You Don’t Always Have to Invest a Fortune to Change the Look of Your Interior
Sometimes, you don’t need to invest large sums to change the impression your apartment’s interior makes. It’s enough to think about colors and how to combine them properly, whether in painting or wallpaper, furniture, home textiles, or accessories. Changing the color scheme of our home can also be a psychological reset, such as when closing a chapter in life.
Basic Rules of Color in Interior Design
Although there are infinite variations of color combinations, certain general rules apply when combining colors in interiors, and it’s advisable to follow them.
The Rule of Three Colors
Interior designers worldwide follow the rule that a space should have a maximum of three dominant colors. This doesn’t mean you can’t have details in other colors, but three primary shades should prevail. These colors should naturally complement each other.
This rule also applies to furniture, where a room should contain no more than three different wood tones. But why exactly three? Too many colors can be distracting, while various shades of just one color may feel monotonous. Based on long-term experience, the combination of three colors is considered optimal for interiors.
The Color Wheel
A useful tool for choosing three harmonious colors is the color wheel. If your selected colors form an equilateral triangle on the wheel, they should harmonize well. Contrasting colors lie opposite each other on the wheel but do not necessarily clash. Harmony can also be achieved with colors that are close together or directly adjacent on the wheel.
It’s also important to distinguish between primary and secondary colors. Primary colors (yellow, red, and blue) cannot be mixed from other colors, while secondary colors (purple, orange, and green) result from mixing two primary colors. Tertiary colors come from mixing primary and secondary colors.
The 60–30–10 Rule
This rule refines the previous one by suggesting that the three selected colors should be distributed in a 60% – 30% – 10% ratio:
60% – The dominant color, covering the largest areas (walls, floors, large furniture). This is sometimes called the background color.
30% – The secondary color, which enhances the dominant one but is also distinct on its own. It can be seen on curtains, standalone furniture pieces, small rugs, etc.
10% – The accent color, adding contrast and originality. It should appear on decorative items like paintings, cushions, tablecloths, and other small accessories.
This ratio is just a guideline and doesn’t have to be followed strictly—sometimes a fourth minor color can also be incorporated.
Playing with Space
Rooms come in different sizes and heights, and the right color combination can enhance or downplay spatial perception:
✔ To make a room feel taller, choose a noticeably lighter shade for the ceiling than for the walls—ideally white.✔ To make a high ceiling feel lower, use a darker color on the ceiling.✔ For small or narrow rooms, light colors are best, combined with mirrors and good lighting. Avoid large or dark wallpaper patterns.✔ To make a large room feel cozier, opt for darker and warmer tones or wallpaper with a bold pattern.✔ For long, narrow rooms, paint the farthest wall a darker shade than the side walls to visually shorten the space.✔ For short rooms, use a light shade on the farthest wall and darker tones on the sides.
The Psychology of Colors
Everyone has personal color preferences, but color perception can be influenced by seasons, lighting (natural and artificial), mood, and mental state. Colors are generally divided into warm, cool, and neutral categories.
Warm Colors
Representing sun, fire, and life, warm colors include yellow, orange, red, and their shades. They evoke energy, dynamism, and liveliness.
Cool Colors
Inspired by water, sky, and greenery, cool colors include blue, green, and purple. They have a calming effect and create a refreshing atmosphere.
Vibrant vs. Neutral Colors
Warm and cool colors are called chromatic (vibrant) colors, while neutral colors (achromatic) include white, black, gray, and silver.
How Different Colors Affect Us
Although individual color perception varies, certain general characteristics apply:
Red – Energetic, emotional, increases appetite, and may boost sexual desire.
Purple – Linked to spirituality, but also stimulating.
Yellow – The color of the sun, bringing energy and joy.
Orange – Active, energetic, fiery.
Green – Calming, promotes psychological well-being and relaxation.
Blue – Also calming, slows heart rate and breathing—ideal for bedrooms.
Pink – Increases cravings for sweets (often used in cafés), associated with love and femininity.
Gray – Subtle and neutral, a good complement to stronger colors.
White – Neutral, can be combined with any color, symbolizes purity and innocence.
Black – Also neutral, works well with almost any color, adding elegance and luxury.
Brown – Earthy and solid, often found in classic office spaces.
Gold – Luxurious, pairs well with black, white, and other shades.
How to Work with Colors in Your Interior
Before painting walls, buying accessories, or selecting furniture, carefully consider color choices and combinations.
Test your color scheme first – Try small samples on a section of the wall or use color cutouts from magazines to visualize how different shades will look together.
Look for inspiration – Design magazines and online catalogs can help you see how different color palettes work in similar interiors.
Think about purpose – Wall colors should match the function of the space and the personality of its occupants.
Tip: Even small details can change the overall feel of a room—different furniture handles, colorful accessories, or home textiles can make a big difference.
If you love bold colors, opt for muted versions (lighter shades) instead. A bright red or turquoise wall might feel overwhelming over time, just as sitting on a bright pink chair every day could become tiring. In interior design, less is often more!