How to choose a great paint colour scheme

How to choose a great paint colour scheme


Colour trends for interiors are forever changing. And just like the season's fashions, if you have a great base outfit you can always enhance it with accessories. Paint is a great way to rejuvenate an old and tired interior colour scheme. Having a neutral base paint colour throughout the home allows you to easily change small areas and introduce a splash of colour with the change of seasons.
This year Designer Schemes has been working on creating a new range of colour schemes inspired by nature.
There are so many beautiful colour combinations within our natural environment. Think of the contrast between the coolness of the blue ocean and golden tans of the warm sand. Look at the colour of the rainforest. See how the combination of earthy greens, browns and greys work so well to create a calming and serene environment.
Nature has provided us with the perfect balance of colour. So when you are after inspiration for a new colour scheme for your home, take a step outside and choose colours that nature has provided for you.
There are some great colour schemes available through Australia's top paint suppliers like Dulux, Wattyl and Resene Paints.
This colour palette was designed for Dulux by landscape designer Jim Fogarty. "Hardscape colours are generally of neutral tones, but utilising a feature colour on a wall, a piece of sculpture or even fabrics will work as long as you incorporate plant combinations which complement the colour scheme. Plants not only provide flower colour, but seasonal influences on foliage tones will draw out the best of any colour scheme."
Dulux Paint Colours, Inspired by Nature. Shell White, Lexicon Half, Timeless Grey, Warm Neutral
Resene also has great colour schemes to assist you in choosing the right combinations for your interior. Being famous for their palette of earthy tones, Resene paints with muddier undertones have become popular when taking inspiration from the outdoors. But think beyond just the landscape and introduce pops of colour as you would find in wild flowers and bird life.
Taken from Resene's 'Paint colour trends for 2013 and beyond', this palette is also inspired by the natural wood tones found amongst nature. "Wood tones come in beiges and browns, such as Resene Toorak and Resene Irish Coffee, offset by a soft golden metallic shimmer, such as Resene Treasure Chest."
Resene Treasure Chest
Resene Treasure Chest
Resene Irish Coffee
Resene Irish Coffee
Resene Toorak
Resene Toorak
There's no doubt that Whites and Neutrals are the most common paint colours for Australian interiors, and there is an overwhelming amount of white paint colours to choose from. Designer Schemes wanted to create a fresh colour scheme influenced by nature which is also practical for most interior styles. This colour scheme is fresh, neutral and calming. By adding a hint of citrus to a few feature walls, you will add life to your interior. The beautiful chrysanthemum was the natural inspiration for this palette.
These fresh whites would be suitable for a contemporary scheme, a 'Hamptons' style home or a little cottage in the hinterland.
White interior colour scheme. Fresh Colour Scheme. Whites and Neutrals colour scheme 2013 by Designer Scheme.
Image provided by Designer Schemes - 2013 Colour Trends.