope of the project, and the location. Generally, colour consulting services can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

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Design & decor

How to wallpaper

Looking at your plain wall and feeling uninspired? With an unending variety of patterns, textures and designs, wallpaper is the perfect choice to revive a tired space. Wallpaper can instantly accentuate and enhance your interior space, but as we all know, our tastes and aesthetic preferences are prone to change. Wallpaper caters to our shifting tastes and with the availability of new products, applying and removing a design is easier than ever.

Picking the right wallpaper

Pattern, colour & texture

Make a statement with the right wallpaper design. The pattern and colour combination you choose will depend on the ambience you wish to create. Take into consideration the lighting in the room as this will influence the mood and can either complement or contradict the effect your wallpaper creates. Depending on the look you wish to create, textured wallpaper might be an option to enhance interest and dimension in a space. Here are some general rules to remember when adding wallpaper to a space:

  • Mini prints and cool colours can help a small space appear larger while large patterns can create visual interest but will make a space appear smaller and more intimate.
  • Large vertical patterns and vertical lines make a ceiling appear higher, whereas horizontal stripes make a room appear wider.
  • Textured wallpaper and fabric wall coverings create a three-dimensional effect
  • In large, empty and colder spaces, textured or fabric wallpaper can be particularly effective in exuding an inviting and homely look and feel
Bold, statement wallpaper / Source: Shutterstock

Materials

The wallpaper material you choose will also depend on the function of your room. For spaces prone to humidity and dampness, like the bathroom or kitchen, vinyl wallpaper is an ideal choice as it is durable and easily cleaned. 

Non-woven wallpaper is another popular option, becoming the wallpaper of choice as its blend of natural and synthetic fibres makes it easier to hang and remove. 

Wallpaper is not waterproof however, and it is best to avoid areas that will directly attract humidity.

How to wallpaper

Preparing for wallpaper

Preparation is a must for a successful wallpaper application, our walls need to be bare and as clean as possible.

  • Clear away any dirt or grime on your walls 
  • Fill any cracks or irregularities with a filler
  • Evaluate the space and decide where you will lay the seams of the paper
  • Identify the dominant wall in the room as this will give you an indication of where to start.
  • Clear out any furniture before applying

Applying the wallpaper

  1. Use a pencil and a level to mark a vertical line on the wall
  2. Check your line is straight using a plumb bob or level to double-check your line is straight
  3. Undo the protective wrapping of your paper and ensure the rolls contain the identical shade, pattern and batch reference number. 
  4. Ensure you have enough wallpaper by calculating the length x breadth of the wall but add an additional 10% for potential wastage or 15-20% if the wallpaper has a large pattern repeat
  5. Cut the first strip about 10 cm longer than the height of a wall and cut each following strip at least 5 cm longer than the first strip to keep the patterns aligned. It will be easier if you cut and layout each of the strips before applying the paper to ensure the patterns are correctly lined 
  6. Check the type of wallpaper 
    1. If it is adhesive-backed, it will require soaking in water before the adhesive is activated
    2. For paper without adhesive, a stiff brush, roller, utility knife, scissors, sponge and a bucket of water will be required to apply the wallpaper. Note: Ensure you always use the wallpaper paste recommended by the supplier
  7. Add the paste to a container of water until it gradually thickens.
  8. Ensure the paper doesn’t become too wet whilst applying the paste as it will shrink back when it dries. Allow enough time for the wallpaper to book (soaking in paste) and when you apply the paper, brush out any extra paste, starting inwards and pushing out

Cleaning: Dust, stains and dirt can build up on your paper. Take the time out to wipe down your wallpaper with a damp rag or with a brush attached to your vacuum.

Contact local interior designers

Installation tips

Bold prints

For loud prints it’s best to start from the centre and work outwards, otherwise, begin wallpapering from the corner diagonally opposite to your door, and work your way around back to the door and finishing in the corner so the seams aren’t visible. Always start from the top and work your way downwards. When you reach the floor, use a sharp utility knife to trim the top and bottom.

Around a window

Start by trimming the paper around the window sill of the door frame. The leftover paper can be used above a window sill or door frame but ensure the pattern is perfectly aligned to avoid clashing prints. 

Around a powerpoint

To wallpaper around a power outlet, hang the paper over the outlet then cut two diagonal slits from corner to corner. Cut out the triangular flaps, then loosen the plate to smooth out the edges of the wallpaper before reattaching.

Wallpaper vs paint

Applying a new spread of colour or patterned wallpaper can instantly refresh a space, but with the range of hues and textures available, choosing between a fresh coat of paint or a new wallpaper spread isn’t easy. To guide your next interior step, here are the main points of difference between paint and wallpaper to consider.

Paint

  • The use of colour is transformative in a space and applying a coat of colour is an easy way to distinguish different areas of the home 
  • A coat of paint can bring elements of a space together to give the illusion of extra depth. Paint however, won’t be useful in concealing an uneven surface
  • With occasional maintenance, a repaint will only be necessary every few years. Give your wall a quick clean with a warm, damp cloth to extend the life of your paint and ensure your wall is looking great
Great use of paint, texture and layering / Source: Visualising Interiors

Wallpaper

  • The patterns, textures and design elements of wallpaper are endless, making it the ideal decorative choice. They can introduce colour and warmth into a room and subtle texture to liven your existing space
  • Wallpaper can accentuate personal style to make a statement in a relatively easy way and can be a useful tool to cover an uneven or damaged surface
  • From wood prints to metal finishes or faux brick, wallpaper can create the impression of real timber or red brick without a structural change
  • To maintain your paper a basic mix of warm water and cleaning detergent is suitable for vinyl and washable wallpapers. Start scrubbing from the top of the wall, ensuring the wall is lined with plastic to catch excess water
Categories
Design & decor

Interior design tips for autumn

As the days get colder and the nights are cutting in, you may have been thinking of ways to decorate and accessorise your home to make it warm and cosy for Autumn. Choice of colour palette, fabrics, textures, lighting and accessories are essential in creating the perfect ambience in your home this season. Whether you’re planning on re-painting your living room, changing up the lighting in your bedroom, updating the cabinetry in the kitchen or wish to re-tile your bathroom, there are many different home decor design considerations to think about.

To find out which design elements we should be incorporating into our homes this Autumn, we speak to Oneflare Interior Designer Alison Leeder, of Melbourne based Leeder Interiors, to get her expert opinion on the top home trends for fall.

Colours

Autumn is renowned for its beautiful display of colours. Whether you choose to add these to your home through soft furnishings, art, or a new coat of colour to the walls, it will instantly create a different ambience. 

Adopt nature’s example and bring in the hues of autumn with warm neutrals, rich reds, burnt oranges and mustard yellows to create a cosy and homely decor. The ombre tones of withering leaves or the blurred shades of an autumn sunset will always guarantee your home is in sync with the season.

Pops of warm autumns and florals / Source: Topshelf Interior Design

Textures

Growing accustomed to the new season comes easy with warm cushion covers and sofa blankets. Get your indoors feeling new by updating your curtains, carpets and bedsheets with an autumn colour palette.

Choose curtain colours that showcase nature by drawing on shades of gold, burnt orange, rich browns and creamy tones. Neutrals colours and splashes of yellow can also contribute some autumn charm to your home.

Keep in mind that although it precedes winter, the autumn months have a different decorative element to winter. Remember to:

  • Opt for soft rugs and patterned cushions and throws that will accentuate the autumn colours
  • Make sure your window coverings are sufficient. Roller blinds let out so much heat, while lined curtains insulate your home much more effectively. Not only do they keep the warmth in, visually they add warmth to a room.

Lighting 

You can never have too many lamps. Table lamps and floor lamps add a warmth and glow that overhead lighting can’t match. Make sure you’ve opted for warm bulbs instead of cool bulbs to add to the feel of the space. If you only have downlights, create a softer lighting scheme by using a dimmer. 

Textured bed layering / Source: Lindy De Waal Interiors

How to bring autumn into your space 

Kitchens: Rustic kitchens have recurring elements such as open shelving or hanging pendant lights. Open shelves provide the opportunity to showcase rustic pots and pans, mason jars or even plants. Wooden textures and colours create an atmosphere that invites nature inside. 

Living room: Your living room will be getting a lot more love as autumn settles in, be inspired by the colours and textures around you. Bring in rustic dried flowers, leaves and textural natives to enhance autumnal vibes.

Simple and natural decorations in your living room space can add an organic flair by bringing the outdoors in. Surround side tables and coffee tables with scented candles for an extra seasonal glow.

Bedroom: Play with rugs, throws and cushions to create a layered, warm and cosy adobe to embrace the season. 

Contact local interior designers

Hiring an interior designer 

If you’re still feeling a little stuck or undecided on which decorating trends to follow this Autumn, Oneflare have professional and accredited interior designers near you that can help you achieve your home design goals. Interior designers will be able to bring your decorating ideas to life through their expert training in creating rooms that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

When hiring an interior designer it is important to have a plan and budget in mind for the project you want to work on and make this crystal clear to the designer you hire. That way your designer can work to a spec that is appropriate to your budget. It is also a good idea to check out the designer’s past work and customer reviews to see if they have worked on similar projects, with the same desired outcome as your own. 

Categories
Design & decor

Choose the perfect coffee table

A coffee table isn’t just a place to keep newspapers and remote controls. Instead, it forms the very heart of your living room. It defines the ambience of the room and lends a definitive character to it. An ideal coffee table must strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. At the same time, it must complement the general decor of the living room and blend in with other elements. Coffee tables are available in different shapes, sizes, designs and materials. The key is to find a table that adds to the beauty of your living room.

How and when did coffee tables become popular?

Coffee tables originally emerged in the mid-19th century. They become popular commodities in middle-class households by the 20th century due to the growth of industrialization and mass production. As their popularity grew, new materials like chrome, acrylic and stainless steel were used. During the emergence of the Art Nouveau movement, coffee tables were usually clean and simple. This design gradually gave way to more geometric cuts during the Art Deco phase. Now, coffee tables are produced from inexpensive raw material, like pine wood. In fact, one can easily find replicas of classic vintage coffee table designs at regular furniture shops.

How to choose the perfect coffee table

While looking for a coffee table, what features must you look for? Ideally, your choice must be guided by two central concerns – the general decor of your living room and the current trends in coffee table designs. Remember the following pointers.

Coffee tables are a great addition to any living area / Source: DK Lifestyles

Consider use first

Before you commit to any specific type of coffee table, think about the ways in which you will use what you have. If you will be using it to hold a remote control or drink, you need something different than if you are adding this piece as a way to add style to your space. You may want to use it for storage, too, such as for storing magazines or batteries. In some cases, this little table can even work as secondary seating for the room. If you are looking for a coffee table for entertainment benefits like this, you need something that has features to make it comfortable.

Sizing matters

Before you purchase a coffee table, it is important to have an idea of the amount of room you will have in the space. Determine the size of the room overall. This will help you determine what type of material is best for your space. If the room is very large, then having a big, solid coffee table will work well. On the other hand, if the room is smaller or filled with a lot of belongings, choosing something that is streamlined and thinner can be a better option. You may want to consider glass, too, since this will create the illusion of more space.

Fitting well into your space

Keep in mind that when you choose a new coffee table for a room, it needs to fit well into that space. Consider the height of it. You will want something that will work well compared to the height of your furniture in the space. You will also want to consider the actual material. If you are using solid wood or glass, be sure it works well in the space overall. You may want it to look more interesting. If that is the case, using items like an old trunk can be a stylish statement for the room, but it will add a level of decor interest as well. It is a good idea to look for items that work well together or an item that will stand out and make a statement.

Contact local interior designers

Focus on the material 

Once you have zeroed in on a perfect size, focus on the material and design. Coffee tables can be made using wood, chrome, plastic, glass, bamboo metal, and wood veneers. If you are looking for something stable and affordable, wood veneer would be an ideal choice. The surface comes with wooden polish, but the material is not pure wood. These tables, often known as flatpack furniture, have become increasingly common in regular households. Alternatively, if you are willing to spend a few extra dollars, you could choose high-quality tables made of pure timber. Such a table is perfect for a living room with a country-style, provincial feel. A handcrafted wooden table looks particularly grand and could even become a family heirloom. 

Glass coffee tables

Glass coffee tables are not entirely made of glass as you might gather from the name. Rather, they have a glass top that sits on a metal or wooden frame. The glass is safe to use as a table because it has been toughened, which means there is much less chance that it will break. In the event that it does break, it will chip into large chunks rather than shattering or splintering into dangerous shards. Glass coffee tables are popular because they can add an uncluttered and clean look wherever they are used. They’re especially great in small areas because they don’t appear to take up a large amount of space.

Glass coffee tables have also become a popular choice because they come in a wide variety of styles. They can be very simple and minimalistic or much more ornate and detailed, and everything in between. Some of the more complex ones can even have stained glass inlays. The glass itself can also come in many different colours and finishes so consider all of your options before choosing the right one for your home!

Wooden coffee tables are a popular choice / Source: Visualising Interiors

Wooden coffee tables

Wooden coffee tables are also a very popular form of table. These are made from different kinds of timber, such as pine, cedar, oak, teak, mahogany and many more. While they can be made from any species of timber you prefer, rarer types will naturally be more expensive. Many homeowners choose wooden coffee tables because they add a warm and natural feel to a home and many people enjoy the texture of wood. They can be left natural, stained to bring out the grain and timber, or painted in any colour and finish you like!

Wooden coffee tables are available in so many different designs, sizes and styles that you’ll want to take some time exploring all your options before you settle on the right one. Opt for simple, classic coffee tables with symmetry and clean lines or else choose something exotic and ornate with a lot of detail to complement a room. Don’t forget that you can also add shelves and drawers underneath to increase the storage in your living room as well.

Categories
Design & decor

Choosing the right paint colours for your home

Choosing interior paint colours for your redecoration projects shouldn’t be done on a whim. When learning how to choose the right paint colour, you will need to consider things like the size of the room, what it’ll be used for, and your current interior style. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing interior paint colours that will work best with any living room or furniture colour scheme. Check out these nine tips before you hit the paint store to get the best results from your redecoration project.

9 Tips for choosing house paint colours for your next painting project

1. Learn about the effect of colour on moods

Paint colours can impact the mood of the people in the room. They can energise, calm, or even help you focus.

Certain shades, like red, can stimulate your mind and urge you into action, while other shades, such as blue, can put your nerves at ease. Choose colours that closely reflect your personality and motivate you to feel a certain way. 

When learning how to choose the right paint colour, consider the purpose of the room and the vibe you want to achieve.

2. Identify how cosy or airy you want the room to feel

A cosy living room with neutral tones / Source: iStock

Colour choices also affect how your room will be perceived. It can make a cramped flat feel airy or a large space feel cosy.

For example, warm whites and warm greys have yellow undertones and give the appearance of a cosy, soft, inviting space. Using deep blue and other dark colour palettes can also help achieve the same cosy effect.

On the other hand, cool grey or cool white interior paint colours can make a room feel more spacious.

3. Factor in your current furnishings and decor

While it may be tempting just to pick your favourite shade when redoing your interior house paint colours, you should never choose paint in isolation from the other elements in the room. Not everything has to match, but make sure that the walls, flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and accent pieces work harmoniously.

While you can certainly pick different colour schemes for different rooms of the house, it may save you time to choose one that works for the majority of your home. Mixing and matching hues can guide the eyes from one space to another or delineate one area from another.

4. Check the natural and artificial lighting

A modern living room welcoming natural lighting / Source: iStock

Lighting also plays a big factor in how your space will look like. Even if the paint swatch looks great in the store, it may look slightly different in the actual space where it will be used due to the natural light entering the room and the artificial lighting.

As a quick reference, here’s how different lighting availability affects paint colour:

  • North-facing rooms will look bluish; offset this by choosing a brighter hue of your desired paint colour or using daylight-temperature artificial light. Warmer whites are a great choice for north-facing walls.
  • South-facing rooms will appear closer to the true paint colour thanks to abundant natural light.
  • East-facing rooms will appear more vibrant in the morning then duller in the afternoon. You can remedy this by choosing the right window treatments and artificial lighting. The opposite is true for west-facing rooms, which look bluish in the morning and warmer as the day progresses.
  • Incandescent lighting typically amplifies warmer colours and dulls cooler colours.
  • Halogen bulbs are closer to natural light so that interior walls will look true to colour with these bulbs.
  • Fluorescent lamps will make paint colours look more intense. Blue will appear as deep blue, for example.

Before you decide on a paint colour, look at it against the morning, afternoon, and evening (artificial lighting) in the room. Talking to a professional house painter can help make this decision-making process easier.

5. Consider neutral colours for common spaces

Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring! Neutral house paint colours can bridge pops of colour from room to room, like a pastel pink ceiling and accent wall in the living room or a patterned tile in the kitchen. 

Blue and white are also a popular pairing that looks great in dining and living rooms. You can also liven up neutral paint by introducing patterns like a striped wall in cream and tan.

6. Don’t be afraid to choose more than one paint colour

A cosy dining space with turquoise and white walls / Source: iStock

Two-tone interior paint colours are a trendy way to update your room. You can go with a lighter or darker shade for a monochromatic palette. Meanwhile, grey tones with orange make for an unexpected, vibrant pairing.

Another example is combining dark brown and purple in one room. This can add just the right amount of oomph without deviating from your comfort zone.

Implementing two-colour combinations for your living room is easier than you think. Even just painting one wall in two colours or having a solid colour theme for the walls, furniture and decor can create an interesting focal point in the room and delineate areas in open-plan spaces.

7. Look at the room’s features for inspiration

Your next paint colour choice might be hidden right in the room! Look at an architectural feature on the exterior of your house. Bringing your exterior house paint colours indoors brings a seamless flow throughout the house. 

For instance, the trim or fascia might just be perfect for your interior walls, or the grey polished concrete floors could pair well with green or off-white walls.

You can also look at nature for inspiration. If you have a lot of greenery outside, you can complement this by choosing green as one of your interior paint colours and pairing it with a neutral shade. A rustic surface like the hardwood on your floors could also inspire nature- or earth-tone-inspired colour choices.

8. Factor in the size of your space

A minimalist bedroom with white walls and wooden floors / Source: iStock

When you know the colours you might like, consider the area you intend to paint. Take a moment to pause and think about the existing layout of the space or what the area will be used for, as the wall colour will affect the look and feel of the entire space. 

Professional painters and decorators know which paint finish and what paint colour would work best for every space, considering all factors in the house. So, if you’re unsure how to go about a painting project, consult a pro for expert advice and painting cost estimates. 

9. Use a colour scheme to choose the right paint colour palette

Colour scheme and palette are often used interchangeably but are very different.

A colour scheme is a framework or theory, for example, monochromatic, complementary colours, or achromatic. Meanwhile, a colour palette is the actual swatches: complementary colours, blue and orange, different shades and tints of the same colour, pink, and so on.

When picking a colour palette, stick to a few hues or choose different tones of a similar colour group rather than contrasting shades. It helps to use a colour wheel or talk to a colour consultant when determining the right colour scheme or colour palette for your interior walls.

Choose the right interior paint colours easily

Picking paint colours doesn’t have to be overwhelming and complicated. While doing it yourself can be fulfilling and affordable, reaching out to a painter can ensure a successful painting project that is worth your time and money, especially if it’s your first time repainting your walls.

FAQs on choosing the right paint colours

Should you go lighter or darker with paint?

Paints typically dry darker, but if mixed properly, they should come out looking the same as what is on the paint swatch. So, it all boils down to your choice of the swatch and mixing the paint properly. 

Should I paint my entire house the same colour?

There’s no hard rule that says you shouldn’t; however, your home will benefit from using at least different shades of the same colour. This adds visual interest while maintaining a certain flow or continuity as one moves through the house. 

How do I choose my exterior house colour?

Below are some tips to help you choose your exterior house colour:

  • Look for inspiration in the finishes in your home, such as the foundation, trim, roof, and landscape.
  • Get a colour wheel and test out some palettes.
  • Consult with a house painter to get the best look for your home.
  • If you want, feel free to look at the colour scheme in your own neighbourhood to make sure your home fits in.

What is the most popular interior paint colour?

White is one of the most popular interior paint colours since it’s easy to pair with other colours. White can look warm and cosy or light and airy. Its classic look and ability to tie different colours together make it many homeowners’ paint colour of choice.