The Power of Colour: Understanding Colour Theory in Interior Design

Colour is one of the most influential elements in interior design. It shapes mood, changes how we perceive space, and helps define the personality of a room. Whether you're refreshing a single corner or redesigning your entire home, understanding the basics of colour theory can help you make confident, creative choices.

What Is Colour Theory?

Colour theory is the study of how colours interact, how they make us feel, and how we can combine them to create visually pleasing results. At the heart of colour theory is the colour wheel, which helps you understand:

• Primary colours: Red, blue, yellow
• Secondary colours: Green, orange, purple
• Tertiary colours: Blends such as teal, amber, and magenta

By using these relationships, you can create harmonious palettes that feel intentional and balanced.

Different colour combinations create different moods. Some of the most popular schemes in interior design include:

1. Monochromatic

A single colour used in varying shades.
Effect: Calm, cohesive, and elegant.
Where it works: Bedrooms, minimalist spaces, small rooms that need visual unity.

2. Analogous

Colours next to each other on the colour wheel (e.g., blue, teal, green).
Effect: Harmonious and naturally calming.
Where it works: Living rooms, kitchens, and nature-inspired spaces.

3. Complementary

Colours opposite each other (e.g., blue and orange).
Effect: High contrast and visual energy.
Where it works: Feature walls, creative studios, rooms in need of personality.

4. Triadic

Three colours evenly spaced on the wheel (e.g., red, yellow, blue).
Effect: Vibrant and balanced.
Where it works: Playrooms, eclectic homes, bold design schemes.

The Psychology of Colour

Colour affects how we feel. Understanding the emotional impact of colour helps you choose tones that support the purpose of each room.

• Blue: Calming, serene, ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms
• Yellow: Uplifting and warm, great for kitchens and hallways
• Green: Restorative and natural, perfect for living rooms
• Red: Energising and bold, best used as an accent
• Neutrals (white, beige, grey): Versatile, sophisticated, and timeless

If in doubt, choose a grounding neutral and layer in colour with artwork, cushions, and accessories.

Using Colour to Shape Space

Colour isn't just decoration—it changes the way we perceive a room.

• Light colours make small rooms feel larger and brighter.
• Dark colours create intimacy and drama.
• Warm tones bring a room closer;
• Cool tones make it feel more spacious.

Stripes, colour blocking, and contrasting trims can also change the proportions of a space, adding height or width where needed.

Bringing It All Together

The best interior design doesn’t follow strict rules—it uses them as a foundation for creativity. Start with a colour palette that feels authentic to you, consider how the room should feel, and then layer tones, textures, and patterns to create depth and personality.

Remember: colour should work with your space, not against it. When chosen thoughtfully, it has the power to transform your home into a place that feels beautifully, intentionally yours.

If you'd like help choosing a colour scheme for a specific room or style, feel free to ask!