Creating a Cohesive Colour Palette: Tips for harmony when designing

While a colour palette may seem like simply a set of colours, in reality, it’s so much more. It’s foundational to a well-organised and visually attractive design. A good colour palette will unify your design and result in a space that makes a memorable impression. Whether you want to make a statement with bold shades or prefer to keep things more subdued with complementary neutrals, creating a cohesive colour palette is the key to mastering your design. 

Read on to find out our top tips for doing so. 

There’s no need to rush when creating a colour palette. Before doing so, we recommend considering the rules of colour theory. Colours can usually be classified into three basic groups: primary, secondary and tertiary. To make sense of the relationships between different colours, the colour wheel is also an effective tool.

Primary Colours: Red, blue, and yellow. Primary colours cannot be formed by mixing other colours.

Secondary Colors: Green, orange, and purple. These colours are made by combining two primary colors.

Tertiary Colors: These are formed by mixing one primary and one secondary colour.

After selecting your base colour, build the rest of your colour palette using complementary and analogous colours. Complementary colours, which are opposite of each other on the color wheel, provide high contrast and enhance each other's brightness, such as blue and orange. Analogous colors, found next to each other on the colour wheel, create a harmonious and pleasing visual effect, such as blue, teal, and green. To create a good colour flow within your home, try and incorporate your base colour throughout. 

Neutrals like white, black, grey, and beige are understated yet are very important within design because they provide good balance for the colour palette. They can act as a backdrop to make your primary colours pop or provide a resting space for the eyes. Ensure your neutrals complement your base and accent colours without overshadowing them. We love our shades Drawing Board, Market Day, and Linen Blend.

Do you like taking long walks in the woods or spending sunny days at the beach? Maybe there was a hotel you stayed at that you loved or even a favourite restaurant that’s atmosphere you really enjoy. Take note of the colour palettes around you every day, and keep a record of the shades surrounding you when you feel most joyful or at peace. Incorporate these into your palette at home.

While a cohesive colour palette can be important for great design, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it! Explore new trends and lead with your heart—if there’s a colour you want to try, chances are there’s a way it can be used to enhance the space—whether that’s through small touches like accessories or larger fixtures like a feature wall. Ready to start your next project?