21 Apr How to Choose the Perfect Colour Palette for Any Room
Sandra Harris, a veteran interior designer, understands that picking the right colour palette for a room can be one of the most exciting — and, at times, nerve-racking — parts of the design process. Colour affects the way a room feels as much as it does the way it looks.
It can energise or calm, open up a room or make it more cosy, and even influence mood and productivity. But there are thousands of colours, shades, and tones to choose from — where do you start?
Here’s a blueprint—borrowed from the way Sandra Harris chooses the right colour palette for your room—to make sure your space looks and feels like you and serves its purpose. Start with a Mood or Feeling. Before you even look at swatches, ask: How do I want this room to feel? A calming, restful bedroom may merit soft neutrals, cool blues or muted greens.
Vivid hues such as mustard yellow, teal or punchy coral might enliven a home office or workout area. These emotional cues are a big part of the language of interior design.
Utilize Colour Psychology as a Guide
But these hues can work their magic if you use color theory wisely, blushing blues & greens: Peaceful, reassuring, organic. Yellows & Oranges: Happy, sunny, energising.
Greys & Neutrals: Grounding, classic, adaptable Deep Hues (navy, emerald, burgundy): Elegant, moody, warm
Find a Starting Point. A unified colour palette usually begins with one place of inspiration. Sandra Harris suggests that it might be: A favourite piece of artwork
A decorated rug or unusual textile, A beloved furniture item
Outdoor landscape that gives a sense of peace.e Use this as your starting point to build your palette from — creating visual unity throughout the space.
Apply the 60-30-10 Rule. All the classic floor in interior design: 60% – Primary colour (walls, large furniture, area rugs)
30% – Secondary colour – (upholstery, curtains, smaller furniture) 10% – Accent colour (for art, cushions, accessories)
This is a great way to help create a space that feels intentional and balanced.”
Consider Lighting Natural lighting, and artificial lighting, can make a colour look far different. Sandra says you should always test paint in different rooms and under various lighting conditions before committing.
North-facing rooms may require warmer hues to compensate for cool shadows, while south-facing spaces that are flooded with warmth may benefit from cooler colours. Balance Bold with Neutral Strong colours can add drama and personality, but they’re at their best when grounded with softer, more neutral shades.
An inky navy or terracotta wall, for instance, complements creams or greys in the surrounding decor. By contrast, starting with a neutral base and introducing colour through accessories is a versatile, low-risk approach for lovers of design.
Don’t Forget Flow.
Sandra Harris says flow is key, especially for homes with multiple rooms. Rooms don’t have to match, but a cohesive colour story, or complementary palette, will make transitions between spaces feel harmonious. A few shared accent tones can do wonders to tie the whole home together.
Tone, Sample & Live With
Sandra Harris always advises living with colour samples before committing to a final choice. Look in morning, afternoon, and evening light. Occasionally, the whole hue only reveals itself after watching it develop throughout a day. Choosing a colour palette is equal parts art and science — and a whole lot of personal expression.
So, with interior decorating professionals (like Sandra Harris) and some knowledge of good interior design principles, you will have the ability to build a home that looks incredible and feels even better. Trust your instincts, experiment fearlessly and allow colour to be as much a powerful tool as it is.