When clients ask me where they should start when transforming a space, my answer is almost always the same: paint.
Not furniture. Not lighting. Not artwork.
Paint.
It’s one of the most affordable ways to completely change the feeling of a room, yet it’s often the decision people agonise over the most. I’ve seen clients happily spend thousands of dollars on a sofa but lose sleep over whether a wall colour is too dark, too bold, too pink, too green, or simply “too much.”
My response?
It’s only paint.
Unlike structural renovations or custom joinery, paint isn’t permanent. If you don’t love it,
you can repaint it. Yet somehow we treat paint choices as if they’re lifelong commitments.
The fear of getting it wrong often leads people to choose colours that feel safe rather than
colours that make them feel something.
And that’s where so many homes miss an opportunity.
I believe colour is one of the most powerful tools in interior styling. It has the ability to
influence mood, create atmosphere and completely alter the way a room feels. The right
colour can make a space feel warm and nurturing, dramatic and sophisticated, calm and
restorative, or joyful and energetic.
I’ve never been interested in homes that look like everyone else’s. The spaces that stay with
me are the ones that have personality. The ones where the owners have trusted their instincts and embraced colours that reflect who they are rather than what is trending on social media.
For years, we’ve been told to play it safe with white walls and neutral palettes. While there is
certainly a place for neutrals, there is also something incredibly liberating about embracing
colour. A deep terracotta can make a living room feel cocooning and intimate. A rich olive green can bring a sense of connection to nature. A dusty pink can add warmth and softness in a way that white simply can’t.
The key is understanding that colour isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel.
Some of my favourite projects have involved clients taking a leap of faith with colour. Dark
ceilings that suddenly make a room feel more architectural. Colour-drenched spaces where
walls, ceilings and woodwork are painted the same shade. Unexpected combinations that
sound questionable on paper but somehow come together beautifully in real life.
Almost every time, the client tells me the same thing afterwards.
“I wish I’d done this years ago.”
Of course, being brave with colour doesn’t mean choosing the brightest shade in the paint
store. It means choosing something that resonates with you rather than something approved
by the crowd. Sometimes bravery looks like painting a room charcoal black. Sometimes it
looks like embracing a muddy pink. Sometimes it’s simply moving away from white for the
first time.
Trusting your instincts is often the hardest part.
Paint has an incredible ability to shift the energy of a space almost overnight. A room that felt cold can suddenly feel welcoming. A room that felt disconnected can feel layered and
considered. A room that lacked personality can finally tell a story.
The best interiors aren’t created by following rules. They’re created by making choices that
feel authentic.
And make sure, when choosing your paint, to go with a low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) option. This will not only reduce harmful chemicals in your home, but also mean you can move in asap with minimal fumes and lingering new-paint smells. Winning!
So if you’ve been staring at paint swatches for weeks, wondering whether you should take the risk, consider this your permission.
Choose the colour that excites you.
Choose the colour that keeps catching your eye.
Choose the colour that feels like you.
And remember, if it doesn’t work out?
It’s only paint.
