Designing with Colour
Jennifer McCreesh, Interior Design Director at Ultimate Interior Design, on Creating Spaces That Feel Right.
When we think about decorating our homes, we often focus on furniture, layout, or the latest interior trends. Yet one of the most powerful design tools is something far simpler: colour. The shades we surround ourselves with can influence our mood, energy levels, and even how comfortable we feel in a space. Understanding the psychology of colour can help transform a house into a home that not only looks beautiful but also supports how we want to feel every day.
Soft, nature-inspired colours are widely known for their calming qualities. Shades like sage green, pale blue, and warm neutrals can create an atmosphere of quiet relaxation, making them ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. These colours subtly echo the tones we encounter in nature, which our brains associate with safety and calm. Our homes are our sanctuary, and after a long day, gentle hues can help create an atmosphere of calm and restoration.
Bedrooms in particular benefit from a thoughtful colour palette. Rather than overly bold shades and heavy patterns, consider muted tones such as dusty pink, soft lavender, or taupe. These colours create a cocooning effect that encourages relaxation and sleep. Even small touches like bedding, cushions, or curtains can introduce calming colours without having to repaint an entire room.
In contrast, some areas of the home benefit from colours that energise and uplift. Kitchens and dining spaces, often the social heart of the home, respond beautifully to warm neutrals such as soft sand, sandstone, or gentle clay tones. These shades create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere while remaining timeless and versatile. When selecting colours, it is also important to consider the natural light a space receives and the direction your home faces. North-facing rooms, for example, often benefit from warmer undertones to counter cooler daylight, while sun-filled south-facing spaces can comfortably embrace softer, cooler neutrals. A carefully chosen colour palette helps ensure a room feels balanced, comfortable, and welcoming throughout the day.
For home offices or creative spaces, deeper shades can be surprisingly effective. Colours like navy blue or deep forest green often encourage focus and concentration while still maintaining a sense of sophistication. These richer shades add depth to a room and can make a workspace feel intentional and inspiring.
Ultimately, decorating with colour is a deeply personal process. The most successful interiors reflect not just current trends but the emotions we want our homes to evoke. The key is layering colour thoughtfully through painted walls, accent furniture, textiles, and accessories. Great interior design is about more than appearance; it is about how a space makes you feel.
With 28 years of experience across the interior design and construction industries, Ultimate Interior Design delivers a seamlessly managed, fully integrated service. From initial concept through to completion, creative vision is thoughtfully paired with technical expertise, alongside a trusted network of skilled trades and a carefully curated collection of furniture, bespoke curtains, blinds, lighting, flooring, and home accessories. Complementing this offering, our bespoke colour consultations are thoughtfully designed to achieve beautifully balanced palettes, bringing depth, harmony, and a quiet sense of luxury to every interior.
Consultations by appointment only.
Ultimate Interior Design
Tel: 075 5338 3978 / 028 30 879376
Email: info@ultimateinterior.design
www.ultimateinterior.design
