Redecorating is a wonderful thing, being able to transform a room, or your whole home, into something that feels new and exciting. Tired rooms can give a sense of lethargy when left for too long, but, by stripping everything back and starting again, you can give your home a new lease of life
If you are thinking about redecorating, then considering your colour scheme is vital. In this article, we look at some of the things you should consider before picking a colour scheme and suggest some of the best colour pairings for your rooms.
Things to consider when recolouring a room
Before you pick up a brush or start looking at tins of paint, we suggest considering these things to make sure the colour scheme you decide on is really right for your space.
How much natural light is there?
One of the things many people don't think about that can have a large impact on a room is the natural light it receives. From hallways that don't receive much light to well-lit kitchen spaces, knowing how the light will alter the colouring of your spaces can help you know what tones to use when repainting.
Natasha, from NB Interiors, explained: "One of the key things to know and take into consideration when choosing a colour scheme is which direction the room in question is facing. Lighting plays a pivotal role in how a colour looks and makes a space feel.
"Colours can change with different lighting, for example, an east-facing room is warmer in the morning and much cooler in the afternoon so the colour will look completely different at each end of the day. Generally speaking, blues and greens or yellow and oranges work well in these rooms."
You'll also want to consider the right colour for smaller, dimly lit rooms and spaces. Choosing something too dark can make the room feel dingy while choosing a light colour can help make the room feel more spacious.
What mood are you going for?
Depending on the function of the room, you might be going for a particular mood and the colours you use to decorate are a great way of creating an ambience. Whether you want a cosy bedroom or are looking for a bright and airy kitchen, tailoring your colour scheme to the mood you want to achieve is a must.
What will fill the space?
Although your walls will encompass the majority of the colour, you should consider the furniture and décor you plan to buy or have in the room currently. If you have a brightly coloured sofa set, will the colour you plan to go with match, or should you reconsider? Knowing what objects will be filling the space means you can envision whether the colour scheme is going to flow with the room.
Colour schemes to upgrade your interiors
White/Off-White
Perfect for: Living Rooms
For a great base layer in a busy space, white or off-white walls work well. If you are a lover of all things bright and colourful, this may seem counterintuitive but by giving yourself a base of white-washed walls you'll be free to add pops of colour around the space. From large pieces of vibrant artwork to eye-catching furniture, you'll be able to dress it up to suit you.
At the other end of the spectrum, for those who love a minimalist look, white walls create a simple and timeless look that you'll never need to update.
Blue and White
Perfect for: Bathrooms
Sometimes, the traditional is that for a reason and shouldn't be overlooked. With sea-faring connotations, a blue and white colour scheme are perfect for the bathroom. Not only is it light and inviting, but it also doesn't make too much of a statement and won't age over time. Plus, it's very easy to achieve, especially if you already have white fittings, fixtures and tiling.
If you need help envisioning what your bathroom space could become, visit our bathroom showrooms in Exeter, Devon and see for yourself what can be achieved.
Slate Grey and Pastels
Perfect for: Bedrooms
Darker colours may scare some people when it comes to interior design. But, paired correctly with a lighter shade, a darker colour can help create a more cosy and intimate setting. If you are looking for a way to upgrade a bedroom then consider matching a dark, slate grey with a pastel of your choosing.
The darkness of the grey will really make the lighter colour pop and together they create an attractive, inviting space. Plus, with so many different pastels to choose from, you can use this approach in all of your bedrooms but change the lighter tone to create a distinction in design.
Yellow and Grey
Perfect for: Kitchens
For many, kitchens are the heart of the home and a prime entertainment spot. As one of the most important rooms in the house, making your kitchen bright and welcoming can be a top priority for many. Whether you benefit from natural light in your kitchen or not, introducing a yellow and grey colour scheme can help bring the sunshine in.
By itself, yellow can be a daunting colour, but matched with a light or dark grey it can bring a real splash of sunshine into any space. Whether you decide to go minimal, think of painting cupboard interiors yellow and adding yellow finishes, or go loud and proud with it, it's a great way to brighten up your kitchen.
Colour schemes to upgrade your interiors:
- White/Off-White
- Blue and White
- Slate and Pastels
- Yellow and Grey
These are just a small selection of the great colour schemes you can use to upgrade your interiors. With every room and every house, it's up to what you want and what feels right, but with these tips and suggestions, you should be in a great starting place to work out the colour scheme that is perfect for your home.
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