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Pick Your Palette: A Handy Guide to Paint Colours

6 December 2016

Leslie Fleming

When redecorating a room, one of the easiest ways to give the space a completely different feel is to paint the walls. It's a fairly easy job that requires no expert knowledge or serious practice. All you need is the time commitment—and, of course, the paint. But what colour should you choose for your room? With modern pigments ranging from traditional neutrals through soothing pastels and all the way up to vibrant neons, the choices may seem endless. However, here are some guidelines to help you decide.

How much light does your room get?

Lighting can have a huge impact on how your wall colour performs. If it's a fairly enclosed space that doesn't get much natural daylight, you may wish to steer away from stronger, more statement colours. Without the light to open the space up, they may feel overpowering and make the room seem smaller. Instead, opt for something fresh and bright. If you're bored with neutrals, why not try a grey-blue, a mint green or a soft peach?

What is the room for?

Spaces that are used for socialising and lively activity can handle brighter colours—a warm, terracotta red can warm up a kitchen or dining room, for example, and a burnt orange could be an adventurous choice for a hallway. However, keep these bright colours out of your bedroom. It is believed that busier colours such as reds and deep purples may adversely affect your sleep. Instead, opt for a steel blue, a hint of lilac or a pearly off-white to aid your restful feelings.

How often do you like to redecorate?

If you're the kind of person who really enjoys restructuring your home and refreshing your rooms, choosing a statement colour may limit your options. That jewel-tone teal may look beautiful the first time you redecorate, but matching it with different fabrics and textures again may be difficult next time. However, if you don't redecorate often, you can go for something unusual and interesting, safe in the knowledge that it won't bore you for a long time!

Are you limiting your palette?

Many people unintentionally restrict their own options by abiding by the stereotypical gendered colours—blue is for boys, pink is for girls. In doing so, however, you may be missing out on a colour that really suits your space. Blue doesn't have to be masculine, and pinks don't have to be Barbie-girl feminine. Look for ways to change them up!

Of course, kids will always want to choose the colours of their own rooms, and neutrals are always a fresh and easy option—but hopefully considering all these things will help you choose a colour you love for your next big decorating project.

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