WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

In our overstaturated AI world, Plascon is placing human-centric design at the forefront of its Colour Forecast for 2026 – aptly called Hand, made – by reinforcing the importance of ‘making by hand’.

​“At the heart of painting is the hand. It’s part of every step – choosing shades, testing swatches, and finally bringing colour to the wall. Paint is not abstract or artificial; it’s tangible, textured, and deeply human. The hand makes it real: authentic, unique, and a mark of craft. Our new colour combinations reflect the same spirit of celebrating imperfection and individuality. They don’t just cover surfaces, but respond to daily life,” says Plascon’s head of marketing, Leslie Frank.

Drawing inspiration from our daily surroundings – our city streets, wild gardens, and oceans – the Plascon team devised a collection of four distinct colour groupings, or ‘worlds’, that celebrate our imperfection and individuality as humans. Each group celebrates contrast and harmony, offering curated colours that unite to form immersive palettes.

Butter + Sky

This palette is optimistic and inspired by blue skies and warm yellows. The colours include Chocolate Chunk (O2-D1-1), Blazing Sun (Y4-A1-4), Sapphire (B7-A1-1), Athena’s Dream (B4-A2-1), Cave Painting (O2-C1-1), Julia (Y3-A2-2) and Signal Red (G7).

Land + Sea

Rooted in earthy and watery textures, the Land + Sea palette embodies natural materials and biophilic influences. The colours include African Mud (O2-E1-1), Olive (G2-E1-2), Frog Pond (Y6-D1-1), Bashful Blue (B3-C1-4), Sparkling Lemon Lime (Y6-A1-1), Daily Lily Dream (O2-A1-1), and Evening Stroll (G6-C2-1).

Fashion + Candy

Here, the colours are vibrant, eclectic and bold. Inspired by street style, nightlife and pop culture, this palette includes Eclair (R7-D1-1), Ruby Tuesday (R5-B2-2), Bellagio Blue (B6-B2-1), Hot-N-Spicy (R6-B1-1), White Maas (Y2-A2-2), Lemon Essence (Y5-A1-2) and Ginger Biscuit (O1-C1-1).

Orchard + Blooms

This lush and vibrant collection, which is inspired by fruit markets and garden centres, focuses on abundance and vitality. The colours include Chocolate Delight (R6-E1-1), Hudson (26), Spanish Brocade (O2-B1-3), Swazi (R2-C1-1), Wanda (Y4-C1-1), Good Day Sunshine (O6-A1-1) and Just Terracotta (R7-C1-1).

“From swatch to wall, the process becomes a story told by the human hand and the transformative power of colour,” says Leslie. | plasconcolour.co.za

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WORDS Gina Dionisio

When it comes to colour, organic hues are perfect for creating a calming atmosphere, but if you are looking to turn the volume up, then richer shades might be the answer. Enter Plascon‘s 2025 Colour Forecast with its intense collection of stand-out colours.

The new Dark family of seven tones stands out with striking, refined shades – perfect as bold accents or for bathing an entire room in dramatic colour. “Whether used as details to add depth or full-blown statement features, the Dark family infuses any space with an opulent allure that is sophisticated and deeply connected to the evolving design sensibilities of South Africa,” says Kristel Dreyer, Brand Marketing Manager at Kansai Plascon.

Shades Setting the Tone

Nuance is the defining characteristic of every hue in the Dark family, with each one perfectly designed to create standout tone-on-tone decor or offer a grounding element in a personalised palette. Plascon’s Black Bean (71) is to brown what charcoal is to black – providing a softer, cooler-toned variation of its more saturated counterpart. Rhine Castle’s (54) grey-brown, by contrast, presents a subdued take on light, airy millennial grey. Then there’s the luxurious Black Beard (B7-E1-1), with its midnight purple undertones.

Mother Earth (Y1-E1-1) is a deep khaki that manages to be both grounded and organic as well as sophisticated, while the leather-like hue of Beautiful Brown Eyes (R3-E1-1) brings elegance and masculine refinement.

Inspired by nature’s finest treasures, the jewel highlights in the Dark family evoke sumptuous comfort, with richness that reflects the beauty and rarity of precious stones. Showstopper (102) strikes a balance between garnet and ruby red. Mystic Copper (03-C1-1) brings the moody orange of carnelian or deep citrine to life, adding a touch of warmth and depth.

Design Tip

Dial up the drama of rich, dark hues by pairing them with contrasting finishes – glossy metals, velvet, leather, or high-gloss lacquer. | plascon.co.za

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COMPILED BY Gina Dionisio

Blue is having a major moment – as our latest curated edit in VISI #138 shows, this timeless hue brings instant elegance and edge to everything from furniture to fashion. ‘Blue Blocking’, the strategic overlapping of solid blocks of blue in all the shades of this soothing spectrum, is another way to incorporate the hue into your space. Here are five ways to “block” with blue in all its tantalising shades.

Paint

Paint is a quick and cost-effective way of introducing blue blocking into your scheme and makes a standout statement without the need to hang elaborate pieces of wall art. The key to getting the blue-blocking look right is to “think geometric” – a square of brilliant cobalt here, a triangle of electric indigo there. Blanket a whole feature wall in a single blue hue or highlight just, say, the rectangle of a door, keeping the accompanying scheme neutral and unfussy so as not to overwhelm the eye.

Blue on blue

Layered blocks of beguiling blue add dimensional interest to a space, especially when the chosen hues are kept to the same warm or cool spectrum of the palette. Warm blues, like indigo, denim or slate contain hints of red and, as such, they advance or come toward you, making a room feel cosier. On the other hand, cool blues, like cobalt, turquoise and ice blue, have yellow in them and tend to recede, which can help make a small space appear bigger.

Statement furniture

Resplendent in a deep, rich sapphire or, alternately, in a soothing powder blue, a large-scale furnishing item, such as a sofa, becomes the automatic focal point when inserted into a monochromatic scheme or offset by a backdrop of warm, complementary wood. Add a thin line of defining black or a geometric swatch of inky charcoal to make the colour truly sing, but keep these to a minimum so as not to detract from the impact of your big-ticket item. 

Keep it simple

A single block of a beautiful hue is the commitment-phobe’s answer to decorating with blue. Forgo having to splash out on the whole sofa and, instead, opt for an inexpensive piece of wall art or a blue-fronted sideboard that can be changed as inclination dictates. Against a neutral backdrop of bleached wood floors or expansive white walls, a solitary pop of shimmering blue is as much a scene-stealer as a whole scheme curated around the colour. 

Add a touch of turquoise

Harness the electric energy of intense aquamarine, where blue meets green, by using it in blocks – big or small. Bold and compelling, yet restful at the same time, it is a hue that works well in generous swathes over walls and furnishings, with just a hint of balancing white as a counterfoil. Alternatively, insert into a monochromatic scheme small pops of neon-bright turquoise – think a pair of identical scatters.

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WORDS Gina Dionisio

While a natural palette may be evergreen, it can also feel a bit… “beige”. Enter Plascon‘s 2025 Colour Forecast with its family of refreshed organic tones that are anything but boring. The new Natural family, composed of seven tones, is inspired by minimalist design principles and loamy textures. 

“More than taking its cues from the living world, the Natural family is an expressive palette reflecting the practice of finding joy in everyday experiences,” says Leslie Frank Head of Marketing at Kansai Plascon. “As our environment constantly evolves, it offers an endless source of inspiration, serving as an important reminder of the origins of life itself. We are excited to see how these shades will bring a sense of renewal to all kinds of spaces in 2025.”

Shades Setting the Tone

Ideal for fans of biophilic design, these new shades create calm, harmonious spaces by mirroring the textures and tones of the environment, effectively bringing a sense of the outdoors to your interiors. Plascon’s Acacia (86) reflects the softness of limestone and beach sand, while Canyon Wall (O3-C1-3) offers a refined earthy terracotta. Tuscan Wall (Y1-B1-2) introduces a soft golden yellow, and Light Sage (84) adds a gentle herbaceous green.

Bauhaus (Y2-E2-1), a trendy muted mocha, adds depth to any space, while Pale Honey (Y2-C1-4) and Buttery (89) bring warm, creamy tones that mirror the texture of fabrics. These three shades softly illuminate interiors, complementing tone-on-tone designs or bold contrasts.

Design Tip

Elevate natural hues by layering a mix of textures – think raw wood, linen, rattan, stone, and soft weaves. Earthy tones, like Acacia, Canyon Wall, and Light Sage come to life when paired with tactile surfaces, creating depth and visual interest while maintaining a calming, minimalist feel. | plascon.co.za

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Johanna Lehtinen (Copenhagen Apartment); Paris Brummer (Fish Hoek House); Dook (Montagu Home); Supplied

Understanding the fundamentals of colour can make all the difference before embarking on an interior design project. We spoke to interior design professionals Jeremy Volkmann, owner of BHC School of Design, and Hendre Bloem for their expert advice on using colour to create a space that feels cohesive, stylish, and uniquely yours.

1. Choose the Right Colour Palette

The foundation of every beautifully designed room lies in its colour palette. “The use of colour can be so personal, and the psychology behind how a person interacts with the design plays an important role,” says Jeremy. The key is to determine the room’s focal point:

• For bold walls: Choose accent colours that highlight the architectural features or create a dramatic backdrop.
• For statement furniture: Opt for neutral wall colours to let your furniture shine.

By establishing a clear focus, you ensure all the elements in your room complement one another seamlessly.

2. Balance Bold and Neutral Colours

“I look at the space as a whole because everything from the furniture colour to rugs, feature lights and even artwork can play a role in determining the wall colour,” explains Hendre. Striking the perfect balance between bold and neutral tones is an art form:

• Bold colours: Add vibrancy and personality.
• Neutral shades: Ground the room and provide a soothing contrast.

This harmony ensures your space remains cohesive while reflecting your style.

3. Layer Textures for Depth

One hallmark of professional interior design is the thoughtful layering of textures. This approach adds depth and interest to your space. Combine:

• Soft fabrics like velvet or linen.
• Rugged materials like leather or wood.
• Metallic finishes for a touch of glamour.

“The trick is to layer fabrics, textiles and paint that are all relatively similar in hue,” says Hendre.

4. Understand Colour Schemes

“Before choosing the colours you’d like to use in your interiors, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of different colour schemes – specific combinations of colours, compiled to form harmonious spaces,” says Jeremy. To master this, use the colour wheel to your advantage:

• Harmonious schemes: Use colours adjacent to one another on the wheel for a calm and peaceful vibe.
• Complementary schemes: Pair opposite colours on the wheel for bold contrast and energy.

These techniques help bring personality and purpose to your interiors.

5. Apply the 60/30/10 Rule

Proportion is everything in design, and the 60/30/10 rule provides a foolproof formula for achieving harmony. Here’s how it works:

• 60%: Dominant colour – covers the largest area, such as walls or large furniture.
• 30%: Secondary colour – used for upholstery, rugs, or curtains.
• 10%: Accent colour – reserved for accessories like cushions, artwork, or decorative objects.

“This timeless guideline for compiling a colour scheme involves the use of proportion when deciding on colours for a space, and results in harmony,” says Jeremy.

Ready to Learn More?

Want to dive deeper into the world of interior design? Our 8-week VISI X BHC Interior Decorating Core Principles online course is designed for aspiring interior decorators who want to master the essentials, including:

• Space planning
• Colour theory
• Design elements and principles

Study Anytime, Anywhere

Our on-demand model makes it easier to fit learning into your schedule. Select your preferred start date from the dropdown calendar at checkout and begin your journey to becoming a design pro.

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Because you can create an eye-catching feature to liven up a dreary room – and if you use leftover paint, it won’t cost you a thing.

When it comes to a plain room without a natural focal point, use paint to create a bold, look-at-me feature that will add another dimension to the space. And if you want to zone a space to create a separate work-from-home or vanity area, a colourful painted arch will make the perfect backdrop for a desk or dressing table.

 START WITH A PLAIN BACKGROUND. If you have plain walls painted a fairly light colour, you’re halfway there. If not, or if your background could do with a touch-up, give walls a fresh coat of paint. Pale background colours work best, with a bolder contrast colour on top.

 SIZE IT UP. Decide on the width and height of your arch before you begin. Cut a long length of string and attach a key to one end to act as a weight. Then, using masking tape, stick the string to the wall at the height where the first straight section of your arch will stop. Cover the string with chalk and pin against the wall to make a chalk-line guide. Tape along this line.

 MARK OUT THE SIDES. Use a spirit level and make a mark for the top of the second straight side, to ensure it is level with the first side. Repeat the process above, so that you have two straight sides masked ready for painting.

 TOP OFF YOUR ARCH. Measure the gap between the two straight sides and mark the midpoint. Attach a pencil to the end of a length of string and pin the string at the midpoint, so the pencil reaches the top of both of the straight side lines. Use the pencil to draw a semi-circle to form the top of the arch, then carefully paint the outline using a small paintbrush. Fill in the rest of the arch using a roller. Gently remove the masking tape while the paint is still slightly wet.

Expert Tips

• Choose contrasting colours for a vibrant feel.
• For a more subtle effect, use a variety of different shades of one colour.

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Because your “fifth wall” needs a refresh – and you can give it the attention it deserves with a crisp, clean, non-drip finish.

Ceilings are an integral part of our decorating scheme – they can affect light, atmosphere and the overall professional finish of the room. If you’re planning to decorate, learning how to paint a ceiling properly will make all the difference. Make sure you tackle the ceiling first to prevent drips on newly painted walls.

PREPARE THE ROOM. Remove furniture from the room (or move it away from the walls), and cover the floor with dust sheets. Remove lampshades and all light fittings so you can get right into the edges easily.

MASK THE EDGES. Using decorator’s tape, mask off the edges. You might want to paint the coving at the same time, in which case mask off the area where the coving joins the wall.

CLEAN THE SURFACE. If the ceiling has been painted previously, ensure the area is free of crumbling and damaged paint by scraping away any loose bits with a hard-bristle brush, and cleaning the ceiling with a sugar soap solution. If it’s fresh plaster, apply a mist coat made of three parts paint and one part water.

CUT IN AT THE EDGES. Start cutting in with the paintbrush. Paint an area 3 to 5cm wide around the perimeter. If you want to paint the coving or mouldings, now is the time to do it.

PAINT THE CEILING. Working in small sections, apply the paint with a roller in a gentle zig-zag formation, slightly overlap the previous stroke. Don’t push too hard or you’ll end up with obvious lines in the paintwork. It might look slightly patchy at first, but this will be covered by a second coat.

Expert Tips

• Use panelling to visually divide wall space.
• To apply a second coat, wait until the first coat is completely dry, then cut in and repeat the process. Remove the decorator’s tape while the paint is still damp.
• Small spaces can feel bigger when you use a bold, daring colour – especially when you paint the ceiling too.

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Because a protective coat of paint will smarten up your garden and protect your fences, giving them a new lease on life.

Painting the garden fence can be the instant makeover your garden is crying out for – and it doesn’t cost the earth. Unsure how to paint a fence? Don’t worry, we have all the know-how you need to tackle this satisfying job. Set aside a day to get the task done – although another pair of hands will make it go quicker!

CHOOSE THE RIGHT DAY. This is key. The wood has to be dry, so tackle the job when no rain is forecast for a few days. Avoid hot days, though, as the sun will dry out the paint before it’s had time to penetrate the wood.

PREPARE THE SURFACE. Use a stiff brush to remove dirt and flaky bits. Scrub away any algae with a diluted general-purpose cleaner, and let it dry. Replace any rotten sections, and repair small areas of damage with exterior wood filler (sand flush with the wood when dry).

PROTECT THE AREA. Use dust sheets to cover any plants or paving that might be splashed. Trim back foliage that’s getting in your way, and gently detach and pull back any climbers. If your fence posts are concrete, cover them with masking tape.

DO A PATCH TEST. Give the paint or stain a good stir before you start. Do a patch test in an inconspicuous place to check that you’re happy with the colour before painting the entire fence – just as you would during interior decorating. It’s important to see what the colour will look like once it’s dried.

GET PAINTING. Apply brush strokes in the direction of the grain. Don’t overload the brush, and work the paint into the wood well. For end grains (such as the top of fence posts), dab the brush in a stippling motion to really get the paint into the wood. Leave to dry completely before doing another coat. Two thin coats will give a much better result than one thick coat.

Expert Tips

• Contrast a pastel-coloured fence with dark garden furniture.
• Vibrant colours are ideal for making small spaces feel bigger and brighter, while on-trend dark feature shades are great for larger gardens. Read more about the fundamentals of understanding colour, here.

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Four interior design gurus – Jeremy Volkmann, Hendre Bloem, Mia Senekal and Clinton Savage – share their approach to using both bold hues and neutrals in projects. Because before you pick up a paintbrush, a few expert tips can make a huge difference.

Choosing the Right Colour Palette for a Specific Space

MIA When selecting a colour, I look at what the space needs to hold. What is the feature of the room? If it is the walls, then I would go for a bold accent colour – but if it is the furniture pieces, then I’d prefer to use a neutral palette for the walls.

JEREMY Although the use of colour is fairly subdued in my designs, I tend to involve the client in the process at an early stage. The use of colour can be so personal, and the psychology behind how a person interacts with the design plays an important role. As a rule, however, I tend to avoid colour trends because they usually date over time, and rather try to focus on a neutral palette, with more textured surfaces within the environment.

CLINTON Before starting any project, there is a process of getting to know the client – understanding their vision and what inspires them, and how this translates into the space. Colour plays a very important part in this. Finding the right balance between trends and longevity will also influence the colour palette, as well as existing decor and lighting. The room in question and its functionality – be it the main bedroom, a child’s bedroom, the kitchen, a study – also plays a role in determining the right colour palette. Each space has an intended purpose that it will serve, and the colours need to work with that.

Balancing Bold and Neutral Colours in Interior Design

HENDRE It’s all about balance when it comes to the use of colour and tones. I look at the space as a whole, because everything from the furniture colour to rugs, feature lights and even artwork can play a role in determining the wall colour. Hendre Bloem Interior Design is known for neutral colour tones that are used in quite bold ways.

JEREMY Neutral colours are timeless, comfortable and warm – and they’re definitely my “go-to”. Accents of bolder colour tend to come thorough in decor accessories such as throws, pillows or artworks. I’ve certainly had to adapt my design style over the years, which has allowed my spaces and designs to evolve. I would suggest using tints or shade variants of the neutral colours chosen as the “bold” colour. Playing with the brightness of these shades will help to set the desired feeling within a space and can create an illusion of depth.

Creating Interest and Depth in a Space when using Primarily Neutral Colours

HENDRE Here it’s all about the layering of tones and the introduction of textures as a contrasting element. I have used the same sort of colour tone on certain projects, yet have achieved a great sense of depth and warmth by combining this with various textural materials. The trick is to layer fabrics, textiles and paint that are all relatively similar in hue.

CLINTON Using textures and layering always creates interest in a space that is primarily made up of neutral colours. Artwork is a great design element for creating a focal point, and so is interesting furniture. Adding reflective furniture pieces and mirrors while paying special attention to lighting is also key.

Incorporating Current Colour Trends into Designs, but still Ensuring Longevity and Timelessness

MIA I like to use trending colours on smaller accent walls or furniture pieces – this allows for easy changes with time. That’s the magic of paint: you can alter an entire space by just repainting one wall; it all looks new and fresh.

HENDRE When it comes to paint, I tend to choose neutral and monochromatic tones. That said, using on-trend colours can also make a statement in key spaces, and especially in areas that are easily repaintable. At Greyton Lodge, areas such as the guest loo and wine bar are great examples of using a single colour on walls, and how it then blends seamlessly with the other tones used in the space.

CLINTON While it’s temping to follow the latest trends, we’re always mindful that these will date. Everyone has their own style, so consider choosing furniture, artworks and other key pieces in colours that resonate with you, because these will always be relevant. Bring in current colour trends with accessories such as scatter cushions, rugs, throws and smaller decor items, or with wallpaper and painted accent walls – these can be changed more easily and affordably. Finding the right balance here is the key to creating a timeless look that will not date.

The Role of Natural Light in Selecting the Right Shade

MIA Natural light is the most attractive feature you can have in a space. When it comes to choosing paint colours, I always take the swatches outside to view, because colour changes with light. Natural light is enhanced by lighter colours, creating a sense of grandeur in a space.

HENDRE Lighting is vital, and it’s important to see things such as paint colours in natural light – but also in the same “temperature” that will be used in the home’s artificial lighting. The surrounding environment also has an impact. For example, if the space is a house on the beach, facing west, the glare of the setting sun will likely be quite harsh – so you might want to move away from a very light or pure white colour, and opt for slightly warmer neutral tones.

CLINTON When it comes to aesthetics, natural light does a far better job of bringing out colour than artificial light. Opting for lighter shades will make a space feel brighter; they tend to reflect the natural light that enters a space. To really maximise this, we use considered design elements such as mirrors or, if possible, a big window, for further emphasis and reflection. All of this will result in a space that feels light and open.

Using Colour to Solve Specific Design Challenges and Enhance a Room’s Functionality

MIA Working with smaller spaces is always a challenge. When you use light and bright colours, it opens up a space.

HENDRE Because paint is relatively affordable and easy to apply, we have used it in various scenarios to solve a design problem. We designed a boutique hotel in which natural oak beds were used in the bedrooms, and at a certain point we realised that, because of other unforeseen costs on site, we could no longer create additional headboard elements as we’d originally planned. The solution was to use a feature paint colour – we achieved the balance we were looking for and pulled the whole look together.

JEREMY Without a doubt, the correct paint specification can mask irregularities in the wall surface. There are so many incredible paint techniques available that I often try various textures and techniques in one space. Not only do these surfaces change as the light changes, but they also provide movement and feeling within the space. Be careful, though – if not applied correctly, many of these techniques can result in costly mistakes. I’ve learnt this the hard way!

VISI Online Masterclass Videos

You can hear more from all our experts when you enrol for our VISI X BHC ONLINE INTERIOR DESIGN COURSE. Jeremy Volkman is the owner and managing director of BHC School of Design, which also happens to be the place from which our other design gurus – Hendre Bloem, Clinton Savage and Mia Senekal – graduated.

Each of them has created an extensive masterclass video with VISI’s editor-in-chief Steve Smith, covering:
Interior decorating core principles (Clinton Savage)
Furniture design (Mia Senekal)
Materials and finishes (Hendre Bloem)

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The post A Colour Masterclass appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Dook; Nicolad Mathéus; Paris Brummer; Greg Cox/Bureaux; Johanna Lehtinen

Understanding Colour

Before choosing the colours you’d like to use in your interiors, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of different colour schemes – specific combinations of colours, compiled to form harmonious spaces. Decorators and designers consistently refer to these schemes when curating interiors.

ACHROMATIC COLOURS This timeless palette of shades has no dominant hue, and comprises tones of grey, black and white. They make for an elegant, understated aesthetic and are a versatile foundation in design, capable of harmonising with any colour scheme in a balanced and sophisticated way.

Achromatic colours are suited to minimalist, contemporary interiors, offering a serene backdrop for other hues to pop. Their subtlety and adaptability make them a powerful tool in artistic expression, emphasising form, texture and composition in a captivating and visually impactful way.

NEUTRALS The soothing backbone of interior design, neutrals have a timeless allure. Soft hues of beige, taupe and grey give spaces a sense of tranquillity and versatility.

The understated tones serve as a canvas, allowing accents and textures to shine. Neutrals effortlessly bridge styles, adapting to minimalist, rustic or modern aesthetics; they highlight architectural details and create an open ambience, making rooms appear more spacious and inviting.

CHROMATIC COLOURS Chromatic colour schemes can be either harmonious or complementary:

• Harmonious colour schemes create peaceful and calm interiors. They include hues that are close to one another on the colour wheel (analogous), or a single colour that is used in varying values and saturations (monochromatic).
• Complementary colour schemes make use of colours that contrast one another – they’re on opposing sides of the colour wheel, and can be bold and loud. It’s in the interplay of complementary and analogous colour schemes that the magic truly unfolds: complementary pairs infuse spaces with magnetic contrast, drama and intrigue; analogous hues establish a harmonious flow, where neighbouring shades seamlessly blend to unveil depth and subtlety.

Using Colour

Changing your colour scheme can significantly impact a space, making it look larger than it is or hiding proportions that perhaps weren’t thought through well. Now that you know how colour schemes work, here’s how you can apply them to some basic decorating guidelines.

3/3 Vertical Rule

This guideline is inspired by nature. Think about it: when nature is a framed viewpoint, dark colours are closer to the ground, medium tones are in the middle, and the lightest tones are close to the frame’s top.

And this is how the rule translates into interior design:

• Split your space into three sections.
• Use the darkest colours at the base, representing the earth.
• Use medium-toned colours in the middle, representing plants and water.
• Use lighter-toned colours at the top, representing the sky.

The 60/30/10 Rule

This timeless guideline for compiling a colour scheme involves the use of proportion when deciding on colours for a space, and results in harmony.

The aim is visual weight; experience will help you decide when to use this rule and when to break away from it. Here are the percentages:

• 60% of the space’s colour scheme should be the main/ dominant colour. It grounds the space, and you’ll find it on walls, large rugs and large furniture items.
• 30% of the space’s colour scheme (half as much as the dominant colour) will be the secondary colour. It plays a supportive role to the main colour; you’ll find it on window cushions, throws, linen, window coverings and accent walls.
• 10% of the space’s colour scheme will be a pop of accent colour. You’ll find it on scatter cushions, blankets, small decor items and artworks. As an example of how this rule works, imagine a room with white walls and sofa (60%); a neutral floor, coffee table and occasional chairs (30%); and one accent colour used throughout the space (10%).

The 60/30/10 rule can be applied to a monochromatic scheme too – instead of different colours, you can use varying shades and saturations of a single colour. Remember: it’s a guideline, and since rules are sometimes made to be broken, don’t be afraid to do so!

Unifying The Colour Flow

You can’t think of one space in isolation, and creating a palette that flows from one area to the next will help you curate a cohesive design in your home.

Even if you are a devout maximalist, unrelated colours in different rooms will create a disjointed composition when viewed in its entirety. Colours that relate to one another (harmonious, or even contrasting but still related) will draw the eye from one room to the next and create visual continuity. Here’s how to accomplish that:

• Throughout the home, choose colours that relate to one another. You can achieve this by, for example, repeating colours in small details such as fabrics.
• Allow the same thread of colour – like a specific hue or a timber floor – to flow from room to room.
• Define connected areas with colour. Maximise the sense of space by continuing a colour from area to area. Each space can retain its own identity, but still be connected to the rest of the home.
• Connect rooms with flooring and rugs. This works well when different spaces are painted in contrasting colours. By allowing flooring or rugs to straddle spaces, harmony and flow are created.
• Use the same trim colour throughout the home to unify the various spaces

Working with Whites, Creams and Beiges

These neutral tones are a timeless, versatile backdrop that promotes serenity and a sense of space, and opens up a range possibilities when it comes to accent colours and decor.

Here are some tips for working with whites, creams and beiges:

• Establish the undertone. This will help you assess whether you’ll be working with warm whites or cool whites. Warm white undertones are yellow, orange or red, and work well with cream and beige. Cool white undertones are blue, green or purple, and work well with greys. To establish the undertone, compare it with a pure white colour swatch.
• Mix white and cream. Shades of cream warm up whites and help to lighten up a space.
• Use repetition. Repeat the same tones of white throughout a space with different fabrics (linens, leathers) and furniture items.
• Select paint colour last. There are endless variations of paint colours, but limited colours of furniture and decor.
• Include pops of black and timber. Using these accents in decorative elements such as lamps and furniture trim will immediately ground a space.

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