Mixology 101: Decorate With Colour & Pattern
The word on everyone’s lips in 2025? Colour. Whether you're a seasoned interior designer, an aspiring home stylist or someone simply scrolling through endless Pinterest boards for inspiration, it seems like every corner of the design world is calling for statement-making colours and patterns.
But instead of getting lost in the search for the latest trending palette, we suggest starting right here with the basics.
From using the colour wheel to mixing different prints, these are the rules, tips and tricks we swear by.
Know the colour wheel
When it comes to understanding colour in design, the colour wheel is your best friend. It’s also where we start when considering colour temperature, which plays a big role in the atmosphere of your space.
Warm colours (red, orange, yellow) create a cozy vibe that’s perfect for making spaces feel more welcoming.
Cool colours (blue, green, purple) offer a calming ambience that’s ideal for relaxation zones.
The colour wheel is just the beginning. Now, let’s add richness with tints, tones and shades.
Tints are created when white is added to a colour. The result is a lighter, less intense version.
Tones are created when grey is added to a colour. The result is a softer, more complex version.
Shades are created when black is added to a colour. The result is a darker, more enriched version.
These variations let you refine your colour palette, so you’re not limited to a single flat hue.
Stick to a colour scheme
With the basics of colour theory in our back pocket, let’s explore three key colour schemes that you can always come back to for a well-balanced space.
Monochromatic: one colour and its variations (tints, tones & shades). For instance, blue paired with soft baby blue and deep navy.
Analogous: colours that sit next to each other on the wheel, like blue, blue-green and green.
Complementary: opposites on the colour wheel, such as blue and orange or red and green.
Each scheme offers something different, but they help create a space that feels thought-out and in perfect balance. Let’s bring that idea to life, shall we?
Apply the 60-30-10 Rule
This simple formula divides your colour palette into three distinct categories. Following this rule will ensure your colours complement one another instead of overpowering each other.