A Room-by-Room Guide to choosing the perfect colour palette

A Room-by-Room Guide to choosing the perfect colour palette

Colour is one of the most powerful tools in interior design. It can influence mood, create space illusions and even affect how we experience temperature and light. But with so many options, choosing the right colour scheme for each room can feel overwhelming.

The key is understanding how different colours interact with room function, size and lighting and in this guide, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty explains how this works and shares the best colour schemes for each room in your home, helping you make choices that are both stylish and practical.

1. Living Room: Warm Neutrals and Earthy Tones

Along with the kitchen, living room are generally the heart of the home - a space for entertaining, relaxing and enjoying family time. Colour schemes in this space should promote comfort, warmth and sociability.

Best Colour Schemes:

• Warm neutrals like taupe, greige, soft beige and ivory.
• Earthy tones such as terracotta, clay, olive or warm browns.

• Sage green or dusty blues for a calming but fresh feel.

These tones are inviting and timeless, making the space feel welcoming without overwhelming the senses. You can also layer with natural textures (linen, wood, leather) for extra depth.

2. Kitchen: Whites, Greens and Muted Blues

Kitchens benefit from colours that feel fresh, clean, and energetic, while still being practical and easy to maintain. Whether you love a farmhouse aesthetic or a sleek modern design, colour can elevate your cooking space.

Best Colour Schemes:

• Crisp whites paired with natural wood or black accents.
• Muted greens (like sage or eucalyptus) for a soft, organic vibe.

• Pale to mid-tone blues for a classic coastal or country touch.

Lighter shades reflect light well, making kitchens feel brighter and more spacious. Green and blue tones also promote cleanliness and calm, making time in the kitchen more enjoyable.

3. Bedroom: Soft Blues, Deep Greens and Warm Greys

Bedrooms are your personal sanctuary, designed for rest, comfort, and privacy. Colours in this space should be chosen to promote relaxation and sleep.

Best Colour Schemes:

• Soft blues like powder blue, slate, or duck egg.
• Deep greens like forest, emerald, or sage.

• Warm greys or mauve-based neutrals for a cocooning effect.

Cool tones are proven to lower stress and help the body unwind. Avoid overly vibrant shades (like bright red or neon yellow) that might overstimulate the mind at night.

4. Bathroom: Aqua Tones, White and Charcoal Contrast

Bathrooms are often smaller spaces that benefit from a light and airy palette but that doesn't mean you have to stick to boring white tiles. Well-chosen colours can make your bathroom feel like a mini spa retreat.

Best Colour Schemes:

• Aqua and seafoam greens for a tranquil, water-inspired feel.
• Charcoal and white for a modern, high-contrast look.

• Pale grey and blush for a soft, feminine touch.

Cool tones like aqua and grey evoke cleanliness and calm, while darker accents like charcoal or navy add sophistication in modern bathrooms.

5. Dining Room: Moody Blues, Rich Reds and Jewel Tones

Dining rooms offer a unique opportunity to be a bit more dramatic or formal than other spaces. Since they’re often used in the evening, deeper colours can add intimacy and flair.

Best Colour Schemes:

• Moody blues like navy or peacock.
• Rich burgundy or aubergine for a luxurious feel.

• Emerald green or mustard yellow for bold, retro-inspired warmth.

Darker colours absorb light, making spaces feel cosier and more intimate, perfect for candlelit dinners or celebrations. These shades also pair beautifully with metallics and wood tones.

6. Home Office: Greens, Soft Neutrals and Muted Yellows

Working from home requires a space that’s focused, calming, and energising - a tricky balance that colour can help achieve. The right palette can boost productivity while reducing mental fatigue.

Best Colour Schemes:

• Green tones, especially mid-tone and olive, for balance and focus.
• Soft neutrals like taupe, stone, or dove grey to keep the mind clear.

• Muted yellows or ochres for a subtle mood lift.

Green is known to reduce eye strain and increase concentration, making it perfect for long work hours. Pops of soft yellow can stimulate creativity without becoming too loud.

7. Children’s Room: Playful Pastels and Calming Greens

A child’s room should feel playful and safe, with colours that can evolve as they grow. Instead of bright primaries, opt for gentler hues that are still full of personality.

Best Colour Schemes:

• Pastel pinks, mints, and sky blues.
• Soft lavender and buttery yellow.
• Light greens for a soothing and gender-neutral choice.

These shades encourage imagination without overstimulation. You can always introduce brighter colours through artwork, bedding, or toys.

8. Entryway and Hallways: Bold Colours or Light Reflective Tones

Hallways and entryways set the first impression of your home. They’re great places to experiment with bolder shades or keep it light to enhance space.

Best Colour Schemes:

• Dramatic navy, charcoal or emerald for a moody entrance.
• Warm whites and buttery creams to brighten dark corridors.

• Terracotta or mustard for a Mediterranean-style welcome.

These transitional spaces benefit from either drama or brightness. A bold entry creates impact, while light colours make narrow passages feel open and welcoming.

Final Tips for Colour Planning

Before committing to a colour scheme, keep these principles in mind:

• Test samples: Paint patches on multiple walls to see how the colour behaves in different lighting.
• Consider light: Natural sunlight can make colours appear warmer or cooler. North-facing rooms may need warmer tones; south-facing ones can handle cooler colours.
• Think holistically: Ensure your home flows visually from room to room—even if each has its own personality.

• Don’t forget finishes: Matte paints hide imperfections, while satin or gloss finishes are easier to clean and great for kitchens or bathrooms.

Choosing the right colour scheme is more than just picking your favourite shades - it's about enhancing how each room feels and functions. Whether you're designing a peaceful bedroom, a productive home office, or a lively kitchen, the right colours can transform your space into something truly personal, enjoyable and practical.

Start small, trust your instincts, and remember: the beauty of paint is that it can always be changed.