By Gideon Swanepoel – Sales & Marketing Manager, Stevensons Paints
Colour is all around us—quietly influencing our mood, perception, and even the energy of the spaces we live and work in. At Stevensons Paints, we’ve seen firsthand how a splash of
the right shade can transform not just a wall, but an entire experience. The power of colour lies in its subtle ability to tell a story without saying a word.
Yet, when it comes to choosing colours for a living space, it can be both an exciting journey and a daunting challenge. Standing in front of a colour chart with hundreds of hues can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With a few guiding principles and some thoughtful planning, selecting a colour scheme can become a joyful and even creative adventure.
Start with a Spark
The easiest way to begin is by identifying a focal point or foundation in your space. Is there a floor tile you love? A favourite couch? Perhaps it’s the light dancing off a stone wall. Use
what’s already in place—floors, tiles, fabrics—as a starting point. These elements can help guide your colour direction in a meaningful way.
Ask the Right Questions
Before rushing off with a paintbrush, take a moment to reflect on these key questions. The answers will save you time, money, and ensure your chosen palette reflects your personality and purpose.
1. Why am I painting?
Are you refreshing a tired space, creating a brand-new look, or preparing a home for sale? If you’re going bold with colour, be prepared—bright hues are energising but may need repainting within 2–3 years. If you’re selling, consider neutral or pastel tones that appeal to a broader market.
2. What is my decorating style?
Your aesthetic speaks volumes. Is your home Modern, Afro-Chic, Art Deco, or perhaps Victorian? Each style carries with it a palette of colours that can anchor your decisions. Don’t just follow trends—find what truly resonates with your lifestyle.
3. What existing colours are staying?
Take stock of what’s not changing—whether it’s your plush carpets, imported curtains, or timeless kitchen counters. Paint is the easiest and most affordable design tool you have at your disposal. So, work around what’s already there. Reinvent the space, not the furniture!
Let There Be Light
Natural and artificial light plays a major role in how a colour will ultimately appear in your home.
Natural Light:
North-facing rooms are sun-soaked in winter and often bright year-round—perfect
for cooler hues like blues and greens. South-facing rooms, often cooler and darker,
benefit from warm tones like yellows, oranges, or even terracotta.
Artificial Light:
Bulbs come in different tones, from cool to warm. That creamy off-white you chose
could suddenly look beige or even peach under the wrong lighting. Always test your
colour choices in the room itself, under the actual lighting conditions you’ll live with.
Shape Your Space with Shade
Here’s where the magic of colour really begins to play with perception.
High contrast colours (think opposites on the colour wheel) tend to shrink spaces.
Low contrast colours (those that blend or sit close on the wheel) expand them.
Light colours push walls outward, giving a room a spacious feel.
Dark colours pull them inward, making spaces feel cosier.
Want to make a long hallway feel shorter? Try a darker colour at the end wall and lighter hues on the sides. The reverse elongates the space. A darker ceiling can bring intimacy to a
tall room, while a white ceiling opens it up, adding an airy lift.
Colour Isn’t Just a Finish—It’s a Feeling
At its core, colour can reshape how we see and feel in a space. It can highlight architectural beauty, downplay imperfections, and set the mood—whether it’s calm and restful or vibrant and energising.
So, the next time you pick up a paintbrush, remember: you’re not just changing a colour. You’re rewriting the mood of your space. You’re choosing how it feels to come home, how
guests experience your world, and how you express yourself—one brushstroke at a time.
Let the power of colour work its magic. And if you need a partner in the journey, Stevensons Paints is here with you every step of the way.