By John Kavanagh, manager, Pat McDonnell Paints – Galway
Did you know that the direction a room faces can have a dramatic effect on how colours appear? Read on for our top tips on paint colour selection for north-facing rooms.
How does light affect colour in north-facing rooms?
North-facing rooms typically receive indirect light, making them darker and emphasising cooler tones like greys, blues, and greens. However, these rooms benefit from the absence of intense shadows, creating a sense of stillness.
Tip #1: Use warm whites
Warm whites with yellow or red undertones can brighten a north-facing room by counteracting its coolness. Hanging a large mirror opposite the window can further enhance this effect by bouncing light around the room. “Some of my favourite warm whites for north-facing rooms include ‘DH Linen’ from Dulux Heritage and ‘White Tie No 2022’ from Farrow & Ball.” - Arunima Dutta, Pat McDonnell Paints Blanchardstown.
Tip #2: Inject pops of colour
Add colour pops as accent pieces to inject vibrancy to the room. Select warm colours such as golden yellows, deep jewel tones, or plummy purples to create a stunning contrast against the cool light. “A sample palette for a north-facing room could be a warm white such as ‘Roman White’, a warm-neutral like ‘Biscuit Beige’ and a deep, warm accent colour such as ‘Florentine Red’ (all Dulux Heritage colours ).” - Anne Curtin, Pat McDonnell Paints Galway.
Tip #3: Always test
Every space is different, so always test with paint samples to see how they look under your lighting conditions before committing to a colour scheme.
Tip #4: Go dark
While it might seem counter-intuitive, one great option is to simply embrace the darkness. You can use dark colours such as 'Templar Grey’ from Colourtrend or ‘Crow’ from Ralston to create a cosy, cocooning feel. Soft furnishings in neutral colours and low lighting can offset the darkness.
Tip #5: Consult an expert
With so many factors to consider, choosing colours may feel overwhelming. For expert advice tailored to your space, you may wish to enlist the support of a design and colour expert. At Pat McDonnell Paints, we offer a free colour consultancy service. Our colour consultants will help you to create a palette that will bring out the best in your space.
Inspired? Pop in-store or phone 091 380 640 to get expert advice specific to your project as all homes differ. Fast and free delivery on all orders. Shop all products online at www.mcdonnellpaints.ie
