Color is the cornerstone of interior design, setting the tone for a space and influencing all other aspects of design, from lighting to furnishings. Whether your look is based on contrasting colors or neutral tones, knowing some simple color theory will mean the finish is streamlined and balanced.
“Color can evoke emotions and enhance moods,” Claire Garner, director of Claire Garner Interiors, told Country Living. “Warm hues such as soft neutrals, earthy tones, or subtle pastels create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere in living rooms and dining spaces where social interaction is key. While cooler shades like blues, greens, or gray promote relaxation and tranquillity, making them ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms and other spaces where peace and serenity are desired.”
From the 60-30-10 principle to analogous and complementary color schemes, these are the color combination rules interior designers and specialists say they rely on to create balanced, cohesive spaces.
1. Use analogous colors for a cohesive look
An analogous color scheme uses colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel for a balanced effect.
Before choosing a color scheme, it’s important to understand the color wheel. This simple tool shows how colors relate to one another and helps you identify combinations that feel balanced.
“This type of color scheme creates a serene and comfortable design by leveraging the natural harmony between hues,” Claire Garner, director of Claire Garner Interiors, told us. “For instance, incorporating shades of blue, green, and teal together will give you a naturally cohesive look.”
Garner continued: “This approach is particularly effective in creating a unified and soothing design, making it ideal for bedrooms and living spaces. By selecting colors that naturally complement each other, an analogous color scheme creates a sense of tranquillity throughout the room.”
2. Choose a soft, neutral base
Pale, soft, and neutral tones are popular choices for base colors as they feel much lighter and open up the space—but you don’t always need to opt for white, black, or gray, says Matthew Williamson, renowned interior designer and author of Living Bright.
“I am really enjoying using soft plaster pink as an all-over wall color—it is always my go-to neutral. Warmer than gray, more interesting than beige and more forgiving than white, for me it’s a color that I’ll return to again and again.
Williamson continued: “Pale and soft tones are often the best choice when it comes to base colors, as they provide a versatile canvas that can be accented with bolder shades to create depth and interest without overwhelming the space.”
3. Pair bold wall colors with an ‘apparent white’
White is a common choice when it comes to a base color, but Georgie Wykeham of Georgie Wykeham Designs, who also offers personalized color palette service, The Colorist, suggests an ‘apparent’ or ‘off’ white will soften the effect.
“People tend to give a lot of thought to the wall color and then just stick a standard white on the ceilings and woodwork,” Wykeham told us. “You should look for what I like to call an ‘apparent white’—a color that looks white next to the chosen color. Your apparent white should have a touch of the wall color in it.”
4. Follow the ‘nature rule’ for balance
Kate Conrad, senior interior designer at luxury homeware retailer Madison & Mayfair, follows the ‘nature rule’ to maximize spaces. She told us: “For color schemes I follow the ‘nature rule’, whereby you design a room from the ground up.
“Use the darker tones at the bottom, such as a deep-colored rug or dark-colored side tables, and then opt for slightly lighter tones in the middle of the room, such as with your sofa or any wall art.
Then, use the lightest colors at the top of the room, and watch as it transforms it by creating the illusion of being a larger, more open space.”
5. Use the 60-30-10 formula
The ‘rule of three’ is a timeless color principle that will help you achieve balance in any room. “The 'rule of three' recommends limiting your palette to three main colors—one dominant with two accent colors – to avoid a cluttered look,” Nicolene Mausenbaum of Dezyna Interiors told us.
In terms of how to split this, another common rule is the ‘60-30-10’ rule.
“Opt for 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, and 10% accent color to achieve a balanced effect,” Amanda Foster of Foster Decor told us. “It’s a recipe for visual delight!” She continued: “It’s also worth adding in different textures when thinking about the three colors, as different textures in the same color can add more depth.”
6. Use complementary colors for contrast
Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel, as opposed to analogous colors, which sit beside each other.
“Complementary colors add immediate variety and more obvious contrast to a space,” Simone Wilson, color and trend expert at Voyage Maison told us.
“This type of combination works as the two opposing colors are often similar in tone within their segment on the color wheel, marrying nicely.”
Wilson also recommends trying fresh takes on traditional combinations. She continued: “It’s easy to modernize traditional complementary color schemes. For example, many of us may associate red and green with traditional spaces—or with Christmas – but a fresh take could be to opt for muted mossy greens and rusty terracotta reds to elevate and modernize this usually more classic color combination.”
How to choose the right color scheme for your home
There aren’t hard and fast rules when it comes to the right color combination rules—a lot of the finish effect will be down to personal taste, but knowing the basics of how colors work together can help you create timeless looks based on your own preferences.
It’s also worth trialing your chosen colors in your spaces before committing, Nicolene Mausenbaum of Dezyna Interiors suggests. She explains: “Once you’ve selected your desired colors, ensure that you paint large test samples in the actual room before committing to a final choice—being sure to let the paint dry properly. Once dry, observe the samples at different times of day, with natural light and with artificial light to fully appreciate the color values.”
