How to Choose the Perfect Colour Palette for Your Home in 3 Simple Steps

Choosing the right colour palette is one of the most important and often most challenging parts of designing a home. The colours you choose set the tone for your space and play a huge role in how cohesive, calming, or vibrant your rooms feel.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by endless paint swatches or Pinterest boards, here’s how to simplify the process and land on a palette you love:

1️⃣ Find Your Inspiration

Start by identifying the colours you naturally gravitate toward.

Look in places like:

  • Your wardrobe – What colours do you wear most?

  • Pinterest boards – What rooms do you keep saving?

  • Nature – Think beach tones, forest greens, or earthy neutrals.

This exercise helps reveal your personal colour style, which will serve as the foundation for your palette.

2️⃣ Work with Existing Undertones

Before you commit to any paint colours, take a good look at your flooring, tiles, countertops, and cabinetry.

Are they cool (grey, blue), warm (beige, red, yellow) or neutral?

Choosing colours that match or complement these undertones ensures a harmonious look, preventing clashes that can make the space feel disjointed.

3️⃣ Use the 60-30-10 Rule

This classic formula is used by interior designers to create visual balance:

  • 60% dominant colour (e.g. wall colour or large pieces of furniture)

  • 30% secondary colour (rugs, curtains, feature chairs)

  • 10% accent colour (artwork, cushions, decor accessories)

This rule keeps your space feeling thoughtfully curated rather than randomly thrown together.

Remember, your home should feel like you. Don’t feel pressured to follow trends or stick to one style box. A well-chosen colour palette that reflects your personality will always feel timeless.

Looking for more guidance on home design?

Download my free resource 7 Steps to Design Your Dream Home and take the first step toward building a space that truly reflects your vision.

Mudhurrah Baskaran