Colour Confidence: 5 Steps to a Palette That Flows

A fan of colors waiting to become walls — where every swatch holds the promise of a palette that flows.

Why Choosing Colors is So Hard (and How to Get It Right)

Have you ever stood in front of a wall of paint swatches, completely overwhelmed? You're not alone. Choosing the right colors for your home is one of the biggest challenges in interior design. But why is it so hard?

Color isn't just about aesthetics; it's deeply tied to psychology, personal experience, and even biology. The colors we choose impact our mood, how we perceive space, and even how we feel physically. With thousands of shades and undertones to consider, decision fatigue is real.

The good news? There’s a way to simplify the process. Let’s break it down into five key steps to help you confidently choose a cohesive color scheme that works for your home.

1. Start With the Mood You Want to Create

Before you even look at paint swatches, ask yourself: How do I want to feel in this space?

• Calm and serene? Soft blues, greens, and neutrals work well.

• Energized and social? Warmer tones like terracotta, mustard, or coral can boost vibrancy.

• Cozy and grounded? Deep, rich colors like forest green, navy, or earthy browns add warmth.

Each color has an emotional effect, so start with the feeling first, then narrow down your options.

2. Identify Fixed Elements in Your Space

Unless you’re starting from scratch, your home already has existing elements that influence color choices. Consider:

• Flooring (wood tones, tiles, carpets)

• Countertops and cabinetry

• Large furniture pieces

• Natural light levels

If you have warm-toned hardwood floors, choosing a cool gray might clash. Instead, look for colors with similar warm undertones to create a harmonious look.

3. Choose a Base, Secondary, and Accent Color

A well-designed color scheme follows a balance of 60-30-10:

• 60% – Base color (walls, larger furniture, main fabric choices)

• 30% – Secondary color (curtains, rugs, bedding, secondary furniture)

• 10% – Accent color (decor, artwork, pillows, smaller accessories)

This formula helps create a visually cohesive space without overwhelming the eye.

Light is everything.

Natural light changes throughout the day and this effects how the paint colour reads.

4. Test in Different Lighting Conditions

One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing a color based on a tiny swatch or how it looks in a store. Paint colors can appear completely different depending on:

• Time of day (morning vs. evening light)

• Artificial lighting (warm vs. cool bulbs)

• Surrounding colors (other painted walls, furniture, floors)

Before committing, test your top color choices by painting large swatches on different walls and observing them at different times of the day.

5. Use Undertones to Avoid Surprises

Have you ever picked what you thought was a neutral beige, only to find it looking pink or yellow on your walls? That’s because of undertones—the subtle hints of color mixed into paint.

• Warm undertones (reds, yellows, oranges) feel cozy but can clash with cool-toned elements.

• Cool undertones (blues, greens, purples) feel crisp and fresh but may look cold in dim lighting.

• Neutral undertones have a balance but can still shift in different lighting conditions.

When in doubt, compare your paint choices against pure white to see their true undertones.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right colors for your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on mood, fixed elements, lighting, and undertones, you can confidently select a palette that enhances your space and well-being.

Next time you’re staring at a wall of swatches, take a deep breath, follow these steps, and trust the process. Your perfect color scheme is waiting!