How to Create a Colour Palette Like a Professional

Colour is perhaps the most essential part of interior design. It sets the mood, evokes emotion, and tells a story without words. Yet, for many homeowners, picking colours can feel overwhelming. We've all stared at walls of paint chips, unsure if we’re choosing the right shade of white or if that bold blue will clash with the existing rug.

The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to master colour. A thoughtful colour palette can transform disjointed rooms into balanced, cohesive spaces. As your trusted experts, we're here to share simple steps for choosing the perfect hues for your lifestyle, helping you create a space that feels uniquely yours.

Understanding the Basics of Colour Theory

Before diving into swatches, let’s cover the basics of colour theory. Think of the colour wheel as your friendly guide, not a strict set of rules. Understanding a few key concepts will empower you to choose colours with confidence and avoid common mistakes.

In interior design, the most important factor is temperature. Warm Colours, like reds, oranges, and yellows, create a cozy, stimulating atmosphere and can make large rooms feel more intimate. Cool Colours, such as blues, greens, purples, on the other hand, offer a more restful, calming feel and can help small spaces feel larger.

To create a balanced look, interior designers swear by the 60-30-10 Rule:

• 60% Dominant Colour: Your main colour for the space. Use this for walls, large rugs, or major furniture pieces that you want to be the focal point.
• 30% Secondary Colour: This supports the main hue. Apply it to curtains, accent chairs, or linens.
• 10% Accent Colour: A subtle pop of colour. Use this for pillows, artwork, and accessories that tie the room together.

Step 1: Choosing Your Foundational Colour

Just as every home needs a solid foundation, every room begins with a foundational colour. In interior design, this foundation is often the flooring. Because flooring is a permanent, high-impact element, it can influence the direction of your entire palette.

We recommend selecting a versatile neutral for your flooring to ensure longevity. This allows you to update wall colours and decor over the years without the need for a costly renovation.

Expert tip: If your flooring features red, orange, or yellow tones, pair it with creamy whites, beiges, or warm "greige" walls. For floors with grey or blue undertones, opt for crisp whites, cool greys, or soft blues to create a seamless aesthetic.

Step 2: Layering with Secondary Shades

With your foundation set by your walls and flooring, it's time to choose a secondary colour. This shade should complement your primary colour, creating a harmonious feel rather than competing for attention.

When it comes to doing it effectively, there are two main approaches you can take:

1. Go for a Similar Vibe: Think of colours that are neighbours on the colour wheel, like blue and green. This approach, known as analogous harmony, creates a cohesive look.
2. Play with Tones: A monochromatic scheme uses different shades and tints of a single colour for a look that's effortlessly sophisticated. Picture a room with a deep navy rug, soft blue walls, and sky-blue accents. This layered approach feels intentional and modern.

Step 3: Adding Personality with Accents

Your accent colour is where you can take risks. Because this colour is reserved for smaller items like throw pillows, vases, and art, it’s easy, and often affordable, to swap out should you get tired of it or if it starts to feel dated.

• The "Pop" Factor: If your room is mostly neutral tones, a pop of jewel tones, like emerald or sapphire, can bring the whole space to life.
• Seasonal Swaps: One of the best things about accent colours is their flexibility. You might embrace burnt orange in the autumn for a cozy vibe, then switch to fresh sage green and blush pink in the spring for a lighter feel.
• Texture as Colour: Texture influences how we perceive colour. For example, a velvet sofa will show colour differently from a linen one. A woven rug adds depth that a flat weave cannot. Mixing textures adds richness to your palette even if you are staying within a neutral range.

The Key to Success: Testing Your Palette in Real Life

The biggest mistake you can make is rushing the decision. Never pick a paint colour from a tiny one-inch chip in the hardware store. You need to see the colour in your actual environment; this is called the "Live With It" Test.

1. Paint Large Swatches: Buy samples of a few of your top paint choices. Paint large squares on a wall or two in the room.
2. Bring Flooring Samples Home: Place them next to your wall swatches to see how they look together.
3. Watch the Light: Observe how the colours change throughout the day. That "perfect beige" might turn muddy in the morning light or pink in the afternoon sun.
4. Check Your Furniture: Hold cushions and fabrics up against the paint and flooring samples to ensure everything plays nicely together.

Ready to find your foundation? When it comes to flooring, bring your vision to life by ordering flooring samples right to your door. Seeing and feeling your favourite options in your home's unique light is the perfect way to make a confident choice.

Order Flooring Samples

Shop Flooring That Complements Your Palette

Creating a colour palette is a journey that moves from the big picture down to the smallest details. Remember, the "right" palette is ultimately the one that makes you feel at home. It should reflect your personality, support your lifestyle, and bring you joy every time you walk through the door.

Still feeling stuck? We’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with our experts today. We can help you navigate the options and find the perfect match for your vision. Don't wait. Experience the difference that high-quality flooring and professional guidance can make.

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