Choosing the Right Paint Colour
Choosing the right paint colour for your home or business isn’t just about style—it’s about creating spaces that feel welcoming, timeless, and uniquely yours. Whether you're refreshing a room, painting a façade, or opening a new business, colour choices can dramatically impact mood, energy, and even property value.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through selecting the right colour for your space—inside and out—why neutral colours are a go-to in Australian design, and how a professional colour consultancy can help make the process seamless.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through selecting the right colour for your space—inside and out—why neutral colours are a go-to in Australian design, and how a professional colour consultancy can help make the process seamless.
Selecting the Right Colour to Suit Your House - Inside & Out
Australia’s natural light, climate, and architectural styles play a huge role in colour selection. What looks good in a Northern Hemisphere magazine may not translate well under the harsh Aussie sun.
✦ For interiors, choose colours that complement your furniture, flooring, and lighting. Cooler whites and greys often work well in north-facing rooms, while warmer tones add comfort to south-facing spaces.
✦ For exteriors, the colour of your home’s exterior can affect how it’s perceived and its temperature. Lighter colours reflect heat, making them ideal for homes in warmer climates, while darker shades can absorb heat, which might suit cooler regions like Tasmania.
✦ For interiors, choose colours that complement your furniture, flooring, and lighting. Cooler whites and greys often work well in north-facing rooms, while warmer tones add comfort to south-facing spaces.
✦ For exteriors, the colour of your home’s exterior can affect how it’s perceived and its temperature. Lighter colours reflect heat, making them ideal for homes in warmer climates, while darker shades can absorb heat, which might suit cooler regions like Tasmania.
How to Choose the Right Interior Paint
☑ Before You Choose an Interior Colour Scheme
Prior to getting the paintbrush out, ask yourself:
☑ The Benefits of Using Neutral Paint Colours
Neutral doesn’t mean boring—it means versatile. Beige, taupe, ivory, soft greys, and even muted greens or blushes offer a timeless base that works with a variety of styles and seasonal décor changes. Benefits of neutral colours:
☑ A Guide to Neutral Paint Colours
When choosing neutral colours, consider undertones.
☑ Popular Neutral Paint Colours in Australia:
✦ Pro Tip: Take your time. Paint colours can look very different at various times of day and in different lighting conditions.
Prior to getting the paintbrush out, ask yourself:
- What mood do I want to create? (Calm? Energetic? Warm?)
- What furniture and flooring will remain?
- What direction does the room face?
- Do I want the space to feel larger or cosier?
- Will the same colour flow through open-plan areas?
☑ The Benefits of Using Neutral Paint Colours
Neutral doesn’t mean boring—it means versatile. Beige, taupe, ivory, soft greys, and even muted greens or blushes offer a timeless base that works with a variety of styles and seasonal décor changes. Benefits of neutral colours:
- Timeless appeal: They don’t date quickly.
- Resale value: Broad buyer appeal.
- Flexibility: Easily paired with bold furniture or artwork.
- Mood: Calm, clean, and cohesive.
☑ A Guide to Neutral Paint Colours
When choosing neutral colours, consider undertones.
- Cool neutrals: Blue, green or grey undertones – great for creating a calm, modern vibe.
- Warm neutrals: Yellow, red or pink undertones – perfect for cosy, inviting spaces.
☑ Popular Neutral Paint Colours in Australia:
- Dulux “Natural White” – clean and fresh
- Taubmans “Cotton Sheets” – soft and warm
- Haymes “Minimalist 1” – a versatile light grey
✦ Pro Tip: Take your time. Paint colours can look very different at various times of day and in different lighting conditions.
How to Choose the Right Exterior Paint
☑ Before You Choose an Exterior Paint Colours
Before you commit to a colour for your home's exterior, ask yourself:
☑ Popular Exterior Colour Combinations in Australia
Exterior paint colours should feel cohesive with your home’s environment, but also reflect your personality. Here are a few well-loved combos across Australia:
Modern Coastal
Classic Federation or Queenslander
Contemporary Urban
☑ Suggestion for Choosing Exterior Paint Colours
✦ Pro Tip: Remember, outdoor paint can look much lighter or brighter in natural sunlight than it does on a colour card. Always test a few large swatches on different sides of the house.
Before you commit to a colour for your home's exterior, ask yourself:
- What architectural style does my home have? (Heritage? Contemporary? Coastal?)
- What are the fixed features? (Roof colour, pathways, brick or stonework?)
- What’s the surrounding landscape like? (Bushland? Beach? Urban?)
- What colours are common in my street or neighbourhood?
- How much natural light does the exterior receive?
☑ Popular Exterior Colour Combinations in Australia
Exterior paint colours should feel cohesive with your home’s environment, but also reflect your personality. Here are a few well-loved combos across Australia:
Modern Coastal
- Main: Crisp white or light grey
- Trim: Charcoal or navy
- Accent: Warm timber or seafoam green
Classic Federation or Queenslander
- Main: Soft heritage greens, creams or muted blues
- Trim: White, deep red or dark green
- Accent: Contrasting front door colour (e.g. oxblood or royal blue)
Contemporary Urban
- Main: Warm greys or off-black
- Trim: White or pale stone
- Accent: Matte black hardware, timber panelling
☑ Suggestion for Choosing Exterior Paint Colours
- Light colours reflect heat—ideal for hot, sunny climates.
- Darker colours absorb heat and can fade faster but create striking contrast.
- Matte finishes can minimise surface imperfections; low sheen is best for durability and washability.
✦ Pro Tip: Remember, outdoor paint can look much lighter or brighter in natural sunlight than it does on a colour card. Always test a few large swatches on different sides of the house.
The Best Paint Colours for Your Business
First impressions matter. The colour you choose for your business can influence your clients’ perception.
- Offices: Soft blues and greys encourage focus and calm.
- Retail: Brighter colours can draw attention but should align with your branding.
- Cafés and salons: Earthy tones or muted pastels often feel more welcoming.
Which Paint Should I Use for the Interior & Exterior?
☑ Which Paint Should I Use for the Interior?
Interior paints come in a range of finishes:
☑ Which Paint Should I Use for the Exterior?
Exterior paint must withstand UV, rain, and changing temperatures. Look for:
Interior paints come in a range of finishes:
- Flat or matte: Best for ceilings and low-traffic areas. Hides imperfections.
- Low sheen or eggshell: Most commonly used on walls—easy to clean.
- Satin/semi-gloss: Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim. Durable and easy to wipe.
- Gloss: Used for doors and skirting boards. High durability and shine.
☑ Which Paint Should I Use for the Exterior?
Exterior paint must withstand UV, rain, and changing temperatures. Look for:
- Acrylic exterior paints – Water-based, durable, and easy to apply.
- UV-resistant and mould-inhibiting formulas
- Satin or low sheen finishes – These balance durability and visual appeal.
Why Hire a Colour Consultant?
Choosing the perfect colour scheme for your home or business can feel overwhelming—but professional guidance can make all the difference. A colour consultant removes the guesswork and adds professional expertise. They’ll assess your space, lighting, personal style, and even your home’s orientation to create a cohesive palette that works now—and into the future. Leading Australian paint brands Dulux and Wattyl offer specialised Colour Consultancy Services designed to take the stress out of colour selection. Whether you're renovating, building, or refreshing a single room, their expert advice helps ensure your colour choices enhance both the function and aesthetic of your space.
☑ What a Colour Consultant Does:
The Dulux Colour Design Service offers both in-home and virtual consultations, where a trained colour consultant helps you create a personalised colour palette based on your style, lighting, and architecture. You’ll receive large swatches to test in your own space, a detailed colour specification sheet, and advice on complementary finishes. It’s a particularly valuable service for families trying to create harmonious, calming interiors or curb-appeal-boosting exteriors, as well as for businesses seeking a cohesive, professional look that reflects their brand.
Wattyl’s Colour Services also support homeowners and professionals through online colour advice, virtual room visualisation tools, and access to skilled colour specialists. Their service is especially useful for Australians planning long-term projects or looking for colour schemes that perform well under local lighting and climate conditions. With guidance tailored to your environment and goals, these services help you avoid costly mistakes—and instead create spaces that feel polished, practical, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle or business.
☑ What a Colour Consultant Does:
- Helps you avoid costly mistakes
- Offers tailored advice based on trends and timelessness
- Works with your existing or planned furnishings
- Can coordinate with trades for seamless implementation
The Dulux Colour Design Service offers both in-home and virtual consultations, where a trained colour consultant helps you create a personalised colour palette based on your style, lighting, and architecture. You’ll receive large swatches to test in your own space, a detailed colour specification sheet, and advice on complementary finishes. It’s a particularly valuable service for families trying to create harmonious, calming interiors or curb-appeal-boosting exteriors, as well as for businesses seeking a cohesive, professional look that reflects their brand.
Wattyl’s Colour Services also support homeowners and professionals through online colour advice, virtual room visualisation tools, and access to skilled colour specialists. Their service is especially useful for Australians planning long-term projects or looking for colour schemes that perform well under local lighting and climate conditions. With guidance tailored to your environment and goals, these services help you avoid costly mistakes—and instead create spaces that feel polished, practical, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle or business.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Colour for Your Home
Choosing the right colours can transform a space from average to extraordinary. Whether you're creating a calming family home or an inviting business, don’t rush the process. Use test pots, observe at different times of day, and when in doubt, consult a professional.
Your walls are your canvas—make them work for you.
Your walls are your canvas—make them work for you.
Unsure where to start? We’re here to help you choose the right finish—obligation-free.