Where do I begin with picking a colour scheme?

Choosing a colour scheme can often feel like a navigating your way through a corn maze with no clue in sight. Each turn presenting a new option and each choice affecting the overall mood and cohesion of the design. Getting the right colour means you'll create a space that you'll love and look forward to spending time in every day, but getting it wrong is not only a costly mistake, but it could ruin the whole enjoyment of your home.

There are several steps to ensure that the final look is cohesive, comfortable and reflective of your personal style.

Here are some steps and tips to help you pick the perfect colour scheme.

Understand your preferences and style

•Personal taste: Identify colours you naturally gravitate towards.

•Style: Consider the overall style you want (modern, rustic, traditional, contemporary etc).

Understand the Space

•Lighting: Assess the natural and artificial lighting in the room. Natural light can change the way colours appear at different times of day.

•Room size: Light colours can make a small room feel larger, while darker colours can create a cosy, intimate feel.

Inspiration and Research

•Mood boards: Create a mood board using images from magazines (is this showing my age), Pinterest or other design websites.

•Nature and Surroundings: Take inspiration from natural landscapes or your local surroundings, eg: if you live near the beach, why not go for soothing coastal tones.

Determine the mood

•Relaxing and Calming: Choose cool colours likes blues, greens, and soft neutrals

•Energising and Vibrant: Opt for warm colours like reds, yellows and oranges

•Sophisticated and Elegant: Consider using rich, deep colours like navy, charcoal or jewel tones

Start with a focal point

•Artwork or Furniture: If you have a standout piece or art or furniture, use its colours as a starting point

Choose a base colour

•Pick your main colour for the room. This will be the most dominant colour and can be used on the walls, large furniture or rugs

Select Complementary Colours

•Monochromatic Scheme: Use variations of a single colour. For example, different shades of blue

•Analogous Scheme: Use colours next to each other on the colour wheel. For example, blue, green and teal

•Complementary Scheme: Use colours opposite each other on the colour wheel. For example, blue and orange

Incorporate Accent Colours

•Use these for smaller items like cushions, throws or accessories. These should contrast or complement in colour and texture

Balance the Colours

• 60-30-10 Rule: Use 60% of a dominant colour, 30% of a secondary colour and 10% of an accent colour.

•Ensure there is a balance between warm and cool colours if you want a more dynamic look

Test the colours

•Paint small sections of the wall or use large colour swatches. Observe how they look at different times of day with different lighting.

Consider trends but personalise

•Look at current trends for inspiration, but always prioritise what you love and feel comfortable with

By following these steps, you can create a colour scheme that reflects your style, enhances the rooms features and makes your room a comfortable and inviting space.