expert insight
We always like to consider the period of the property when deciding how colour is to be used. For example, it can be great to use 1930s colours in a house built in the same era – a sense of authenticity goes a long way towards making an interior scheme feel just right. We don’t want this approach to be too limiting – however, it’s a great starting point when faced with an infinite colour palette and the need to curate an edited selection.
In terms of practical considerations, think about what the natural lighting levels will be in your extension and whether you want to embrace or counter this. It can be great to use dark colours in dark spaces, for instance, to accentuate the feel – rather than trying to lighten a space that will always feel gloomy.
Typically, we find choosing the external colour scheme more
difficult than the internal palette. Outside, the context is extremely important – a house can sit among 10 others, which all influence the way the colour is seen. Contemplating the shades you use in relation to neighbours’ homes, and the choices they have made, is always useful.
Ensuring a harmonious palette can be tricky – you might be able to pinpoint the right selection of hues through natural talent, or years of training! But even we don’t always know how to ensure the combination of colours is just right. Usually we match certain go-to colours that we know work well together. However, our advice is always to buy a pad of A2 cartridge paper and paint large samples onto these so you can move them around and try to mix and match. Another option is to stick to the complementary colour palettes put together by paint suppliers – but I don’t think any of our clients have ever done this. Colour tends to be too personal for standard collections to hit the mark on any one project.
Avoid choosing colours in isolation. Our favourite projects have a clear identity throughout the home, knowing how one colour choice will affect another. The view through a door might take in numerous rooms, joinery and details which, ideally, should all work together. Disparate colour choices can jar if they’re not curated with enough purpose or care.
Don’t leave this part of your project until the last minute.
Builders will be pressuring you for colour choices as soon as the decorating starts, so try to be ahead of the game and plan early. Also, be brave!