How to choose paint colours for your home

Colour cues

Colour has an important influence on our lives, both at home and at work, often reflecting how we want to live and feel. Painting is a quick, easy and changeable way to update a space. We’ll show you how to make an impact when choosing paint colours for your home, whether you want to go bold or keep things calming and tranquil.

Find joy in colour

The Chromatic Joy palette of playful hues suggests optimism and positivity. “The pared back, bright white spaces of minimalist design make way for comforting and joyful colour. ‘Riot of Sunlight’, ‘Glowing Bars’, ‘Beautiful and Bright’, ‘Torc of Gold’, ‘Early Leaf’ and ‘Everything Is Going To Be Alright’ are all perfect choices for bursts of colour,” says Rachel Lacy, colour category manager at PPG Paints.

Mood-lifting hues are also in Dulux’s Revive palette, including rose pink, breezy blue, sunshine yellow, emerald green, violet and burnt orange. Described as ‘retro futuristic’, they make a statement, making them ideal for accent walls.

Keep calm with these paint colours

Melanie Stephenson of Porter’s Paints says the brand’s oceanic hues of calming blues and greens are popular. “Colours of the ocean, from palest greens to saturated jewel tones, not only deliver serenity and calm, but also a sense of optimism and restoration,” she says.

Marine blues, gentle greens and accents of deep garnet are also reflected in the Dulux Balance palette. “Balance is very much inspired by a ‘less is more’ philosophy,” says Dulux colour expert Davina Harper. These trending colours are a great complement to luxe textures including velvet and silk, and furniture with exaggerated, curved silhouettes.

Earthy tones of sandstone, wasabi, moss, muddied yellow-green and charcoal also come through in the Dulux Connect palette, appealing to those who seek “calm, comfort and a simple approach to living,” says Davina.

Tip: Porter’s Paints Squid Ink is a deep, dramatic choice that complements timber accents.

Choosing your shade

If you’re not confident with embracing colour, choosing it and using it can be hard. “Look at the area you want to paint and explore how you and your family use and enjoy the space,” says Rachel Lacy. She suggests seeking inspiration online when choosing paint colours for your home.

Davina says people are usually drawn to images showing light and airy spaces or, conversely, darker, cosy spaces and colours that draw you in. “Then you have to take the functional use of the space into consideration,” she says. “You would probably want a working room (such as a kitchen or laundry) to be light and bright to enhance the work and time spent in this area. Whereas in a bedroom or living room you may want to feel secure and cocooned, hence a darker colour may be perfect for these spaces.”

“There are some wonderful uplifting, brighter colours coming through that are inspired by fashion and technology – they just shine happiness,” adds Davina.

Best places to add colour to your home

Love colour but aren’t sure how to use it? The easiest place to begin painting your home is often a bedroom, suggests Davina. “This personal space is not an area your guests walk through, so you can completely colour without barriers or external critique,” she says. Start with a wall behind your bedhead as the focal point to create a feature wall. 

The effects of light on colour

Light will have a big impact on colour, so study how it works throughout the day in the space you’re working with. Use a test pot to paint a large card to move around. But don’t line tester colour cards up beside each other as this will influence their appearance.

“You also need to view colour at different times of the day with natural lighting, to see it in full sun and shadows or even in diffused light, as well as under artificial lighting at night, which can make a huge impact,” says Davina.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Not sure if your walls are ready for paint?

Check out our step-by-step guide to prepare your walls for a smooth, professional finish.

Photo Credit: Dulux Australia_Lisa Cohen, Porter’s Paints, Marnie Hawson, Kaboodle Kitchen, Dulux Australia_Bree Leech