Pink 03

Blue 04

Beige 03

Green 05 Rome House

Pink 01

Grey 08 Amsterdam House

Green 01

Black 01

Beige 10

Green 14

Our \n@lick\n community's homes are full of colour and decorating inspiration.

Image via @teawithruby\n\nColour schemes are the secret to making a room feel relaxing and harmonious while still having a distinct personality. Instead of your favourite furnishings competing for attention, a colour scheme gives each piece its own moment to create impact. When you go a step further and apply a colour scheme to your entire home, you’ll immediately notice how it improves the sense of flow as you look through doorways and move between rooms.\nCreating a colour scheme for an entire house might seem like an overwhelming task, but it’s possible to break it down into smaller steps that are much more enjoyable to plan. Let’s take a look at how to pick the best colour scheme for your own house renovation.\n\n1. Think about the vibe you want to create in your space\nBefore you even look at colour swatches, it’s important to pin down how you want the atmosphere in your home - and each individual room - to feel. Do you like the idea of a pared-back, continuous tranquillity throughout your home, or would you like each room to contribute to a bold, cheerful statement?\nWhen it comes to individual rooms, where do you want to feel most alert, and where should be restful? Which spaces deserve a formal atmosphere, and which should be more cosy and intimate?\n\n2. Consider the time of day when you use each room\nColour is going to play a big part in uplifting you in the morning and soothing you in the evening so, factor in the time of day you’ll most likely be using each room. For example, an en-suite shower room might be a good candidate for bright, zesty colours to bring energy into your morning, while your living room could be a soothing pink or cocooning navy if that’s where you like to curl up after dinner.\nThe natural light in each room will also have an impact on colour. In the morning, light tends to be brighter and clearer, gradually turning more golden and red-toned throughout the day. For this reason, home offices are often best kept in a restful, neutral colour that won’t be too intense at any hour.\n\nRead our blog on \nnorth, east, south, and west-facing rooms\n and how this affects light and colour. Have you got a north-facing room and don't know which colour to paint it? \nCheck out all our \ncolours for north-facing rooms\n.

3. Understand your fixed elements\nWhat items or features are already going to be part of your house renovation? Use them to start informing your colour palette. For example, creating a scheme around a beloved rug, rattan console, vibrant wallpaper or stylish set of furniture to use as a centrepiece. Find the neutrals or background shades to use as the base of your home’s colour palette, then use brighter colours within the patterns to inspire smaller splashes of colour in soft furnishings and accent décor. Check out these \n5 ways to style your room around your favourite statement furniture\n.

Maybe you’re hoping to keep lovely timber floors exposed, or emphasise a gorgeous wood or \nmarble fireplace surround\n? Create a visual connection in other rooms by choosing the same kind of timber, or a multi-tonal wood that picks out the same colours but also pulls in other shades. \n\nIf your woodwork has a clear undertone, you can pick a paint palette that matches and emphasises the shades, or contrasts with it. A third option is to choose \ncomplementary colours\n as the undertones; balancing yellow-toned woodwork with a violet- or blue-toned paint, like \nGrey 02\n or \nGrey 03\n, for example. Shop our \ngrey paint colours\n.\n\nLet the architecture guide your colour transitions. Corners, moulding, staircases and archways are natural points at which to change to a new colour or pattern, and you can break up large walls by \npainting a wall mural\n. Let your staircases's wood tones naturally colour block or paint them a contrasting colour (check out these \npainting stairs ideas\n for more inspiration).

4. Finding your favourite colours and style\nDon’t fall into the trap of renovating just because of a current trend, or to impress friends or neighbours. It’s your space and home: fill it with colours you love and that make you happy.\n\nYour colour palette should be imbued with your favourite colours and should avoid the ones you like least. A good exercise to help you find these is to find lots of inspiration from magazines, Pinterest and Instagram to slowly identify a pattern of what you’re drawn to. Create a visual \ninterior design mood board\n with your favourite magazine clippings and notice how you gravitate towards certain colours and patterns. Find yourself gravitating to bright and bold colours? You'll probably love these \ncolourful bedroom and living room ideas\n. It's all about what works for you and which colours you are drawn to. Check out Tash's advice below:

Of course, you might have known your favourite interior colours for a long time: \nTash Bradley\n, Lick’s Lead Colour Specialist explains, “My favourite colour is a warm, burnt, buttercup yellow. My mum, who is a property developer and interior designer, has decorated all hallways and front doors in this beautiful yellow colour. It’s a very uplifting and happy colour, which always reminds me of my childhood. This is why I’ve used this colour in pockets in my home - it brings me great comfort and instantly takes me back”.

“Your colour palette should be imbued with your favourite colours and should avoid the ones you like least.”

Maybe your colours aren’t as specific, but there’s an era or style you want to evoke.\n\nDecorating a beautiful 1920s home, for example, might have you reaching for the dusky pinks and blues from our \nNeo Deco pastels paint palette,\n while groovy ‘70s architecture is the ideal canvas for \nretro colours like warm reds and yellows\n (read about our \nretro colour palette\n). For something more contemporary, try the \nJapandi style\n and embrace a combination of \nstripped-back neutral paint colours and earthy tones\n.\n\nLooking for inspiration? Check out \nhow to style the Miami neo deco pastel paint colours in your home\n and real all about the \nMiami art deco style\n.

5. Choosing your neutrals\nBright colours can be daunting, so it’s okay to start with a relaxing neutral hue and gradually add colour. Your neutral colours are the motif that appear in every room to tie everything together. It might be on your hallway walls, your bathroom floor, your kitchen counters and your living room woodwork - the arrangement is up to you.\n\nAnd so is the colour - although the majority of people choose a shade of white as their neutral colour, you can use something else. For example, \nlight Pink 01\n is one of our most popular neutral shades.\n\nThere are warm neutrals, like \nWhite 06\n, which has a delicate touch of pink, or \nBeige 03\n, which has gentle yellow tones (read up on the difference between yellow based and \ngrey beige paint\n). Our collection of cool neutrals includes the blue-toned \nGrey 01\n, and \nWhite 01\n, \nWhite 02\n or \nWhite 04\n, which each have hints of grey. To balance a palette that’s a combination of warm and cool, try \nGreige 01\n or \nGreige 02\n.

6. Creating colour harmony\nThere are three main ways to build a colour scheme, each creating a different kind of atmosphere:\n\nMonochromatic colour schemes\n use the same colour in lighter and darker shades, for example, pale blue, mid blue (like our \ndusky Blue 10 paint\n) and deep blue. The effect is usually serene and relaxing - perfect for bedrooms or tranquil home offices.\n

\nAnalogous colour scheme \nuse colours that are next to each other on the \ncolour wheel\n, like supporting a burnt orange with accents in deep yellow and red. The effect is a little more energised to look at than tonal colours and can bring a hint of spice into a hallway or dining area. Another great way to spice up a hallway is through wallpaper. Try an analogous colour scheme in the design and instantly energise the space.

\n\nComplementary colour schemes\n involve colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, like green and purple. These bold combinations are fun and inject life into a room, but can be a little overwhelming in large doses. Try sprinkling these kinds of contrasts into statement kitchens or vibrant living areas.\n

Choosing colours with the same weights and undertones will make even the brightest combinations feel easy on the eye, rather than jarring.\n\nFind rhythm in the repetition of your colours throughout the house. Even if each room has a different base shade, add flashes of each accent colour to keep a sense of consistency and balance. The rule of thumb is that your space should be 60% your dominant shade, 30% your sub-dominant shade and 10% your accent colour.\n\nRemember that colour is everywhere, not just walls. Add textiles, paint woodwork and cover shelving with wallpaper if it helps tie your rooms together.

7. Getting practical: choosing colours and samples\nWe would recommend choosing 8-10 colours for your palette to cover an entire house renovation with some variety. In addition to our pre-curated \nNeo Deco pastels\n, \nJapandi style\n and \n70s retro colour\n palettes that we mentioned earlier, we’ve got \npastel colour tips\n, \nspring colours inspiration\n, and \nthe Year of the Ox shades\n to give you more ideas.\n\nOnce you’ve decided on your colours, ordering \npaint samples\n is the best way to understand how your palette will come to life. Start with one space, like the entryway or the room you want to have the biggest impact (probably your living room or kitchen).\n\nNext, move onto the connecting rooms and areas you can see from the first room, choosing different colours from your scheme. Each part of the house can still have a distinctive style and focus, as long as you link them together through trims, flooring, accents or neutral elements.\n\nOur \npeel-and-stick paint samples\n allow you to move them between walls, helping you to understand the way the light hits the colours at certain times of day and how they look in different rooms and corners. Stick them up 1-2 days minimum to see how they make you feel and you’ll be much more confident that the colours you pick are 100% right.

Renovating a whole house is a big undertaking, but the process should still be enjoyable. Choosing a colour scheme is a surprisingly simple way to add personality and make your decisions easier at the same time. Now that you know how to create a colour scheme when planning a house renovation, check out our range of \npaint colours\n and \nwallpaper designs\n, and \norder some samples online\n or read on for more \ndecorating tips\n.\n\n 

To understand the colour wheel is to get to grips with the science behind colour theory. Why are some pairings a colour match made in heaven and why others scream, “What the hell were hue thinking”? Did you know that the same Isaac Newton who discovered gravity also invented the colour wheel? That’s why we’ll be explaining the colour wheel \naccording to science\n and sharing this foolproof method to finding your perfect paint colour.\nIntroducing: the colour wheel\n

A simple colour wheel is made up of 12 colours, a combination of the three primary colours: red, blue, and yellow. The three primary colours are essentially the parents of the remaining nine on the colour wheel. Now, let's talk about mixers. Sadly not an accompaniment to your favourite tipple, but hues, tints, tones, and shades. The make-up of the colour wheel. \n\nHue\n: another term for colour. The pure colour.\n\nTint\n: the pure colour, mixed with white. \n\nTone\n: the pure colour, mixed with grey.\n\nShade\n: the pure colour, mixed with black. \nWarm and cool colours: a tale of two halves\n\nSimply put, the colour wheel splits into two halves: warm and cool. These are pretty intuitive. Warm colours are bold, vivid, and tend to appear larger or take up space, whilst cool colours are soothing and create an impression of calm and don't overpower. Conversely, white, black, and grey are considered to be neutralising.\n\nWhat lies beneath: undertones\n\nThe dominant colour, the one you perceive it to be, is called the overtone – although sometimes people disagree on this (that dress was blue!). The colour you don't see is the undertone, but they can make all the difference between a warm or a cool colour. For example, grey, green, blue, and purple are all cool undertones (calming colours), whilst orange, yellow, red, and pink are warm undertones (energising colours). All of our paints have a range of undertones and you should consider these when picking the right palette for your room.\n\nRoom direction: a brief orientation\n\nOne of the trickiest decisions is not just what colour to choose but what colour is right for it based on how much light it gets. We use spaces at different times and for different things. Not only does this affect the light but also how the colour will appear. If you’re not sure what orientation your room is, read our \nguide on how to tell if your room is north, east, south or west-facing\n. \n\nWith less natural light than their counterparts, north-facing rooms tend to be darker and can bring out the cooler undertones of a colour, whilst south-facing rooms enjoy generous lighting throughout the day. For the former, when it comes to your colour options, it’s best to opt for a lighter palette with warm red or yellow undertones, like our \nWhite 03\n, \nBeige 01\n or \nlight Pink 01\n, whereas when it comes to south-facing rooms, these are the ones to experiment in. You get a good amount of light throughout the day, so go wild!\n\nOn the other hand, east-facing rooms get lots of gorgeous sunrise light, whilst west-facing rooms see the sunset. A pale \nBlue 02\n would balance out the golden morning light of an east-facing bedroom, whilst a warming \nPink 01\n or neutralising \nGreen 01\n would work well in an east-facing living room, which will have less light in the hours you’re using it. The opposite is true for a west-facing living room or bedroom. Opt for warmer colours for rooms you’ll use in the morning, like \nYellow 01\n, \nGreen 01\n, or \nBeige 01\n and cooler colours for rooms that will see that sunset, like White 01. We could go on about this all day. Take a read of our blog on room orientations for a deep dive into which colours to go choose.\nThe fun part. Let's talk colour schemes\n.\n\nSo you've decided what colour(s) you're going with – sort of – or least settled on which room to start. Now it's time to talk about colour schemes. There are four basic colour schemes: monochrome, complementary, analogous, and achromatic. Which one you pick depends on whether you're going for a harmonious feel or want to make a statement.\nMonochromatic colour schemes\n\nOften mistakenly referred to as black and white, monochrome actually comes from the Greek' mono' meaning one and 'khroma' meaning colour. A monochromatic scheme means using one colour (for example, blue) in varying tones, tints and shades. The effect? A harmonious, visually cohesive look. For some gorgeous monochrome interior inspo, or just to understand the concept better, read our guide on \nunderstanding monochromatic colour schemes\n.

Complementary colour schemes\n\nOn the other side of the colour wheel, you've got \ncomplementary colour schemes\n. These involve picking \ncomplementary colours\n from, well, the opposite side of the colour wheel— e.g. pairing pinks with greens and oranges with blues. The result is one that really pops. That said, if you opt for more neutralised shades or tones, you can still create a complementary colour scheme without the palettes being quite so overpowering. It’s one to consider if you're trying to make a feature of cornicing or woodwork in your home. Read more about \ndado rails and picture rail ideas here\n.

Analogous colour schemes\n\nAn \nanalogous colour scheme\n is when you choose a group of shades, tints, or tones (usually three) that sit next to or very close to one another on the colour wheel. For example, red, who sits next to rust, who sits next to terracotta. The effect is easy on the eye and instantly compatible. You find this natural blending in nature, making the combination very soothing, promoting a sense of peace. Read more about \nanalogous colour schemes here\n.

Achromatic colour schemes\n\nLast but not least, we come to the achromatic colour scheme. Meaning 'without colour' it refers to a scheme using a combination of blacks, whites, and greys. One to go for if you're after a minimalist look. To avoid life looking like you're living in one of your great-grandparents photographs, you can always opt for a hint of colour in the undertone. For example, our \nGrey 01\n and \nBlack 01\n both have blue undertones, yet the former is soft and gentle and the other dark and dramatic. Likewise, \nGrey 03\n includes lavender notes, yet one is subtle and delicate whilst the other is much moodier and cocooning. \n\nShop Lick paint colours\n

It’s true what they say: opposites really do attract. Especially when it comes to complementary colour schemes.\n\nThe go-to choice for our Lick decorators, a complementary colour scheme uses hues from opposite sides of the colour wheel. \nPick your favourite paint colour\n and then pair it with its opposite. Not only does this allow you to be more varied with your selection, it creates a look that’s naturally appealing to the eye.\n\nWhether you opt for muted tones or full saturation, a complementary colour scheme is such a success thanks to opposites working together in perfect contrasting harmony.\n\nIn this blog, we’re going to whirl our way along the colour wheel and explore which colours are complementary and the different ways in which you can use them together.

Your basic complementary colour schemes include:\nComplementary colours: pink & green\n\nWe love this pairing. Try \nPink 01\n or \nPink 03\n with \nGreen 05\n or \nGreen 07\n for a grown-up feminine look. For more of a deep dive into how green works in interiors, read \neverything you need to know about green paint colours\n.

Complementary colours: blue & orange\n\nOn the gentler side of things, \nBlue 01\n with \nOrange 02\n creates a chic retro feel. Read about our \nretro colour palette\n and why these colours ooze 70s glamour. Or, if you want to make a statement, raise the saturation and go for \nBlue 05\n with \nOrange 01\n. 

Complementary colours: purple & yellow\n\nIt might seem like an odd one, but in more muted tones, this pairing works. Try using \nPurple 01\n with \nYellow 01\n plus \nWhite 03\n as something of a mediator, and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous trio.

Complementary colours: red & green\n\nOk, this colour combo shouts Christmas louder than Brian Blessed in a Santa suit, but opt for a more pastel scheme and you get pink and green. A much more popular and versatile option.

Then there’s what’s known as split complementary. This is a variation of the complementary colour scheme, using two opposing colours (rather than just one). It creates a strong contrast without the risk of colours clashing, which can sometimes occur with pure complementary hues. A couple of split complementary schemes that we love:\nComplementary colours: green, blue & orange\n\nThey say that blue and green should never be seen, but by using various tints, tones, and shades of the colour wheel, this combo really works. A mix of \nPink 02\n, \nOrange 02\n, \nGreen 07\n, \nBlue 03\n, and \nBlue 04\n creates a timeless vintage vibe that we love.

Complementary colours: green, pink & purple\nWhilst staying on the softer side of shades and tones, using \nPink 04\n, \nPurple 01\n, \nGreen 01\n, and \nGreen 02\n has a soft, feminine feel. 

Next up, there’s the triadic colour scheme. This uses three colours that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel. For example, the three primary colours: red, yellow, and blue. \nA triadic colour scheme uses every fourth colour, leaving three colours between each. This can be a tricky colour scheme to pull off (you’ve been warned!), but when you do, the results are show-stopping. A few triadic colour schemes to get you started:\nRed, yellow & blue\nBy using these warm shades of \nRed 01\n, \nYellow 02\n, and \nBlue 05\n, it creates a nostalgic, retro feel.

Pink, yellow & blue\nWhilst this modern \npastel paint\n palette of \nPink 05\n, \nYellow 03\n, \nBlue 08\n has all the vibrancy and bon viveur of an \nart deco interior design\n. Love pastels? Check out \nhow to style the pastel paint colours from our Palette 01 in your home\n.

Double complementary (tetradic) colour scheme\nThink \nmaximalism\n with this one. The colour scheme for those who like to apply the \ngo big or go home\n mantra to their, well, home. A tetradic colour scheme is composed of two sets of complementary colours. It can be in the form of a square or rectangle pairing.

Considered to be the richest pairing as it uses four colours arranged into two complementary colour pairs. It can be hard to harmonise and it requires one colour to dominate or subdue the colours. \nIf you use all four colours equally, the colour scheme will look unbalanced. Another tricky one to pull off, but when you do, the results are spectacular. If you’re scratching your head about where to begin, here’s some inspiration from our colour experts. \n\nAn example of square pairing that we love uses red (in this case, pink) with green, and blue with yellow (or orange). Here’s a palette we created that has a fun and youthful feel:\n\nWhite 03\n, \nYellow 01\n, \nBlue 04\n, \nGreen 05\n, \nPink 05\n

An example of a rectangle pairing that works together uses blue or green with purple and red or orange. This palette manages to use a wide range of the colour wheel, yet retain a soothing and natural feel:\n\n\nPurple 01\n, \nBlue 09\n, \nGreen 08\n, \nWhite 06\n, \nPink 02\n, \nRed 03\n

We hope that’s given you some food for thought and helped you understand complementary colour tones. Not your thing? Perhaps you prefer to keep things simpler with a monochromatic colour scheme or an \nanalogous colour scheme.\n

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How to create a colour scheme when planning a house renovation

Colour theory: the colour wheel explained

Understanding complementary colour schemes