parts of the design process. Your colour choices set the tone for each space, influence the overall atmosphere, and impact how rooms flow together. A well-thought-out palette creates harmony, making your home feel stylish and cohesive.
One crucial element people often overlook is cabinetry colour. Cabinets play a major role in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, so they should complement your walls, flooring, and overall home aesthetic.
If you’re unsure where to start, this guide will help you create a balanced and beautiful colour scheme for your new home.
1. Consider the Mood and Function of Each Space
Different rooms serve different purposes, so it’s important to choose colours that match the function and mood you want to create.
Wall Colour Guidelines:
- Living & Dining Areas – Warm neutrals (beige, taupe, warm grey) or soft earthy tones create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Bedrooms – Soft blues, greens, and muted pinks promote relaxation and calmness.
- Kitchens – Light neutrals (white, soft grey, warm beige) give a clean and timeless look, while deep greens or navy add a sophisticated touch.
- Bathrooms & Laundries – Whites, light greys, and pastels create a fresh, spa-like ambiance.
- Home Office – Muted blues and deep greens enhance focus and productivity.
2. Choose a Base Colour First
Your base colour should be neutral or subtle, as it acts as the foundation of your home’s palette. Popular choices include:
✔ Soft whites (warm or cool undertones)
✔ Light greys or greige (grey + beige)
✔ Warm taupes or light browns
✔ Pale pastels (if you prefer some colour)
Once you have a base colour, you can layer in accent colours through furniture, cabinetry, and décor.
3. Selecting Cabinetry Colours
Cabinetry is a significant design element in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, so it should work harmoniously with your overall palette.
Cabinetry Colour Guidelines:
- Classic & Timeless – White, off-white, or warm beige cabinetry pairs beautifully with almost any interior.
- Modern & Sophisticated – Darker colours like charcoal, deep blue, or forest green create a bold, high-end feel.
- Warm & Natural – Soft wood tones (oak, walnut, or light-stained timber) bring warmth and texture.
- Two-Tone Approach – Using a darker shade for lower cabinets and a lighter colour for upper cabinets creates contrast and depth.
How to Match Cabinets with Walls & Benchtops:
- White walls? Pair with soft wood, grey, or coloured cabinets.
- Grey walls? Try crisp white or charcoal cabinetry for contrast.
- Dark walls? Light cabinetry keeps the space from feeling too heavy.
- White benchtops? Almost any cabinetry colour works, but warm neutrals or deep hues are popular choices.
- Stone or timber-look benchtops? Stick to simple cabinet colours (white, grey, soft wood tones) to let the benchtop shine.
4. Use the 60-30-10 Rule for Colour Balance
This design principle helps ensure a balanced and visually appealing space:
✔ 60% – Dominant Colour: Wall paint and large areas (neutral or light shades).
✔ 30% – Secondary Colour: Cabinetry, feature walls, large furniture pieces.
✔ 10% – Accent Colour: Accessories like cushions, décor, and artwork.
For example, a kitchen with white walls (60%), deep green cabinetry (30%), and brass handles with warm timber stools (10%) creates a stunning, cohesive look.
5. Consider Lighting (Natural & Artificial)
Lighting changes how colours appear. A paint shade that looks perfect in natural daylight might appear too dark or too cool under artificial lighting. Before making final decisions:
✔ Test paint and cabinetry samples in different lighting conditions.
✔ Observe how colours look during the day and at night.
✔ Remember that glossy finishes reflect more light, while matte finishes absorb it.
6. Ensure Colour Flow Between Rooms
Your home should feel connected, with colours that transition smoothly from one space to another. This doesn’t mean every room has to be the same colour, but shades should complement each other.
One way to achieve flow is by using a consistent base colour throughout the home and adding variation with accent colours, cabinetry, and décor.
7. Test Paint & Cabinet Samples Before Finalizing
Never commit to a colour based solely on a sample card. Instead:
✔ Paint large test swatches on multiple walls.
✔ Place cabinetry samples against walls, floors, and benchtops.
✔ View the colours in different lighting conditions.
8. Trust Your Style & Preferences
While trends come and go, your home should reflect your personality and taste. Whether you love bold statement colours or prefer a soft, neutral palette, go with what makes you feel comfortable and happy.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an internal colour scheme for your new home can feel overwhelming, but by following these steps, you’ll create a space that feels cohesive and timeless. Consider the mood you want to create, test your choices in different lighting, and ensure a good balance between walls, cabinetry, and accents.
