How to use colour theory to level up your decorating

Colour theory is the study of colour — namely the properties of colour and how people react to colours. 

When you learn about colour theory, you understand how colours interact with each other and how to use them. Putting colour theory to use when you design your next interior renovation means that you can evoke the emotions you want in your space, choose the right wall and furniture colours for your lighting situation, and pick (or make) the paint colour your home with ease.

Here's how to harness the power of colour theory to skillfully decorate any space and customise your interior design choices.

Anyone in the Northern Hemisphere can make the best colour decisions for their room depending on which direction the room is facing.

Catherine Jacob is Head of Design at Hovia and specialises in colour theory at the interior decor brand. Catherine explains how the location of a room affects the natural colours within, and how to make colour choices that bring out the best of any room:

North-facing rooms
Rooms that face the North get a constant stream of natural light during the day, but it's usually a low amount of light. And that means the room tends to have a cool tone to it, and might seem a bit dull. 

To counteract the coolness, use warm colours like red and orange. You could also use whites and neutrals with warm undertones if you prefer a minimal look.

South-facing rooms
Typically, they get the most bright light from direct sunlight. This means that the room will often have a warm yellow appearance.

Most everyone enjoys this look, and any colours will work nicely with the natural light. If you want to balance things out, though, add in some cool shades like blues, greens and violets.

West-facing rooms
Rooms facing the West get the most sunlight in the afternoon and the evening. That means they can feel a bit grey throughout the day, but then look warm and glowy in the golden hour of the early evenings.

If you use this room most in the mornings, warm tones will help balance things out. Or if you tend to use it most in the evenings, go for cooler decor and paint tones for a bright and fresh look.

East-facing rooms
These rooms will get their natural light most in the morning, and then gradually get darker during the day.

Use fresh, light colours to counteract the dim lighting, such as blues and greens — which act as great transitional colours. Avoid reds and yellows here, since they may be overwhelming in the mornings when they mix with the bright sunlight.

When it comes to creating paint colours, it's all about the pigments.

Interior designer and paint expert Edward Bulmer calls earth pigments (like yellow ochre, vermilion and carmine) ‘the seasoning’ in paint making. That's because they're so important to achieving the right colour result, even when only using small amounts.

Edward advises layering manmade mineral pigments with natural earth pigments for the perfect balance of tonality.

In the home, paints with dominant earth pigments can be described as 'quiet', and they're comfortable to our eyes. Tonal colours feel established, and they're easy to live with.

We've all seen a colour wheel before, and we're all aware of the concept of clashing and complementing colours. But how do you use a colour wheel practically?

Here's what you need to know about using a colour wheel to plan your interior colour palette:

Remember: Neutral colours contain undertones, so when you pair them with a stronger hue, you'll want to choose a neutral colour with a complementary undertone. For example, a blue hue will work well with a white tone that has a hint of warmth in its undertone, such as ivory (which has a yellow tint) or Navajo white (which has an orange tint).