June 20, 2025
The right colour can transform a space . But the wrong one can leave you with regrets (and a costly repaint). From mastering the 60-30-10 rule to avoiding the most common lighting mistakes, here’s how to confidently pick colours that actually work in your home.
Intense sunlight, open-plan living and indoor-outdoor lifestyles are the norm for most Australian homes. A colour that looks perfect in a European home magazine might feel completely wrong under our brilliant southern sun, while shades that seem bland elsewhere can come alive. The key is understanding how colour behaves in your specific context.
Getting the fundamentals right saves you time, money, and regret later on. Cool colours – your blues, greens, and purples – create that calm, relaxed feeling. These are perfect for bedrooms or anywhere you want to unwind after a long day. Warm colours like reds, oranges, and yellows bring energy and make spaces feel welcoming and social.
The 60-30-10 rule is a handy reference for choosin paint colours. Use your main colour for 60% of the room (that's usually your walls), a secondary colour for 30% (think furniture and curtains), and save a bold accent for just 10% (artwork, cushions, that sort of thing). This keeps everything balanced without any colour taking over completely.
Always test your paint colours in different lighting throughout the day. That gorgeous blue that looked perfect in the store might look completely different once it's on your walls.
Here's what you need to know about how light works in different parts of your home:
North-facing rooms get cooler, steady light all day, so warmer colours help balance things out. South-facing rooms get plenty of natural light that makes colours appear brighter. East-facing rooms start warm with morning sun but cool down by afternoon. West-facing rooms get that beautiful warm afternoon light that can really intensify colours.
Grab some sample pots and paint decent-sized patches on your walls. Check them in the morning, afternoon, and evening before making your final decision.
Before falling head over heels for a colour, take a good look at your current furniture, flooring, and fixtures. Your new paint needs to complement what's already there, not clash with it. Pull inspiration from your favourite rug, that artwork you love, or the couch you're not ready to part with.
For open-plan homes, keep your colour palette flowing between connected spaces. Different shades from the same colour family work brilliantly to define areas without creating harsh transitions.
Warm Neutrals Are Winners: Beiges, taupes, and warm greys create that inviting atmosphere without overwhelming your furniture. These colours work with pretty much any style and won't look dated in a few years.
Sophisticated Greys: Colours like Greyology 1 give you depth without feeling heavy. They're modern, timeless, and work beautifully with timber and natural textures.
Greiges for Balance: Grey-beige blends like Dieskau give you warmth with a contemporary edge. These are perfect for open-plan living where you want smooth flow between spaces.
For personality, gentle blues like Heavenly Tears create a calming, spacious feel. Or try deep blues and greens as feature walls. They create focal points without taking over.
Crisp Whites and Light Greys: These classics make kitchens feel clean and spacious. Lexicon Quarter, with its subtle blue undertones, works brilliantly in modern kitchens and bounces light around to make spaces feel bigger.
Warm Whites: Natural White prevents that cold, clinical feeling while keeping things fresh and bright. It's particularly good in homes where intense sunlight can make cooler whites feel harsh.
Warm Accent Colours: Soft yellows invite happiness, while gentle reds stimulate appetite and conversation. Use these on feature walls or in accessories rather than painting the whole kitchen.
Cool Blues and Greens: These are scientifically proven to promote better sleep. Heavenly Tears creates that serene, spa-like feel, while subtle grey-greens like Marble Mist offer understated elegance.
Soft Neutrals: Light greys, gentle beiges, and soft lavenders create peaceful environments. Greyology 1 promotes relaxation without feeling stark, while soft pastels can lift your mood.
Sophisticated Neutrals: Colours like Dieskau or Natural White provide calming backdrops that work with any bedding or furniture you choose.
Skip bright reds and purples in bedrooms. They increase brain activity when you should be winding down. Dark greys and blacks can feel depressing, especially in rooms without much natural light.
Don't paint a dark room brilliant white thinking it'll brighten things up. It often just feels cold. Instead, choose warmer, softer shades and improve your lighting. Never skip testing colours. They can look completely different on your walls compared to those tiny sample cards.
The 2025 colour trend in Australia are turning heads. But don't let trend-chasing decide for you: choose colours you genuinely love rather than what's currently popular. Trends fade, but you'll live with your choice for years.
In smaller rooms, avoid dark colours on large wall areas as they make spaces feel cramped. Save dramatic colours for bigger rooms or use them as accent walls.
Don't choose colours in isolation. That beautiful red brick or gorgeous timber flooring needs to work with your wall colour, not fight against it.
Paint companies offer paint in smaller volumes so homeowners can try out different tints and hues before committing to a purchase. Dulux, for example, offers “Colour Sample Pots” in 100ml sizes.
Porter’s Paints offers colour sample bundles so you can try four different colours for just around $55.
Haymes Paint offers colour packs in A5-sized swatches for $9. Swatches are ideal if you want to see what a colour looks like in a room without having to paint over anything.
What is the 60-30-10 rule for paint colours?
The 60-30-10 rule is a way to balance colours: use your main colour for 60% of the space (typically your walls), a secondary colour for 30% (furniture, curtains, larger décor items), and save a bold accent colour for just 10% (artwork, cushions, accessories).
How long should I test paint colours before deciding?
Always test paint colours for at least 24 hours, checking them in morning, afternoon, and evening light. Paint decent-sized patches (at least A4 size) on your walls using sample pots.
Should I choose warm or cool colours?
It depends on your room's orientation and purpose. North-facing rooms get cooler, steady light all day, so warmer colours help balance things out. South-facing rooms receive plenty of bright natural light that makes colours appear more vibrant. For bedrooms, cool colours like blues and greens are scientifically proven to promote better sleep, while warm colours work well in social spaces like living rooms and kitchens.
What paint colours should I avoid in small spaces?
Avoid dark colours on large wall areas in small rooms as they make spaces feel cramped and closed in.
How do I choose paint colours that work with my existing furniture?
Start by identifying the undertones in your current furniture, flooring, and fixtures. For open-plan homes, keep your colour palette flowing between connected spaces using different shades from the same colour family.
What's the biggest mistake people make when choosing paint colours?
The biggest mistake is not testing colours properly before committing. Those tiny sample cards look nothing like the actual colour on your walls. Always buy sample pots, paint large patches, and observe them in different lighting conditions throughout the day.
Choosing paint colours doesn't have to stress you out. Start with these principles, test thoroughly, and remember: the best colour is one that makes you feel good every time you walk into the room.
Take your time, trust your gut, and don't hesitate to get professional advice if you're unsure. Your home should reflect who you are and make you feel great every single day.
When you’re ready to take the leap, the next best step is to ask for a quote. This is where SnapTradie comes in.
Here's what SnapTradie can do for you:
