Where to start

• Published date: 11 January 2023
• Publication title: Stratford Press

It’s easy to opt for a blank interior canvas of safe neutrals — and that can look stunning — but don’t cheat yourself out of what you love because you’re a little uncertain about your ideas

Remember, the first rule is… there are no rules. Don’t get too caught up in worrying about what colours should never be used together, or wondering if patterns and textures clash. In the end, it’s your space you’re decorating so it only matters if you like it.

Here are some simple tips, tricks and guidelines that a lot of professional interior designers work with to get each client started on their colour journey:

Colour science

If you did art at any stage of school, you’re probably familiar with the colour wheel. This is made up of:

●Primary colours — red, yellow, blue (colours that are not made by mixing other colours).

●Secondary colours — orange, green, violet (colours that are made by mixing two primary colours).

●Tertiary colours — red/orange, yellow/orange, yellow/green, blue/green, blue/violet, red/violet (colours that are made by mixing primary and secondary colours).

In addition to these colours you have...