Moving into your first home is an exciting milestone. However, transforming it into your dream home can be quite stressful, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect color palette for each room. But here's the good news: renovating doesn’t have to be stressful. The secret lies in having the right knowledge to simplify the process.

If you're struggling to pick the ideal colors for your home, here are six basic color rules to help you get started. As a bonus, I've also chosen a full house color palette just for you.

Choose Neutral Colors to Create Flow Throughout your Home

Homeowners often choose colors based on their personal preferences rather than considering how the overall color scheme will look across the entire house. This approach can result in a mishmash of colors that creates a jarring effect, rather than one of peace and tranquility.

When selecting colors for your home, one crucial concept to focus on is "transition." The key to creating a beautiful and cohesive home is to prioritize flow and choose neutral colors for the primary spaces.

Once you have a neutral base, you can then select complementary colors for individual rooms. If you pick colors for each room solely based on personal preference without considering the home's overall aesthetic, it can lead to a disjointed and chaotic appearance.

2. Choosing Colors Based on Window Orientation

Selecting the right colors for your home involves more than just personal preference; it's essential to consider how natural light affects the colors you choose. The orientation of your windows can significantly impact the appearance of colors in different rooms, making this a crucial factor in your decision-making process.

North-Facing Windows

Rooms with north-facing windows tend to receive cooler, indirect light, which can make colors appear darker and cooler. To counteract this effect, it's often best to choose warm and light colors that can add a sense of coziness and brightness. Warm tones like soft yellows, warm whites, and light taupes can help balance the cool light and create a welcoming atmosphere. Avoid using too many cool colors, as they can make the room feel colder and less inviting.

South-Facing Windows

South-facing rooms benefit from an abundance of natural light throughout the day, which can make colors appear warmer and more vibrant. This type of lighting gives you greater flexibility in your color choices. You can opt for cooler tones like blues and greens to create a serene and calm environment, or you can embrace bold, warm colors like rich reds and oranges for a more dynamic look. Just be mindful that intense sunlight can sometimes wash out lighter colors, so deeper hues might maintain their richness better.

East-Facing Windows

East-facing rooms get bright, direct morning light and softer, indirect light in the afternoon. Morning light can enhance cool tones, making them appear fresher and crisper. Consider using soft blues, light greens, and gentle lavenders to take advantage of this early light. However, keep in mind that these rooms may appear darker and cooler in the afternoon, so balancing with warmer accent colors can help maintain a pleasant atmosphere throughout the day.

West-Facing Windows

West-facing rooms experience strong, warm light in the late afternoon and evening. This light can intensify warm colors, making them appear more vibrant and saturated. To make the most of this golden-hour light, consider using warm neutrals, earthy tones, and soft pinks. These colors will glow in the afternoon light, creating a cozy and inviting space. Be cautious with bold or very dark colors, as they may become overpowering when hit by the intense evening sun.

General Tips for Window-Oriented Color Choices

Test Samples: Always test color samples on the walls before making a final decision. Paint small sections and observe how they change throughout the day under different lighting conditions.
Consider Reflectivity: Light-colored, reflective surfaces can help bounce natural light around the room, enhancing brightness. Matte finishes absorb light, making colors appear more subdued.
Window Treatments: Curtains and blinds can influence how much natural light enters the room. Choose window treatments that complement your color scheme and allow you to control the amount of light coming in.

By thoughtfully selecting colors based on the orientation of your windows, you can create spaces that feel harmonious and well-balanced. Taking into account how natural light interacts with your chosen colors will help you achieve the desired ambiance in every room of your home.

3. Apply the 60-30-10 Rule

The 60-30-10 rule is a valuable guideline for new homeowners struggling to select the right colors for different areas of their homes.

Here’s how it works:

60%: Dedicate 60 percent of your space to a primary color. This color acts as the anchor, usually dominating your walls, large accent pieces, and furniture. By establishing this base color, you can personalize your space without creating a clashing, jumbled mix of colors.
30%: Allocate 30 percent of your space to a secondary color that complements your primary color. This secondary color can be used on accent walls, smaller pieces of furniture, and fabrics. It should blend well with the main color while adding enough variation to keep things interesting.
10%: Use the remaining 10 percent for accent colors. Think throw pillows, artwork, or other decorative items that add pops of color. This final color supports and ties together the primary and secondary colors, enhancing the room's overall feel and design.

Of course, this still leaves one major question: which colors should you pick? The best way to get started is by exploring the color wheel. This tool will help you understand how different colors interact and allow you to see how others create their color schemes. By studying the color wheel, you can determine which options might look best in your rooms.

Once you've chosen your central color, the next step is to find complementary colors that support this primary hue. Following this approach makes it much easier to develop a cohesive color scheme for any room. By carefully selecting colors that harmonize well with your main choice, you'll create a balanced and visually pleasing environment throughout your home.

4. Build Upon Neutral Colors with Texture

Many people assume that neutral colors result in a boring space. However, this couldn't be further from the truth! What truly brings a room to life are the items you incorporate to build upon your color palette. Relying solely on the color of your walls and floors won't give you an accurate depiction of the final look and feel of your room.

Do you enjoy a more minimalistic color palette but worry that neutral tones will lead to a dull environment? Then try adding textured wallpaper, furniture, and eye-catching accent pieces to pull the room together.

When it comes to enhancing neutral color schemes, texture and pattern are your best friends. Here are some ideas to help you create a dynamic and inviting space:

Textured Wallpaper: Consider using textured wallpaper to add depth and interest to your walls. Options like grasscloth, linen, or faux brick can create a rich backdrop that elevates the entire room.
Layered Fabrics: Introduce a variety of fabrics in your furniture and decor. Think about mixing linen, velvet, wool, and cotton. Each material adds its unique texture, making the space feel more layered and luxurious.
Patterned Rugs: A patterned rug can anchor your room and provide visual interest. Geometric patterns, subtle stripes, or intricate weaves can break up the monotony of a neutral palette and add warmth underfoot.
Decorative Pillows and Throws: Use pillows and throws to introduce different textures and patterns. Choose items with embroidery, tassels, or fringe to add tactile elements that invite touch and comfort.
Natural Elements: Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and metal. A wooden coffee table, stone accents, or metallic fixtures can add character and contrast to neutral spaces.
Artwork and Wall Decor: Select artwork and wall decor that complement your neutral palette but also introduce new textures and finishes. A mix of framed prints, canvases, and sculptural pieces can make your walls come alive.
Accent Furniture: Choose accent furniture pieces with interesting textures. A rattan chair, a tufted ottoman, or a distressed wooden side table can all contribute to a more vibrant and engaging room.
Window Treatments: Don’t forget your window treatments. Linen curtains, bamboo shades, or even sheer drapes can add softness and elegance to your space.
Greenery: Adding plants can bring a refreshing element to your room. The varied textures of leaves and the organic shapes of plants introduce a natural, calming vibe.
Lighting: Lamps and light fixtures often have interesting textures. A woven pendant light, a brass floor lamp, or a ceramic table lamp can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your room.

By thoughtfully incorporating these elements, you can transform a neutral color scheme into a space that feels rich and inviting. Each texture and pattern you add contributes to the overall depth and character of the room, ensuring that your neutral palette is anything but boring.

5. Develop Your Colors Around the Furniture You Have (or Want)

Designing your space to achieve the look you desire often takes time. Not all homeowners have the budget to immediately pursue all their renovations and furniture purchases at once. Instead, take a look at the items you currently own (or consider what you can afford over time) and ask yourself: how can I develop a color scheme around my existing furniture?

Remember that creating a cohesive design takes time. Allow yourself to gradually build your color scheme as you acquire new pieces and refine your taste. Be open to adjusting your plan as you go. Sometimes, a piece of furniture might inspire a slight shift in your color palette, and that's perfectly fine. Flexibility can lead to even more harmonious results.

A great idea is to add color through accessories as this is often a more affordable and flexible approach. Items, like throw pillows, rugs, artwork, and decorative accessories, can introduce vibrant colors into your space without committing to a permanent change. These pieces are easier and cheaper to swap out when you want to refresh your decor, making it cost-effective in the long term. Therefore, opting for neutral colors for larger furniture pieces like sofas, beds, and dining tables is a better option. Neutral tones are timeless and versatile, ensuring that you won't tire of them quickly and allowing you the freedom to update the look of your space with minimal effort.

By developing your color scheme around the furniture you have—or plan to acquire—you can create a cohesive and inviting space that feels both stylish and comfortable. This thoughtful approach not only maximizes your budget but also ensures that your home reflects your taste and evolves gracefully over time. Incorporating color through accessories while keeping larger items neutral allows for greater flexibility and ease when refreshing your decor, making it a smart and economical choice.

6. Balance Bold Colors

If you love bold colors, balance them with neutral tones to prevent the space from feeling overwhelming. For example, a bold wall color can be toned down with neutral furniture and accessories.

Tips for Balancing Bold Colors:

Pair with Neutrals: Use neutral colors like whites, grays, and beiges to offset the boldness of your chosen hue. This creates a balanced look that is both striking and calming.
Create Focal Points: Bold colors are excellent for creating focal points in a room. Whether it's an accent wall, a vivid piece of artwork, or a brightly colored piece of furniture, these elements can draw the eye and serve as conversation starters.
Use Bold Colors Sparingly: To avoid overwhelming the space, use bold colors sparingly. Limit them to one or two areas in each room, such as an accent wall or a statement piece of furniture.
Incorporate Bold Accents: Introduce bold colors through smaller accessories like throw pillows, vases, and rugs. These items are easy to swap out, allowing you to experiment with different shades without making a long-term commitment.
Balance with Textures: Incorporating varying textures can help balance bold colors. For example, pairing a bright couch with soft, neutral-toned cushions and a textured rug can create a cohesive yet dynamic look.
Use Bold Colors in Patterns: Introducing bold colors through patterned items, such as a geometric rug or floral curtains, can add visual interest without overwhelming the space. The mix of bold and neutral within the pattern helps maintain balance.
Consider the Room’s Function: Think about the purpose of the room when choosing where to incorporate bold colors. High-energy spaces like kitchens and living rooms can handle more boldness, while bedrooms and studies might benefit from a more subdued approach.
Adjust Lighting: Proper lighting can enhance or soften the impact of bold colors. Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit environment that complements your color choices.
Complementary Color Schemes: Create harmony by using complementary colors. For instance, if you have a bold blue wall, incorporating orange or terracotta accents can create a striking yet balanced look.
Layering: Layering different shades of the same bold color can provide depth and dimension. For example, if you love red, consider using various tones from burgundy to cherry in different parts of the room.
Consistent Palette: Ensure that your bold colors tie into a consistent palette throughout your home. This will make transitions between rooms feel natural and cohesive.
Natural Elements: Balance bold colors with natural materials like wood, stone, or plants. These elements can ground the space and provide a calming contrast to vibrant hues.
Visual Breaks: Use architectural features, such as moldings and trim in neutral colors, to break up bold expanses of color. This prevents the space from feeling too intense.
Reflective Surfaces: Incorporate reflective surfaces like mirrors and metallic finishes to bounce light around the room. This can make bold colors feel more vibrant and less oppressive.
Personal Touches: Finally, add personal touches that reflect your style. Whether it’s a collection of colorful books, unique pottery, or cherished photographs, these items can make a boldly colored space feel more lived-in and welcoming.

By thoughtfully balancing bold colors with neutral tones and incorporating various design elements, you can create a space that feels vibrant and harmonious. This approach allows you to enjoy the excitement of bold colors without overwhelming your senses, ensuring a stylish and comfortable environment.

Like anything else in your home, colors aren't permanent. However, a full redesign can be tricky and time-consuming. This is why many people emphasize choosing the right color palette from the start. Finding the perfect color scheme for your home can be challenging, especially for new homeowners who want to use different colors in various spaces.

If you're struggling to decide on the colors that will work best for your home, use the five rules mentioned above to guide you toward your ideal palette. These guidelines can simplify the process and help you create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere as you move forward.

To get you started, here's a suggested color palette for your home. Mix and match these colors to create a harmonious and beautiful environment:

By using these colors, you can design a home that feels cohesive and personalized. Remember, the key is to balance bold shades with neutrals and to consider how each color interacts with light and space. With this palette and the guiding principles provided, you'll be well on your way to creating a harmonious and beautiful home.

If you're looking for ideas, or tips, have a few questions for me, or just want to see some behind-the-scenes content, I invite you to subscribe to my Instagram feed @wioleta_kelly.

6 Colour Rules To Remember When Designing Your Home

Choose Neutral Colors to Create Flow Throughout your Home