Showing your true colours
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS gets expert advice on the best shades for north, south, east and west-facing rooms
WITH a vast library of paint colours at our fingertips, fancy finishes and so many takes on trending colours – from cool, to light and airy, to muted, to deep – it can feel like a bit of a puzzle deciding what to put on your paintbrush.
As Sarah Lloyd, paint and interiors expert at Valspar paint puts it: “Deciding on a paint colour for the spaces in your home can be difficult, especially as natural light changes throughout the day, meaning the appearance of the colour also changes too.”
To help you navigate those colour charts, these are the colours to select, depending on the situation ....
North-facing rooms
“North-facing rooms get the least amount of light,” notes Sarah.
“Paint these rooms with colours that will brighten the space, and keep it nice and airy.
“Warmer blush tones are best for north-facing rooms, and can also be incorporated through curtains, pillows and throws.”
She continues: “Beige shades are also great colours for opening up the space and giving it a refresh.”
Colour drenching has become a popular interior design technique and consists of taking one dominant colour and using various shades of it in a room, across different surfaces and features, explains Sarah.
“Incorporating this trend can create visually stunning and dramatic effects and also make a room feel brighter, more cohesive and even more spacious – perfect for northfacing rooms.”
Perfect paint choice: Soft sheen, beige blush, colour-drenched across walls, ceiling and doors.
South-facing rooms
In contrast, south-facing rooms receive the most amount of light, and you don’t need to factor in the sunrise or sunset, says Sarah, as there is a good amount of light exposure for a long period of time.
With this in mind, she says cooler tones such as blue and grey look great in a south-facing room.
“Blue is on trend in 2024, and it’s a versatile colour that’s easy to style. When using blue, for a harmonious look, consider balancing the colour with neutral furniture such as bedside tables and cabinets, or accessories like lamp shades and vases.
“This combination adds depth while maintaining a sense of calm,” she adds.
Alternatively, a solid grey paint will look super stylish when offset by white furnishings, such as curtains, candles and small ornaments, especially as the light shines through, says Sarah.
Perfect paint choice: Matt finish, using cooler tones such as blue – paired with neutral furniture.
East and west-facing rooms
“East and west-facing rooms tend to get the same amount of sunlight, just at different times of the day,” highlights Sarah.
“So it’s important to understand when you’ll be using the space the most and base the colour choice, and paint finish, on this instead.”
If you’re using these rooms throughout the day, she says it’s best to stick with neutral colours.
“White, grey, and brown can all provide a sense of ease and warmth in the home, setting an inviting scene, no matter the time of the day.”
Depending on your style, Sarah says to accentuate these spaces with oak wardrobes, tables and desks, to create a rustic feel. Otherwise think white-on-white, with creamy accents for Scandi-style or minimalist decor to help bounce the light around, making the most of warm, natural light in the morning; or late afternoon and early evening.
Perfect paint choice: Stick to neutrals to ensure a warmth setting throughout the day.