Design Victoria: A Conversation About Colour
On May 2nd, I'll be at Design Victoria Festival talking about colour.
But why colour, while there are many topics I could talk about?
Because I keep hearing the same thing: "I love colour, but..."
"But I don't know where to start".
"But I'm afraid of getting it wrong".
"I'll just play it safe."
I get it. Using colour isn't easy. Not anymore, at least.
Have you ever noticed how effortless colour feels in traditional cultures? The earthy terracottas, deep blues, and saffron yellows of Morocco. The bold reds, greens, yellows, and whites of Norway's wooden waterfront houses. The vermillion reds, lacquer blacks, and gold of China. Each one distinct, yet harmonious and coherent. Colour wasn't a decision to agonize over. It was woven into place, culture, environment, and meaning. Somewhere along the way, we lost that thread. Now we're left with Pinterest boards, conflicting advice, and the fear of getting it wrong.
And here's the thing: the idea that "playing it safe" is neutral, that choosing beige or grey or white is somehow not a choice.
It is a choice, and it has an impact. Colour, no matter what hue, tone or shade, affects how we feel in a space, whether we're aware of it or not. A room without colour isn't calm by default. It might feel cold, boring or isolating. It might be a missed potential.
That's why I wanted to dig into the research, separate myth from evidence, and offer something practical. Not rules but a framework, an understanding.
Did you know that the most common colour frustration in home decorating comes from paint colours?
Paint colours looking different on the walls than they did on the chip at the store, or the room not feeling the way it was imagined it would
That tiny chip from the store? It won't tell you how the colour will actually feel on your walls. That "perfect white"? It might not be what you think. Grey has a way of surprising people. And that beautiful, lush green you wanted to bring you aliveness? It turned strong and overstimulating.
But here's what most people miss: the paint colour itself isn't the first decision. The first question is: what role do you want your walls to play?
A supportive neutral background that recedes, letting furniture, art and materials lead? That's 60% or more of your palette, sitting quietly in the background.
Part of the colour story, in conversation with everything else? That's around 30%, adding depth and harmony.
Or do you want the walls to carry the dominant hue of your palette, setting the tone for the entire room? That's 60-70% of a distinct colour. Not a feature wall. The room becomes that colour.
Until you know the role, the colour choice is a guess, and the results might be an unpleasant surprise.
If you are in Victoria or in town for the Design Victoria Festival, join me on May 2nd at Luxe Home Interiors.
Talk at 1 pm, followed by a hands-on workshop at 2:15 pm. For more info
What's your "I love colour, but..."?
With Joy & Delight!