Why colour matters (and how to use it).

A good colour scheme does more than look pretty. It sets the mood, balances light, and links spaces so your home feels cohesive. In practical terms, the right palette can make small rooms feel bigger, soften awkward angles, and give older furniture new life.

Warm vs cool tones.

• Warm tones (terracotta, blush, mustard) bring cosiness and work brilliantly in living rooms and north-facing spaces.
  
• Cool tones (blue, sage, soft grey) calm busy rooms and help south-facing spaces feel crisp, not glaring.

Depth and contrast.

• Use deeper shades on features you want to highlight — a fireplace, alcoves or a bookcase back.
  
• Balance bold walls with lighter trim or flip it: a pale wall with a coloured skirting and door makes a subtle, stylish statement.
  

Quick colour updates you can do this weekend.

Paint a feature without the “feature wall”.

Instead of one bold wall, try colour blocking: paint the lower third of a room, the radiator to match the wall, or the inside of door frames. It looks considered and modern.

Refresh woodwork and radiators.

Crisp, clean trim lifts a whole room. Off-white or soft stone shades feel warmer than stark white and hide scuffs more effectively in busy family homes.

Swap soft furnishings.

Cushions, throws and rugs are your fast route to a new palette. Choose two main colours and one accent. Repeat them three times around the room (for example: rug, cushions, artwork) for easy cohesion.

Update lighting with colour.

A fabric shade in ochre, rust or ink blue instantly warms a space. Coloured glass pendants look beautiful in period homes and bounce light around the space.

Choosing the right palette for your home.

Start with what you own.

Look at your largest items — sofa, flooring, wardrobes. Pull colours from these so your scheme feels intentional. If your sofa is charcoal, pair it with soft clay walls and brass accents for warmth.

Test in real light.

Paint swatches on several walls and check them morning to evening. Cottages and new builds can have very different light; what looks fresh in one can feel cold in another.

Use a simple 60–30–10 rule.

• 60% main colour (walls or large surfaces)
  
• 30% secondary colour (furniture, curtains)
  
• 10% accent (cushions, art, lamps)
  
• It keeps even bold design ideas feeling balanced.
  

Colour tips by room.

Living rooms.

Go warmer to encourage conversation. Try muted olive, oat or inky blue with natural textures. Add patterned cushions to bring personality without visual clutter.

Bedrooms.

Keep it soothing. Mid-tone greens, smoky blues and rosy nudes are calming. Paint the headboard wall slightly deeper for cosy depth.

Kitchens.

If a full refit isn’t on the cards, paint cabinet doors or just the island. Sage, denim blue and mushroom suit both cottages and modern townhouses.

Hallways.

Create flow across floors with a consistent neutral, then change accents room by room. A coloured stair runner adds charm and hides footprints.

Small budgets, big impact.

• Reframe existing art with uniform frames for a pulled‑together look.
  
• Add one large plant; the green acts as a neutral that freshens any scheme.
  
• Replace tired handles with brushed brass or matte black to tie colours together.
  
• Style shelves by colour: group books and objects in tonal clusters for calm.

Next steps to transforming your space.

If you would like help choosing colour schemes or planning room makeovers, MP Interiors offers affordable interior design and home styling across the Guildford, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire areas. Book a friendly design consultation and we will create practical, tailored design ideas that suit your home, your routine and your budget. Ready to refresh your space? Get in touch — we are here to make colour work beautifully for you. Follow the link to our website to read more about us www.mpinteriors.co.uk