The elements of the room itself can have an important influence on its colour. Apply these colour painting tips to get the most out of your room. Paint is the most economical way to redecorate - but there is more to it than just a coat of paint. To make the right colour decisions, you'll need to consider the function of the space, its orientation, size, lighting and the mood you want to create.

How will you use the space?

Before painting the space, think about its use, as this will influence your choice of colours.

• Halls and entrances: this is an opportunity to opt for bright, stand-out colours such as deep pink, water green and yellow. After all, you only get a glimpse of the spaces you are walking through.
• Living rooms, offices, libraries: spaces that inspire peace and quiet need cool tones of blue, grey and green to have a calming effect.
• Living spaces: play it safe and choose a neutral palette that can be complemented later with accessories or a bright wall that stands out.
• Bedroom: with limited circulation in this space, try the latest paints in metallic and textured textures.

Creating the right atmosphere

It is important to think about the type of atmosphere you want to create in each room. Here are our suggestions for possible atmospheres and how to achieve them.

• Relaxing: choose neutral tones of taupe, brown, green, beige, lavender or lilac.
• Bright and flamboyant: light, saturated colours work best; try bright yellow, orange or deep pink.
• Reflective: If you want a nostalgic tone, paint the room in soft shades of grey and brown. Another option is to use a white and black palette and add coloured shadows.
• Stimulating: stimulate yourself by using pink and peach, yellow, blue green and green.

Where does the room go?

The orientation of the room can determine the amount of light and therefore heat it receives. Choose colours that match the direction of the room.

• South-facing: These rooms receive little natural light and therefore tend to be cold. Choose warm colours such as yellow, orange or red to help warm them up. Consider reflective whites to brighten the room.
• West-facing: the afternoon sun will warm these rooms. Cool the room by using green and subtle blue.
• North and east facing: natural light is not an essential element for these rooms. Consider other elements when deciding on colour.

Painting tips for awkwardly shaped rooms

Remember two basic rules: light colours fade, making the room more spacious, and dark colours tend to make the room smaller.

• Small rooms: avoid dark and gloomy colours. Lighter, more reflective colours will give you the impression of a more spacious room. Paint the ceiling and skirting boards a lighter colour than the walls.
• Long, narrow rooms: paint short walls in a dark colour to bring them forward and reduce the feeling of narrowness.
• High ceilings: use the picture rail to divide the room. Choose a dark colour above the picture rail, which will lower the ceiling and create a more intimate atmosphere.

Types of lighting

The lighting in your home influences the colour of the paint. Remember the following principles:

• Fluorescents project a light blue light.
• The iridescent light gives a yellow effect.
• The halogen light is bright.

Other tips

• Always make your colour decisions when you are at home. Colours are influenced by the colours around them, such as a carpet, drapes, furniture and light.
• Take time to decide. If you are considering a major change such as red, take a few days to get used to the idea. You might end up with something you initially rejected.
• Take a colour sample and paint a 1m x 1m panel. Move around the house to assess the effect of the colour in different rooms.
• Collect pictures from magazines of pieces you like. Put them together on a board and combinations will appear.
• Colour consultants and interior designers will come to your home to give you professional advice.

Get your brushes!