Decorating

Colour, scale, lighting, textiles, styling, and room-by-room ideas that work in real homes and real budgets.

Living roomsBedroomsColourLightingSmall spaces

Learn it properly

Decorating guides

1 published

How to choose interior paint colours

Choose paint colours from the room’s fixed finishes and real light, then test large moveable samples before buying the full quantity.

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A sound starting point

What to check first

Good decorating improves proportion, light, circulation and everyday use before it adds accessories. Begin with the room’s fixed elements and the feeling it needs to create.

Read the light

View samples on several walls through the day. Orientation, glazing and artificial light can change colour dramatically.

Set the scale

Measure major furniture, rugs, curtains and artwork so each piece relates to the room rather than standing alone.

Edit the palette

Repeat a limited set of colours and materials in different proportions for cohesion without making every surface match.

South Africa · Australia · New Zealand

Regional context

The sunward orientation is generally north-facing in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, but glazing, trees, neighbouring buildings and local latitude can change the light dramatically. Test colours and materials in the actual room rather than importing orientation advice from the northern hemisphere.

Plan the work

A better project brief

Fix function and circulation

Measure routes, doors, storage and daily activities before selecting furniture. Comfortable movement is more valuable than filling every empty wall.

Build from fixed finishes

Use flooring, stone, timber, cabinetry and large textiles to establish undertones and material families before adding paint and accessories.

Layer light by task

Combine general, task and accent lighting with useful controls. Review glare, shadow and colour appearance during the hours the room is actually used.

Common questions

Decorating quick answers

How many colours should a room use?+

There is no fixed number, but one dominant colour, one supporting family and a smaller accent usually creates a clear hierarchy.

How can a small room feel larger?+

Protect circulation, use correctly scaled furniture, improve layered lighting and reduce abrupt visual breaks rather than making everything white.

Should all rooms use the same paint colour?+

Not necessarily. Repeating a compact family through halls, trim or connected materials can create flow while allowing rooms to respond to different light and purpose.

How high should artwork be hung?+

Relate it to the furniture group and normal viewing position rather than using one universal measurement. Test paper templates before drilling.

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