COLOURS ARE CHAMELEONS
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
Colours are the most fundamental element of any design. Every object carries its own colour, and with it, its own vibe.
One thing to keep in mind: colours are like chameleons.
A key part of interior design lies in understanding what a colour truly represents. Without getting into the complexities of colour theory, here’s a simple but essential insight: most colours are not singular—they’re layered blends of multiple hues. And often, what defines them more than the surface shade is their undertone.
Unlike surface tones, undertones remain consistent, making them critical for choosing flattering paint, materials, or fabric choices.
Undertones are the subtle colours beneath the surface—what gives a white its warmth, a grey its softness, or a beige its richness. They are typically categorized as warm (yellow, gold, peach), cool (blue, pink, red), or neutral. While surface colours can shift depending on lighting and surroundings, undertones remain constant—quietly shaping how a colour feels in a space.
People naturally gravitate toward warm or cool undertones, but individual perception varies due to lighting, surrounding colours, and their own preferences.
When selecting colours for a client, we first assess the existing fixed elements—furniture, lighting, and finishes—then choose new colours that enhance or complement those undertones and the client's personal preferences.
The colour story is an essential part of our design phase. What we present to clients is never just one colour—it's a considered range of related shades.
Here are some things to consider when picking colours.
Colour Psychology: Frequency & Vibe
We all experience colour differently. Some are drawn to soft, muted tones, while others gravitate toward bold, saturated hues. That’s why, in the early stages of design, we begin by understanding a client’s personal preferences—their instincts often reveal more than trends ever could.
From there, we refine a palette.
Soft blues, greens, and lavenders tend to calm the mind and reduce stress—making them ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices. In contrast, warmer tones like yellows, oranges, and reds are energizing and social. They invite conversation, stimulate appetite, and bring vibrancy to kitchens, dining areas, and gathering spaces.
From a Feng Shui perspective, every colour carries a vibration—either high or low. High-energy colours such as yellows, oranges, and reds are considered energizing and are best suited to spaces that encourage activity, connection, and movement, such as kitchens, dining rooms, and social areas.
In terms of expansiveness vs. intimacy, light colours reflect light and can make small rooms feel larger and more open, while dark, rich tones absorb light and create a sense of intimacy, making large spaces feel more grounded and gathered.
When the mood aligns with the function, a room simply feels right.
Lighting & Exposure: The Altered State
Interior design is a creative balance between colour and texture, scale and function. But colour is the thread that runs through everything, which is why choosing it carefully is essential.
Most homeowners instinctively stay within their comfort zone when selecting colours. As designers, our role is to gently expand that boundary—introducing options that feel fresh, yet still harmonious.
One of the most overlooked factors? Scale and lighting.
A small swatch can look entirely different when applied across an entire wall or large piece of furniture. And while artificial lighting can be controlled, natural light constantly shifts throughout the day—quietly transforming how colours appear.
North-facing rooms tend to cool colours down, often muting warmth
South-facing rooms amplify light, enhancing both warmth and brightness
Before committing to any colour—whether paint, fabric, or finishes—observe it in your space for 24 to 48 hours.
Pin samples to the wall. Watch them from morning to evening. See how they behave in changing light.
Because this is the truth:
Never choose a colour under showroom lighting. Choose it where it will live.
Undertones become especially important here. A warm red will feel richer and more grounded, while a cool red may feel sharper or more vibrant. These subtle differences are what make or break a cohesive palette.
And this brings us to the essential idea:
Colours are chameleons.
Colours in Context: Codependent Spectrum
In interior design, no colour exists in isolation.
Every hue you introduce is immediately influenced by the colours around it. A soft sage green on its own looks distinctly green. But place it next to a deep navy blue, and suddenly that same sage reads almost blue. Our eyes don’t see colours individually; they see relationships.
This interaction can either enhance or distort undertones:
A warm cream beside crisp white can appear beige or even a dirty yellow tone
The same cream next to charcoal reads warm and inviting
This is why context is everything.
Before choosing a colour, consider the existing elements already in the space—flooring, cabinetry, furniture, finishes, even artwork. These elements set the foundation for your palette.
The rule is simple, creating a mood board of samples and colours helps ensure they are compatible in terms of colour, texture, and movement.
Because what looks unremarkable on its own may be perfect within a space—and what feels flawless in isolation may clash when placed in context.
Drop me a line to share what you resonate with, I love hearing from you.
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