Let Colour Speak: How to Choose the Right Shades for You and Your Home

Colour isn’t just about style, it’s about feeling. Walk into a room painted in the right tone, and you’ll notice it immediately: you feel lighter, calmer, more focused or even inspired. That’s because colour doesn’t just live on the walls, it speaks to the body, the mind, and the mood.

At Frenchic, we work with colour in a way that’s not only beautiful, but also intentional. Whether you’re refreshing a tired room or designing a whole new scheme, understanding how colour actually works can help you make more confident, satisfying choices that support how you want to feel in your home every day.

The Science of Colour and Mood

We often think of colour as a visual decision, but it’s also biological. Different colours affect the brain and nervous system in measurable ways. This is called chromotherapy, or colour therapy and while it’s often associated with holistic healing, the science is well-established.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Warm colours (reds, oranges, yellows) tend to stimulate the senses and increase energy. They’re great for social spaces like kitchens and dining rooms.

Cool colours (blues, greens, violets) help lower stress, reduce heart rate, and promote focus and are ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices.

Neutrals create space and clarity, but their undertones matter. A grey with a blue base feels crisp; one with brown undertones feels warmer and softer.

Even whites and blacks aren’t “just” white or black. At Frenchic, we offer a range of whites and darks with slight undertones, such as warm greys, creamy neutrals, or green-blacks to create depth, balance, and atmosphere.

How to Know Which Colours Speak to You

While the science is useful, personal resonance is equally important. We all have a natural colour vocabulary and colours we gravitate toward, colours we avoid, and colours that instantly make us feel at home.

To find your palette:

Think about the clothes you reach for when you want to feel your best.

Notice which photos, wallpapers, or objects you save or collect. They will likely share a colour them.

Ask yourself: What do I want more of in this room? Calm? Energy? Light? Comfort?

The right colour isn’t always your “favourite” colour…it’s the one that supports how you want to feel in that specific space.

Practical Tips for Bringing Colour into the Home

You don’t need to repaint your entire house to feel the benefit of colour. Small, smart updates can have a big impact.

1. Start with One Piece

Try painting a chest of drawers, a mirror frame, or a single wall in a statement shade. It’s a great way to test how a colour makes you feel without committing to a full room.

2. Work with Natural Light

White and light colours need daylight to truly shine. In a dark or north-facing room, it can look dull or flat. In contrast, deep colours like charcoal, navy or forest green can thrive in moody spaces, adding depth and character.

3. Use Colour by Function

Bedrooms: Soft greens, warm neutrals, or dusky pinks for rest and relaxation.

Kitchens: Fresh whites, warm yellows, or sage greens for energy and light.

Bathrooms: Cool blues and soft greys for clarity and calm.

Hallways: Lighter tones to lift and open the space, or darker shades for drama and cocooning.

Offices: Neutrals for a stable environment.

4. Layer Undertones for Sophistication

Brilliant white and jet black can feel stark. That’s why at Frenchic, we favour shades with a slight undertone by adding a hint of warmth, coolness or colour depth. This gives the finish a more refined, liveable feel.

Final Thought

Colour is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to change how your home feels. And when chosen with intention, it becomes more than just decoration. It becomes support. Whether you’re drawn to bold statement shades or soft earthy tones, the most important rule is this.

Let colour speak to you first, before it speaks to the room.

Happy creating!

ColneLife Sep/Oct/Nov 25