How to choose living room colours: Give a facelift to your home with the right colour palette

Living room design: To create an inviting atmosphere, opt for warm colours like soft peach, warm beige, or earthy terracotta. These hues foster a cozy environment, especially when paired with layered lighting such as table lamps or wall sconces (Image: Canva)

The festive season is just around the corner, bringing with it the celebrations of Diwali, Dussehra, Navratri, and Christmas. It is that time of the year again when many you feel inspired to refurbish your spaces. This is the perfect time to reflect on your living environment and consider how a fresh look can give a facelift to your home and also your mood and well-being.

Adding colour to your walls is an essential part of this transformation; the right colour palette can reveal up your living room, making it more chic and inviting.

Colours have a profound impact on our emotions and the ambiance of a space, says Tushar Joshi, founder of Utkarsh Vastukaran, design studio, Mumbai. "Colours can dramatically alter the perception of space. They can make a room feel larger, cosier, or even more sophisticated. A well-chosen colour palette can create a sense of warmth, energy, and comfort in your home,” he adds.

Joshi suggests the following things to keep in mind while choosing a chic colour palette for your living room:

• Warm and welcoming: The living room is often considered the heart of the home. To create an inviting atmosphere, opt for warm colours like soft peach, warm beige, or earthy terracotta. These hues foster a cozy environment, especially when paired with layered lighting such as table lamps or wall sconces. Says Joshi, “Creating layers of light can make your living space feel warm and inviting from morning till night.”

• Colour schemes that inspire: Introduce vibrant hues like electric amber and peach fuzz to energise your space and uplift spirits. Use these colours through accent walls, artwork, or decorative accessories. Pair them with neutral tones to maintain a balanced and inspiring environment.

• Stick to the classics: Timeless colours such as white, cream, or soft greys provide an excellent foundation for any living room. These shades enhance natural light and create a clean canvas that allows bolder colors to shine through in furniture and decor. Joshi notes, “A classic foundation ensures your space remains stylish through changing trends, making it a wise investment.”

• Mix and match: Achieve a cohesive look by thoughtfully selecting how colors interact within the room. If you choose a bold color for the walls, consider softer hues for curtains and upholstery. Incorporating various textures, such as velvet, linen, and cotton, adds depth and interest to the design.

• Go bold: Jewel tones like deep emerald, sapphire, or ruby can serve as striking focal points. Use these colours in statement pieces like accent chairs or large artworks. Lighter neutrals can expand small spaces, balancing the boldness with a sense of openness.

• Deep hues: Create a snug, intimate feel with deep colours such as forest green or navy blue. These shades provide a sense of security and comfort, making them ideal for relaxation spaces. Use them on walls or large furniture pieces to ground the room, complemented by lighter accents.

• Versatile with teal: Deep teal is a sophisticated color that adds personality to your living room. It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones and metallic accents, making it suitable for various design styles. Add teal through upholstery, throw pillows, or accent walls for a balanced, inviting space.

• Turquoise softness: This refreshing color brightens the living room, especially when used as an accent. Consider soft turquoise in decorative items like vases or cushions, creating a calm vibe that invites relaxation.

• Avocado green: This fresh colour evokes nature and tranquility, making it perfect for creating a relaxing environment. Use it in upholstery or decor items like cushions and rugs, pairing it with warm neutrals for a grounded look.

• Balance with combinations: Striking contrasts, such as rich black paired with soft buttery yellow, add visual interest to the room. Consider black furniture or accent walls with yellow decor elements to create a dynamic balance.

• Pops of colour: Integrating vibrant hues like Feverish Pink through small decorative elements brings a playful touch to your living room. Use this color in items such as throw pillows or artwork to create focal points without overwhelming the design.

• Personal touch: Ultimately, your living room should reflect your personal style. Choose a mix of colours, textures, and styles that resonate with you. From meaningful decor items to family photos and more you can make the space uniquely yours, creating a sanctuary that feels like home.