Tips on how to introduce colour to your walls

Creative use of colour in your home adds character, improves your sense of wellbeing, and can dramatically change the ambience of your living space

So many of us are magpies when it comes to colourful things. But despite our longing to go brighter and bolder, we often stick with tried-and-tested neutrals when choosing colours for our home. Accessorising in brighter shades seems a safer option, but painting or wallpapering all four walls in daring colours is a bigger commitment. But the trend for bright not bland interiors is on the up, as people realise that clever use of colour can often make a house feel more like a home than endless shades of grey, however tasteful they are.

‘We’re now seeking colours that deliver nostalgia and gentle warmth, colours that are less trend-led and more personal,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball. ‘The use of more colour – such as deep greens, pinks and blues – has overtaken the perennially popular era of grey, while earth tones have provided a shift for the neutral group. While off-whites and neutrals will always be a popular choice, colour can introduce more character to a room. You can transition to colours gently to begin with and look for softer shades, as this can help make rooms feel cosier,’ he continues.

Look at the whole picture

Before you choose a colour, consider all the decorative elements in your room, such as soft furnishings and existing decor. This will put you in a good place to begin selecting your paint or wallpaper. When it comes to sampling, make nice big moveable swatches using tester pots on paper or card, rather than painting on the wall itself, so you can see how the colour changes on every surface.

Consider natural light

‘As with all colour choices, always take into consideration the natural light in your room, as this will have a big influence on the overall ambience,’ explains Patrick.

For poorly lit or north-facing rooms, consider warmer-based colours with an underlying red or yellow tone, or embrace the limitations and go dark. South-facing rooms are a breeze and full of natural light all day, so nearly any colour will work. East-facing rooms get the morning light, so are a little cooler and therefore work well with soft pale aquas and blues, while west-facing rooms get the light later in the day, so will love dusky pinks.

Start in small doses

Taking gradual steps towards using more vibrant colours can help you see what works, and Ruth Mottershead, creative director at paint and paper company Little Greene, suggests starting off by experimenting with colour in a less high-profile space first.

‘If the idea of a bolder hue in your living space feels a little overwhelming, think about using transitional areas, such as hallways, to introduce stronger colours,’ she says. ‘Another option is to create a bold scheme in a space like a downstairs toilet. Here you can use colour or wallpaper all over for a really impactful finish.’

Bolder colour could also be introduced into just a section of a room, like on a chimney breast, in an alcove or on panelling, to create a feature.

Create an ambiance

Your choice of colour shouldn’t just be guided by what best suits the room, but also by what suits you too. Colour has a proven and powerful link to our moods and emotions, and Ruth recommends first and foremost considering how you would like the space to make you feel.

‘Remember that it’s not just neutrals that create a sense of calm and comfort, darker shades have a soothing quality too,’ she reveals. ‘Sumptuous, deep colours provide a luxurious, nurturing feel, emulating a sense of intimacy, and creating a sanctuary.

‘Bedrooms are the best rooms in the house for you to follow your heart and create a truly personal space,’ she says. ‘This is a place to choose comforting, warm tones that make you feel calm and cocooned. The kitchen, on the other hand, is usually a hive of activity and the setting for entertaining friends. This makes it an ideal place to make more adventurous choices and certainly a space where you can really experiment with vibrant colours.’

Try a new trend

Feeling brave? Why not try something a bit different.

Painting rooms all in one colour – from ceiling to floor, including the woodwork – is gaining popularity. Known as colour drenching, it’s a great choice if your room is flooded with detail such as picture rails, dado rails and so on, or even a more modern space that has boxed-in elements and shelving. It helps soften back the proportions of a room and feels less busy.

The limewash look is another new trend, essentially colour-washing, using one or two colours to give texture as well as colour to a wall.

WORDS: LINDSEY HARRAD