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DIY - Header - How to create a colour scheme for your home
A new coat of paint can make a huge difference to your home. We spoke to Andrea from Dulux to get some tips on how to choose the colour scheme that’s right for you.

Where to start

Rather than starting with a swatch of different colours, take a look at the colours already in your home and go from there. Everything from your floor colour to the colour of your furniture and even your curtains should be considered. You want your colour scheme to complement your surroundings, not clash with them.

Cream painted house facade - Wooden seat - Front yard - Medium - Dulux

Test match

Now you can start testing colours by gathering paint samples and swatches. Even fabric samples and magazine pages can be colour matched in-store if you find something you like. If you plan to use different colours throughout the house, just make sure you consider how one room will flow to the next.

Lime white painted house facade - Front yard - Medium - Dulux

The three colour rule

Try to stick to no more than three colours as a simple rule when it comes to painting your exterior, according to Andrea from Dulux. Three colours is more than enough to coat, outline and accent your house. Natural, earth-based colours tend to work best and neutral is definitely not boring when it comes to your exterior. You can always add pops of colour with potted plants or by painting your front door or highlighting key architectural details.

The role of colour

Lighter colours can make small spaces feel larger, while darker colours can make a room feel smaller and cosier. A mainly white colour scheme with splashes of light blues and greens can make your space feel cool and breezy. 

Alternatively, deep reds and burnt oranges can create a feeling of welcome and warmth. If you want to add some colour to a room without painting the entire space, you could always paint a feature wall instead. If you’re feeling a little daunted about using colour start with a master bedroom. This is a personal space and a great room to add mood to create your perfect sanctuary.

Need some inspiration?

For more great ideas, check out more from Dulux.

 

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.