Picking a paint colour can feel like the most exciting part of decorating your space, but diving straight in with a paint swatch is one of the most common design mistakes. While it’s tempting to start with your walls, choosing paint before other elements can limit your choices and lead to a design that doesn’t flow as seamlessly as you’d like.
Paint should complement, not dictate
Paint is one of the most flexible and versatile elements of a room. Unlike furniture, flooring, or custom upholstery, it’s much easier to adjust a paint colour to suit your space rather than the other way around. Starting with paint limits your ability to curate a harmonious design.
Build from the hard finishes
Elements like flooring, countertops, tiles, and cabinetry are much harder to change once selected, and they often come with fewer options than paint. Build your design from these “fixed” features and then find a paint colour that complements them.
Consider fabrics and furniture first
Your curtains, upholstery, rugs, and even art contribute greatly to the overall aesthetic of a space. Paint should tie these elements together, not compete with them.
Test colours in context
Once you’ve chosen your core finishes and furnishings, you can explore picking a paint colour that brings everything together. Always test samples on multiple walls and observe how they look in different lighting conditions.
The right paint colour can make a space sing, but only when it works in harmony with the rest of the design. By waiting until you’ve selected your key pieces, you’ll have the freedom to create a cohesive and beautiful space that feels thoughtfully curated.
This blog is part of my “Back to Basics with Interior Design” series, where I’ll share tips to help you create spaces that are functional, stylish, and personal. Stay tuned for the next post: Space Planning – How to Maximise Your Layout!
