Masters Home Improvement

Here’s how to add colour with confidence…

The big picture

1. When compiling a colour palette, think about your flooring and other elements. Your floor will influence your colour choice dramatically, and you’ll also need to think about textures and tones of furniture fabrics, curtains and tiles, as well as any artworks.

2. Skirting boards invariably take a beating over time so use an enamel paint for durability. White always looks great but if you are using light colours on the walls, the same colour on the skirting boards is a good option.

3. While the traditional white ceiling is still really popular, there are no hard and fast rules on ceiling colour. However, always use a matt finish. Gloss paint shows any small imperfections and it is almost impossible to get a seamless look with gloss on the ceiling.

4. A good way to unify the different rooms of your house is to use one colour on all the walls. If you can’t resist using different colours – particularly for feature walls –  then make sure they match tonally. It’s best to avoid any clashing colours even if they are in different ends of the house!

Size matters

5. When decorating a small space, consider using lighter colours on both the wall and ceiling to make the room seem bigger.

6. If you have a small room but absolutely love dark colours, it’s possible to have it all without feeling like you’re living in a cave. Paint one wall with a dark colour – for example, the wall at the head of the bed works well in the bedroom – and use a much lighter shade of the same colour on the other walls.

Bright and light

7. White makes rooms light and airy with a crisp, clean feel. However, whites can be cool or warm, ranging from a yellow tinged cream to a bluish arctic white. If you’re in any doubt, choose pure white. It works as the perfect backdrop to to everything while adding a discreet sense of style. Then, if you change your mind later, it can be easily painted over.

8. Bring the outside indoors by using colour cues from your garden. The green of a hedge, the blue of a pool or the earthy tones of sandstone can be reflected in your colour choices inside. The smooth transition between indoors and outdoors makes for a harmonious feel.

9. Don’t overdo the austerity in an attempt to make a room light and airy. A dramatic artwork, a textured rug or brightly coloured collection of knick-knacks can add personality and warmth to a neutral room.

Creating an exterior scheme

10. Never use more than three colours on the exterior of your house – one for walls, one for trim and one for accents. They should match tonally so that they complement each other.

11. Neutral colours tend to work best on exteriors these days. They blend in well with the streetscape, keep the neighbours happy and look stunning when used in the right combination.

12. Make sure the colour matches the architecture of your home. You can follow the traditional hues of heritage or Federation houses – talk to your council for advice. Or you may prefer a modern twist, introducing an up-to-the-minute palette that has a slight reference to the history of the house.

Get the right feel

13. For a stylish look: Choose a monochromatic palette – ranging from warm greys to inky charcoals – and err on the cooler end of the spectrum. Then offset this look with furnishings and trims in either complementary colours or more intense shades of the same colour.

14. For a warm and cosy feel: Choose deep reds, browns and muted yellows. These welcoming tones work a treat in living rooms or intimate dining rooms. Darker tones can be introduced when painting structural elements such as staircases – these features simply melt into the background.

15. For a cool, refreshing space: You can paint the room predominantly white, then introduce cool colours, such as blues and greens mixed with lots of white, as a subtle feature. This can range from skirting boards and window frames to a feature wall.

16. For a light and breezy feel: Choose pastels which provide a fresh but relaxing atmosphere. Many people choose lighter versions of a pastel for the walls and paint the trim with a more intense version. This is a popular option for bedrooms and bathrooms.

Little touches

17. Texture is definitely the buzzword in the paint world. But those old sponges are long gone – metallic, silk, suede and stone paints are the new must-haves, providing a tactile effect with minimal fuss.

18. Keep the budding artist in your family happy by painting a feature wall with blackboard paint in your child's bedroom. The kids can create huge masterpieces in coloured chalk that can be wiped off with a damp cloth. Then they can do it all over again...

19. Don’t forget to stir the paint before using it. The pigment is slightly heavier and sinks to the bottom. By stirring the paint each time you open the can, you ensure good even colour on the walls.

20. Be bold! If you want a fire-engine red feature wall, go for it! Trust your instincts and experiment to your heart’s desire. After all, it only takes a weekend and a few cans of white to return walls to their original state.

For more ideas and inspiration, and to see the latest product ranges, visit your local Masters Home Improvement store.