The power of colour: how to choose the perfect paint colours for your home

Paint is one of the simplest and most effective ways to transform the look and feel of any room in your home. After all, the right colours can make a huge difference to the overall aesthetic and enhance your mood. However, choosing the right paint colours can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to start.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips on choosing paint colours when considering interior design, so each room perfectly reflects your home’s personality.

Consider the natural light

The first thing to consider when selecting a paint colour is the natural light in the room. The amount of light that enters a room can affect how a colour appears. For instance, a colour that looks great in a well-lit room may look entirely different in a room that receives little natural light. If the natural light has a yellowish tint, it can make white walls look warmer, while blue walls may appear greener.

It’s also important to remember that a room that receives a lot of natural light can accommodate darker colours. And, you’ve guessed it, a room with little natural light is better suited to lighter colours.

But it’s not only natural light you need to consider. Look at the other sources of light in your room - will turning on a lamp or wall light impact your choice? Does it still create the aesthetic you’re looking for? Bright light can wash out the intensity of paint colours, making them appear less saturated. Dim lighting can make colours appear richer and more intense. So it really does depend on your personal preference.

Consider the room’s purpose

The purpose of the room can also impact your paint colour choice. For instance, if you want to create a relaxing bedroom, soft and calming colours like blues and greens might be more suitable. In contrast, bright and bold colours are better suited for a lively living room or a children’s playroom.

The room’s purpose should be considered when selecting the colour to create a cohesive and functional space. You want the space to fit its purpose, so you know how it will make you feel before you even go in. Don’t underestimate how a room’s colour can affect - and boost - your mood.

Create a mood board

One way to help narrow down your paint colour options is to create a mood board. A mood board is a collection of images, colour swatches, and materials representing your desired look and feel for a room. You can create a mood board by gathering inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, or other sources and then organising them into a collection.

Creating a mood board can help you visualise how different colours will look together and help you identify the colours that best match your desired mood and aesthetic. It’s also a great thing to share with an interior designer to give them a feel for the look you’re hoping to achieve and to start your discussions. The clearer you can be about what you do and don’t like, even at the very beginning of the process, is incredibly helpful.

Test your paint colours

Once you have narrowed down your paint colour options, it’s time to test them out in the room. First, go into your local DIY or paint shop and buy some small samples you can take home to test on the walls.

Testing paint colours in the room where you will use them is essential because the lighting, furniture, and other elements can affect how the colour appears. Painting a small area of the wall with your chosen colours can help you see how it looks at different times of the day and under various lighting conditions.

Take the time to consider the colours - there’s nothing worse than painting an entire room a colour that doesn’t end up accurately representing the look you want! Ask friends and family members what they think too. Talking to people about how you want the overall room to feel by the end of it can help with decision-making.

Work with an interior designer to help you choose the right colour

And finally don’t forget interior designers can be a valuable resource when choosing paint colours. We are here to help! As well as being knowledgeable about current design trends, colour theory, and the latest paint options available in the market, an interior designer can also help you find colours that match your preferences and lifestyle while also considering the other elements in the room too.

Here at Willow and Bert, we’re big fans of traditional colours and schemes to give your home that timelessness and versatility, as they can serve as a backdrop for any design style. They can also make a space/room feel calm, clean, and sophisticated. In addition, traditional colour schemes often feature complementary colours, which create a sense of balance and harmony.

Summary

Choosing the right paint colour is essential for achieving your desired look and feel in any room. If you would like further support and advice for choosing the paint colours for your interior design project, get in touch, and we’d be more than happy to help you.