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The Ultimate Colour Cheat Sheet for Home Decor


Hand holding a fan of colorful paint swatches against a white background. Cards show a gradient from cool pastels to warm oranges.

Alright, let's talk colours for your home! Choosing the right paint and decor can feel like a big decision, but don't worry! We're going to break down some colour basics so you can pick a palette that feels just right for your space.


Think about how you want a room to feel. Calm and relaxed? Bright and cheerful? Colour plays a huge role in that. So, grab a drink and let's dive into the world of hues!



Color swatches arranged in a circle form a vibrant rainbow gradient on a gray background, showcasing a spectrum from warm yellows to cool blues.

The Colour Wheel: Your Handy Guide

Imagine a circle of colours – that's your colour wheel. It's got the main players:

  • Primary Colours: Red, yellow, and blue. These are the originals – you can't mix other colours to get these.


  • Secondary Colours: Orange (red + yellow), green (blue + yellow), and violet (red + blue). These are the children of the primaries.


  • Tertiary Colours: These are like the grandchildren – you mix a primary with a neighbouring secondary colour, like red-orange or blue-green.



How Colours Interact

Knowing how colours get along helps you build a good-looking palette:


Modern blue living room with a blue sofa, armchair, and rug. Two floor lamps, a coffee table with dried flowers, and abstract art. Cozy ambiance.

  • Monochromatic: Think different shades of the same colour – like a bunch of blues in your living room for a super calm vibe. It's sophisticated and easy on the eyes.



Luxurious teal-themed living room with a large sectional sofa, green cushions, floor lamps, abstract wall art, and sunlight streaming in.

  • Analogous: These are colours that are side-by-side on the wheel, like blue, blue-green, and green. It feels natural and easy-going, kind of like a walk in the woods.



Cozy living room with blue sofa, orange cushions, and vase of sunflowers. Warm lighting, patterned rug, and paintings on the wall enhance the setting.

  • Complementary: These are total opposites on the wheel, like red and green, or blue and orange. They create a real pop! Use them for accents to add some zing without going overboard.



Cozy room with blue sofa, orange pillows, and an orange accent chair. Sunlit, with vibrant wall art and plants, creates a warm ambiance.

  • Split-Complementary: You pick one colour, then look at its opposite, and grab the two colours right next to that opposite. So, if you like blue, you'd look at orange and then grab yellow-orange and red-orange. It's got some punch but it's a bit softer than straight-up complementary.



Bright kitchen with red, blue and yellow decor, featuring floral patterns. Sunlight streams through large windows, creating a cheerful mood.

  • Triadic: Three colours evenly spaced out on the wheel, like red, yellow, and blue. It can be fun and lively, but you have to balance it right.



Colorful living room with a teal sofa, orange and green cushions, vibrant wall art, plants on windowsill, and purple walls. Bright, cozy vibe.

  • Tetradic (Double Complementary): This is like two sets of opposites. It's rich and can be really interesting, but pick one colour to be the star so it doesn't get too busy.



Colour Psychology: What's the Vibe?

Colours can make us feel different things, right? Think about the mood you're going for:


Greens lushly decorate a serene bathroom with a clawfoot tub, gold fixtures, plants, and teal tiles. Circular window lights the space.

  • Cool Colours (Blues, Greens, Violets): These often feel calm, peaceful, and make a space feel bigger. Great for bedrooms and bathrooms.



Cozy kitchen with sunflowers on a wooden table, vintage cream fridge, yellow cabinets, floral curtains, and warm sunlight streaming in.

  • Warm Colours (Reds, Oranges, Yellows): These feel cozy, energetic, and happy. Good for living rooms and dining rooms, but maybe go easy on the super bright ones.



Minimalist neutral-toned bedroom with a beige bed, abstract wall art, and pendant lamp. Nightstands hold decor and books, creating a serene atmosphere.

  • Neutrals (Whites, Greys, Beiges, Browns): These are your trusty background colours. They let other colours shine and can feel sophisticated and peaceful.



Picking Paint When You've Got Wood Accents (Think Kitchen Cabinets and Floors!)

Lots of homes have some sort of wood you can't easily replace, right? So when you're picking paint, take a good look at your wood to make sure things play nicely together.


A variety of wood samples in different shades of brown are fanned out on a black background, showcasing textures and patterns.

  • Figure Out the Undertone: Wood isn't just "brown." It can have warm hints (yellow, orange, red) or cool hints (grey, green, blue). Look at it in natural light, maybe next to a white piece of paper. What do you see?



Wooden glass doors open to a lush garden. Blue walls inside display family photos in diverse frames, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

  • If Your Wood's Got Warm Tones (Like Cherry or That Yellow-y Oak):

    • Opposites Attract (But Gently!): Think blues or blue-greys for a nice contrast that makes the wood stand out. Go for softer shades so it's not too loud.

    • Keeping it Cozy: Warm neutrals like creamy whites, beiges with a bit of yellow, or soft greens will feel harmonious with warm wood.

    • Subtle Style: Different shades of warm neutrals can give you a really classy, understated look.


Wooden cabinet with sunlit gray doors and copper handles against a peach wall. Shadows cast a grid pattern across the surface.

  • If Your Wood's Got Cool Tones (Like Maple or Some Greyish Oak):

    • Warm It Up a Bit: Try softer yellows, peachy colours, or even muted oranges to balance out the coolness.

    • Cool and Collected: Cool neutrals like crisp whites, greys with blue or green in them, or soft blues and greens will feel right at home.

    • Peaceful Vibes: Different shades of cool neutrals can make a space feel super calm and modern.



Wooden kitchen cabinets against a dark blue wall, beige doors open to reveal orange flowers. Plates and a vase of red flowers on the counter.

  • If Your Wood's Pretty Neutral (Like Some Light Oaks): 

    You're in luck! These go with a lot. You can lean into warmer or cooler colours depending on the feel you're after.





Some Friendly Tips for Picking Your Palette:

  • Get Inspired! Flip through magazines, check out websites like Pinterest, and look at nature for colour combos you like.


  • Think About What Stays: Factor in your furniture, rugs, and art that you're keeping.


  • Always Test it Out! Grab those paint samples and put them on your walls. See how they look at different times of day before you commit.


  • Consider the Flow: Think about how the colours will move from one room to the next so it feels connected.


  • Go With Your Gut! These are just guidelines, right? If a colour makes you happy, go for it! It's your home.




Picking colours for your place should be fun! By understanding a few basics and thinking about your wood accents, you can totally nail a palette that feels like you and makes your home a place you love being.


Happy decorating!

 
 
 

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