The use of light colours will visually push walls away, where darker colours will pull them in. These ‘tricks of the eye’ can be used to correct room proportions. A narrow room can be made to look wider, for example, by painting the end wall a darker shade than the other walls. Using a deep colour on a high ceiling will make a room feel more cosy because the ceiling appears much lower.
Direction of the Room
If you have recently moved into a new home, take some time to see how the light affects different rooms before deciding on colour schemes. A north facing room will often have warm light all day, and cool colours such as pale blues and greens can safely be used without making the room look cold. When a room faces south, however, the lack of direct sunlight will make it feel cold, so use warm colours to compensate and create an inviting atmosphere.
Natural & Artificial Lighting
The size of your windows and type of window treatments will affect the amount of natural light that enters each room. Interior lighting and lamps can be used to lift any dark areas to give an impression of more space, or to create intimate, cosy retreats. It is important to check colour samples in both natural and artificial light because lighting has a dramatic effect on colour.
Atmosphere
Complementary schemes tend to be calm and relaxing, using colours that harmonise with each other. Contrasting schemes use colour opposites and can be highly effective in creating a bright, uplifting environment. Consider what the room is to be used for and the mood you want to create. For a light and airy atmosphere, use soft, pale and complementary colours. Warmer colours will create a cosy ambience, or use rich tones and contrasting schemes for dramatic effects.
Furnishings
Few home decorators start with an empty room. Existing carpets and curtains are often too expensive to replace, and need to be co-ordinated into new colour schemes. Try matching a paint swatch with the main colour of your fabric or carpet, and then consider colours that both complement and contrast with that colour. Choosing colours that echo patterns and colours in existing furnishings can give your home a whole new look without spending a fortune.
Don’t Forget the Colour of the Floor
After the walls, floors are the largest expanses of colour in your home and can dramatically alter the appearance of a room. Include the floors when planning your colour scheme, and use floor colours and coverings in the same way as wall paint to create visual illusions. Carpet in the same colour as the ceiling, with walls painted a lighter shade, for instance, will make a room seem longer and wider. As with paint, light floor colours make small rooms appear larger and brighter, while darker, richer colours will make a large room appear smaller and more welcoming. If you're on a tight budget, inexpensive rugs can also be used to stunning effect.
A modern, upbeat colour that could be chosen by someone who doesn’t mind being unconventional and going their own way – a chance taker. Although a colour that is technically a combination of green and blue, it definitely has its own personality – lively and fun.
BLUE
From the sea and the sky, this colour is associated with peace and calm. It is also the colour of conservatism and order and is thought to be chosen by those who are successful. Although often called cold, there are also many different shades to choose from that give depth and character to a room.
PURPLE
Regal and rich, this is a colour that emulates wealth, and is often used by those who are interested in luxury. Deep and thoughtful, this colour makes a real statement in the home and is a real attention getter. Softer tones of lilac can look modern and chic without the drama.
The paler version of red, with some of its characteristics but not its strength. Often thought to be feminine, soft and gentle, but when you get away from the pale versions and hit the brightest cerise, it is anything but soft. Can look very modern or pretty – the choice of tone is everything.
RED
One of the brightest colours, this is bold and bright – a colour associated with passion and mystery, energy and danger. It is a revolutionary colour, so chosen by someone who doesn’t mind standing up and being counted. Used in the home for drama and strength.
ORANGE
Bold and fun, this is a colour for the trend setter. The colour comes from fruit and flowers, sunsets and autumn, so it has a natural warmth. Those who like orange are thought to be cheerful, active and strong, and their interiors reflect this.
Deep or soft, there are masses of natural colours to choose from here. The darker tones are just a step away from black, so sophisticated and very smart. The lighter tones are right for the restrained natural look, giving depth to the softer creams. The darkest browns would be great for the night bird.
PEACH
Soft, and having nowhere near the heat of orange, this is still a colour that is distinctly warm, but definitely not hot. More traditional and less controversial than its big brother, it can look pretty or modern – it all depends on the colours used with it.
CREAM
Soft, safe and sophisticated. Natural colour that is easy on the eye and easy to live with. Like those who choose this colour, there is more depth to it than you may first think, with lots of sophisticated tones to choose from.
Uplifting and warm, this colour has natural associations with gold and the sun. If you are drawn to yellow you are said to be intelligent, optimistic and innovative. It will surely add warmth and sunshine to any room of the house, and is great to combine with almost any other colour palette.
This is the blank sheet for the thinker or designer. There’s no intrusion from this colour, it gives you the room to work and be creative. Associated with purity and innocence, it is used mainly for contemporary, clean, unfussy environments. Will make any room seem larger and brighter.
GREY
A designer choice, this mix of black and white. Smart, yet restrained, grey can be used by lovers of modern design – it looks great with white or any bright colour – or even fits the bill for those who prefer a classic Georgian style home.
Black has no light and is the darkest colour, so is thought to be sombre and moody. Like wearing a black suit, it is anonymous and very stylish. Possibly chosen for the home by someone who isn’t afraid of conventions or what others think. In interiors, it is usually used in small amounts.
This is the colour of nature and vegetation and, more importantly, regeneration. It’s familiar, with good connotations, and therefore calming and restful to use in interiors. Lovers of nature are drawn to this colour to make their homes a haven.
