7 steps interior designer Micaela Sharp takes to choose exactly the right room colors

Choosing the right colors for your home can seem like a daunting prospect, especially when you’re faced with wall to wall paint pots, endless sheets of samples and countless tester pots. However, it’s also very exciting – you have the opportunity to completely change the look and feel of your space. 

There are lots of room color ideas to inspire your interior design, as well as advice on how to choose paint colors that are sure to get you started.

From choosing the perfect shades to setting the right tone, here, designer Micaela Sharp talks us through how to use color to make decorating a breeze.

Micaela Sharp

Micaela is a sustainable interior designer and upholsterer. She shot to fame in the UK after appearing on TV show Interior Design Masters and has since gone on to launch a homeware brand, write a monthly magazine column and launch an online upholstery course. In an industry that is predominantly white, she's proud to be an up-and-coming, black, female designer.

1. Consider the mood you want to conjure up

'Start to think about the mood you would like to set for the space. Colors are powerful and have the capacity to affect your mood, something that is also known as color psychology. Cool tones and lighter colors work well in calming spaces.  While darker warm colors work well for creating a cosy or dramatic room.'

2. Don't be afraid of bold colors

‘Using just one color and having a monochromatic color scheme can often feel flat when designing a home.  I love to add complementary colors alongside monochromatic tones.  For example, I love using two or three tones of teal with pink.’  

3. Think about white

‘When opting for white room ideas, be sure to always choose your white as carefully as your other colors. Brilliant white may not balance with your home’s light levels, there are just as many shades of white as other colors. When decorating with white, it is important to decide whether you want a cool or warm white feel for your scheme. Keeping walls white is a great backdrop for colorful furniture and accessories especially those in primary colors but I have to say I rarely go for all white walls.’ 

4. Remember to look beyond the walls

'There are more places to add color than merely the walls.  I advise painting woodwork a tone darker than your walls. Then use a complementary color – a color on the direct opposite side of the color wheel – on painted furniture or choose vibrant upholstery.' 

It is worth researching how to decorate with primary colors to create bright but balanced spaces.

5. Have fun with color

‘In addition to paint ideas, every item in your home, from carpets to buffets, present opportunity to add color to your interior. For example, an orange side table contribute far more to your bedroom design than a gray one just as a colorful rug will be far more invigorating than a plain, dark design.’

6. Think about how different color wood works in your scheme

‘Wood also adds a color so think carefully about what tones work with your color scheme. Dark walnut with a crisp white or olive green. Versus light oak with blues and navy.’

7. Embrace experimentation

‘While this is a framework to start from, sometimes great design can also be found outside of the rules so don’t be afraid to try something new. The upside of playing with colors on the walls or with accessories and rugs is that they are easy to change in case it doesn't work.' 

If you're looking for more inspiration there are plenty of living room color schemes and kitchen color ideas that are sure to kickstart your scheme.