How to Choose the Right Paint Colors for Your Home

Last Updated: January 2025 | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Choosing the right paint colours for your home can feel overwhelming with thousands of options available. This guide will help you select colours that complement your space, reflect your style, and stand the test of time.

Understanding Colour Psychology

Different colours evoke different emotions and can significantly impact the mood of a room:

• Blue: Calming and serene, perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms
• Green: Refreshing and balanced, great for living areas
• Yellow: Cheerful and energising, ideal for kitchens
• Grey: Sophisticated and versatile, works anywhere
• White: Clean and spacious, makes rooms feel larger
• Neutral tones: Timeless and easy to accessorise

Room-by-Room Colour Guide

Living Room Paint Colors

Your living room is where you entertain guests and relax with family. Consider:

• Warm neutrals like beige, taupe, or greige
• Soft blues or greens for a calming atmosphere
• Bold accent walls in navy or charcoal

Bedroom Paint Colors

Bedrooms should promote rest and relaxation. Best choices include:

• Soft blues and greens
• Lavender or muted purple
• Warm whites and creams
• Soft grey tones

Kitchen Paint Colors

Kitchens benefit from colours that are fresh and clean:

• Crisp whites for a modern look
• Soft yellows for warmth
• Light greys that hide marks well
• Sage green for a natural feel

Bathroom Paint Colors

Bathrooms need colours that create a spa-like atmosphere:

• Light blues reminiscent of water
• Clean whites for a fresh look
• Soft greens for tranquility
• Warm neutrals for comfort

Exterior Paint Color Tips

When choosing exterior paint colours for your Melbourne home, consider:

• Neighbourhood style: Complement surrounding homes
• Architectural features: Highlight your home's best features
• Roof colour: Ensure colours work together
• Climate: Lighter colours reflect heat in Melbourne summers
• Council regulations: Some areas have heritage restrictions

Top Tips for Choosing Paint Colors

• Test before committing: Paint sample patches on your walls
• Consider lighting: Colours look different in natural vs artificial light
• Think about flow: Choose colours that transition smoothly between rooms
• Start with what you have: Consider existing furniture and fixtures
• Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant colour, 30% secondary, 10% accent

Popular Paint Colours in Melbourne Homes

Current trending colours in Melbourne include:

• Dulux Lexicon Quarter (warm white)
• Dulux Natural White (clean neutral)
• Dulux Tranquil Retreat (soft green-grey)
• Taubmans Grey Moth (sophisticated grey)
• Dulux Endless Dusk (moody blue-grey)