19 Feb 25

How to Build a Colour Palette – The Art of Colour Psychology

Time for my mastermind subject – the almighty power of colour!

Have you ever stepped into a room and felt instantly uplifted? Or maybe a space has left you feeling totally calm—or to flip it to the reverse, a bit uneasy, but you weren’t sure why? That’s the magic of colour at work! It’s not just something we see; it’s something we feel. Fascinating fact, but our perception of colour is merely light waves, that enter the eye, and hit the retina. That information then gets processed in the emotional part of our brain, which triggers an emotional response. So the colour we choose to roll out on our walls has huge potential to affect how we feel. And that’s where Colour Psychology comes in. It’s the key to creating a home that doesn’t just look stunning but makes you feel amazing every time you walk through the door. Mike drop.

The key thing to understand is that our own unique response to colour is hugely personal, so one paint tin certainly doesn’t suit all. The brilliant late Angela Wright, a pioneer of Colour Psychology, discovered that our responses to colour are linked to who we are at our core. Furthermore, The Happiness Institute (yes, that’s a real thing!) carried out an extensive piece of research in 2019; The GoodHome Report, that found that happiness in the home is the second biggest contributor, behind our mental health, to our overall wellbeing. That means those paint charts and fabric swatches are more powerful than we give them credit for!

So, let’s dive in and discover how to create a colour palette that not only reflects your personal style but also lifts your mood and creates your perfect sanctuary.

What is Colour Psychology, and Why Should You Care?

Colour Psychology is all about how colours influence our emotions, behaviour, and general sense of ease. It’s not about trends or what is ‘in’ this season, and it certainly isn’t about what your friends think you should have. It’s about discovering first who you really are, and then with that valuable information, designing a space that truly resonates with you.

That means getting your colours right isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a home that supports your mood, your energy, and your sense of identity.

The Four Seasonal Personalities

Angela Wright’s research breaks Colour Psychology into four Seasonal Personalities: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each personality connects with a different mood, energy, and, of course, colour palette. Here’s a quick guide:

• Spring – Fresh, light, and playful! Think buoyant pastels, delicate botanicals, and light, sunshine-infused spaces.
• Summer – Elegant, soft, and timeless. Blush pinks, dove greys, and cool watercolour blues create a calming and refined atmosphere.
• Autumn – Warm, rich, and earthy. Deep olives, ambers, and burnt oranges add a cosy, layered feel.
• Winter – Bold, dramatic, and high-contrast. Think jewel tones, and monochrome palettes, with luxurious high gloss finishes.

The Autumn Palette is warm and rich with a riot of pattern and natural textures. Fabrics by Imogen Heath

The Spring palette is fresh, light and joyful, made up of pastel shades, fresh cottons and pretty prints.

Bringing Your Colour Palette to Life

There is a second, just as crucial part of the Colour Psychology framework and that’s once you know your seasonal personality, it’s time to build your dream palette. The secret? Layering colours that harmonise tonally:

• Spring homes shine when light, warm, translucent pastels are paired with sparkling surfaces like mirror, glass and marble.
• Summer interiors feel dreamy with soft, sun-weathered chalky hues and natural quality textures like linen and grey smoked wood.
• Autumn spaces thrive on warm and cosy colours that have a grounding effect, paired with rustic textures; terracotta tiles, rough-hewn timber, and copper.
• Winter palettes make a statement with saturated, high-contrast colours setting off like sleek surfaces like crystal, chrome, and black leather. But often less is more.

One of my most asked questions is how to bring flow between rooms, but with this framework you can ensure all your rooms’ colour palettes harmonise effortlessly, resulting in a cohesive feel, with shades that transition beautifully from space to space.

Uplifting, joyful and full of charm with the perfect blend of buoyant pastels and botanicals makes the Spring personality heart swell. Sunshine Flowers Bedding from my collection with Dunelm

Easy elegance sums up the Summer vibe, with understated classic pieces arranged in calming symmetry. Image Neptune

The winter palette is cool, striking and discerning with a less is more approach for a striking effect. Sateen panel bedlinen, M&S x Kelly Hoppen, Marks and Spencer

Warm and cosy Autumnal tones in Kate Watson Smyth‘s Living Room where more is more.

Which one feels most like you? If you’re unsure, take my Seasonal Personality Quiz  to find your perfect colour family!

Your Home, Your Sanctuary

Colour is so much more than decoration. It’s the backbone of your home’s personality…and yours too. The right harmonious palette doesn’t just make your space look fabulous—it fits your mood and your personality, whether that’s calming your mind, or sparking creative energy.

If you’d love to discover more, come and spend the day with me fully immersing yourself in colour, creativity and self-discovery. I host a few workshops throughout the year and the next one is in the inspirational Ham Court, in the heart of the Cotswolds on the 20^th March 2025. Discover more about the day here.

If you can’t make the live events, I have you covered! Check out my online design school, where I teach this technology in depth in my Colour Psychology for Interiors course. Your dream home is just a paintbrush away!

Join me on my next Colour Workshop on the 20th March at Ham Court in Bampton, in the Cotswolds