How to Choose a Colour Palette That Actually Works for Your Home

Walk into any paint shop and you're faced with literally thousands of colour options. Without a framework, most people either play it too safe with builder's white, or go too bold and regret it within months.

Start With Your Fixed Elements

Your kitchen benchtop, floor tiles, and cabinetry are expensive to change. Any colour palette needs to work with these fixed elements first. Pull your inspiration colours from materials that are already in the space.

The 60-30-10 Rule

Professional designers use this ratio consistently: 60% dominant colour (walls, large furniture), 30% secondary colour (upholstery, curtains), 10% accent colour (cushions, artwork, hardware). This creates visual balance without feeling monotonous.

Understanding Undertones

Every white has an undertone — yellow, pink, green or grey. This is why two whites that look the same in the store can clash horribly on your walls. Always test paint in situ before committing.