Independent homes
Entry Colour Palette for Independent homes
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
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
- Set a landing and storage wall beside the door; screen direct views into bedrooms.
- Detail
- Use a hard-wearing floor at the threshold and a bench with enclosed shoe storage.
- Trade-off
- A deeper foyer improves organization but uses area that could serve another room.
- Check sightline from open front door
- Test delivery and shoe storage capacity
The Elixir portfolio
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