Creating a cohesive colour palette

When you walk into a beautifully designed room, there’s often one thing that ties it all together: colour. A cohesive colour palette doesn’t mean everything is the same shade (far from it!) – it’s about creating harmony so your home feels balanced, connected, and uniquely you.

If you’ve ever picked a paint colour you loved in the shop but hated on your walls, or if you’re overwhelmed by endless swatches, this guide will help you approach colour with confidence.

Start with the mood you want to create
Before you even think about paint charts, think about how you want the space to feel.

• Is it a calming bedroom retreat?
• A cosy, welcoming living room?
• Or an energising space like a home office or kitchen?

The function and mood of the room should guide your palette. Light also plays a big role – a north-facing room might need warmer tones, while a bright, sunlit space can handle deeper or cooler colours.

Find inspiration
Look for inspiration in places you love – Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, or even the outdoors. Notice patterns in what you’re drawn to. Do you love soft, muted tones or rich, bold colours?

A great way to start is by choosing a hero piece – this could be a favourite piece of art, a rug, or even a fabric you adore. Use this as a jumping-off point for your palette.

Pick a dominant colour
Your dominant colour is the foundation of your palette – it’s the colour you’ll see the most. This is often your wall colour, but it could also be your flooring or large furniture pieces.

Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring! Soft greys, muted greens, or gentle blues can all create a beautiful base.

Layer in secondary colours
Once you have your dominant colour, add 2–3 secondary colours to build depth. These are often used on curtains, rugs, or key furniture.

A clever trick is to use different tints (lighter versions) or shades (darker versions) of your dominant colour to keep things interesting while still feeling cohesive.

Add accent colours for personality
This is where you can have fun! Accent colours bring energy and personality into the room through cushions, throws, artwork, and accessories.

A simple rule of thumb is the 60-30-10 rule:

• 60% dominant colour
• 30% secondary colours
• 10% accents

It’s a great way to keep things balanced.

Think about flow between rooms
In open-plan spaces or homes where you can see multiple rooms at once, it’s important to consider how one colour flows into another. Using different tones of the same colour family creates connection without making every room identical.

Always test before you commit
Colours look very different depending on light, time of day, and surrounding finishes. Always get tester pots or sample boards, and live with them for a few days before making your final choice.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing paint first. Always consider furniture, flooring, and fabrics first, as it’s easier to match paint to these than the other way around.
• Using too many colours. Keep your palette tight for a more sophisticated look.
• Forgetting undertones. Warm vs cool undertones can make or break a scheme.

Ready to create a colour palette that feels like you?
Choosing colours doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little planning, you can create a palette that makes your home feel harmonious, connected, and welcoming.

If you’d love a professional eye to help you pull everything together, I’d love to help. I have a great paint and colour scheme package worth you looking at. Or get in touch today to chat about how we can bring your vision to life.