Everyone has an opinion about colour, but how do you compromise with the people you live with, while keeping your own creative flair and style?
When it comes to colour preferences experts say colours are not gender specific, and the best colour schemes should be chosen with your personality and lifestyle in mind.
Resene colour consultant Brooke Calvert says in her experience it comes down to personality leading you to your preferred colour palette.
“If you live a fast-paced lifestyle it may lead you to liking bright and bold colours or if you prefer a relaxed lifestyle you may favour soft calming colours,” she says.
When it comes to couples who both like different colours how do you combine preferences?
“Figure out exactly what you like about your chosen colours and work together from there,” Resene colour consultant Rebecca Long says. “For example, if you’re trying to decide whether to go dark and brooding, or colourful and bright - how about looking at colours that give you the best of both worlds?”
“Resene Fast Forward is deep and brooding but by adding in soft, feature lamps you can elevate its beautiful and bright depth.”
According to Brooke it can be as simple as introducing a third colour into a couple’s colour selection. “Or small portions of each selected colour can be used in less noticeable areas.”
If you really can’t decide, try playing the ‘colour least liked’ game. Put out all your colour options and let each person remove the colour they like the least until only one colour is left. That colour is the best compromise between the tastes of both. Then use that as your starting point for your colour palette.
What about when you add the views of children, teens or flat mates?
“It’s a lot easier to have one or two people making suggestions on the main colours as this saves a lot of time,” Brooke says. “Bedrooms are the perfect opportunity to inject some personality, and this is where you can involve children and flatmates.”
Rebecca says it’s certainly easier if one to two people take the lead but it’s fun to include everyone during the brainstorming stage.
“There is something so nice about having a relaxing afternoon and flicking through interior design magazines. Chances are you’ll share similar ideas,” she says.
What are the best tips to brighten up a room with colour?
Rebecca thinks decorators are often pleasantly surprised by how much energy a simple pop of colour can bring.
“Brighten up white shelving with a feature colour such as Resene Party Zone, spruce up some tired pots with a rich colour such as Resene Thumbs up, or even add a pop of colour to your dining table chairs with Resene Love Me Do,” she says.
“If you’re seeking more space try using a pale grey with blue tones, as cool tones help to open up a room. Look at Resene Half Duck Egg Blue,” suggests Brooke.
“If you’re after warmth, you need to try introducing a warm yellow like Resene Cleopatra or peachy tones of pink with Resene Shabby Chic. Keep your ceiling colour light as this creates a sense of space and height,” she says.
And finally what are the best gender neutral colours?
Brooke suggests trying Resene Duck Egg Blue, Resene Coast, Resene Rivergum and Resene Atlas.
Rebecca’s suggestions include Resene Sunbaked, Resene Family Tree, Resene Peace and Resene Unwind.
Results from some 2003 research found the colour blue reigned supreme for both males and females, with 35% of female respondents and more than half of the male respondents favouring it. It was the most preferred colour across all age groups and genders.
Resene’s own colour poll has shown blue is a stand out winner – taking out the leading spot in 2016 and 2017 – making it a great place to start for many colour palettes for its broad appeal.
For colour style tips and tricks visit Habitat by Resene.
This article is created for Resene