Apartments

Entry Colour Palette for Apartments

Choose colour against the surfaces that will stay. Test it on a large sample at the room's brightest and darkest points.

Explore the ideas
Living room seating group with a clear approach from the front of the room
Arrival inspiration: keep the first route into the room open.

Compare the options

Set the brief
Collect samples of permanent finishes, upholstery and hardware before picking a paint or laminate.
Compare
Assign a background colour, one wayfinding or feature colour, and contrast where people need to distinguish edges.
Before buying
Check painted or laminated samples vertically beside the same light source the finished room will use.
Worked example

A west-facing entry looks muted in the morning but takes on a strong orange cast in late afternoon.

Test wall and door samples at both times beside the actual floor finish. Use a quieter wall tone and reserve a stronger color for a door or artwork that remains legible in changing light.

How to test it

Compare the samples in daylight and artificial light, and check that handles and door edges remain easy to distinguish.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Create a shallow drop zone beside the door without interrupting the main route.
Detail
Combine a closed shoe cabinet, hooks and a small washable landing surface.
Trade-off
A visual screen improves privacy but can make the entry feel tighter.
  • Confirm door swing and corridor width
  • Check ventilation for stored footwear
Entry corridor leading toward a dining area beside a glass-front cabinet
Entry inspiration: a clear approach and shallow landing storage.

The Elixir portfolio

Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
Wood display partition between an entry-side passage and living room
Entry inspiration: a permeable divider that softens direct sightlines.
Living area with a glass partition beside a television wall
Entry inspiration: glazed separation that preserves borrowed light.

Related design guides

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