The trend for minimalist décor, muted tones and subtle shades means many of us now feel unsure when adding a splash of colour to our homes. But you can break away from the monotony of magnolia by picking up a paintbrush or accessorising with cushions, curtains and ornaments. Bedroom
 | | Pine and pastels in the bedroom |
“Yellow is a popular choice but not the best colour as it can churn up your emotions and keep you awake. Tone it down into a pastel or add some blue."
"Flesh tones like pink, orange and peach are soothing and good for intimacy. Red is too stimulating for a bedroom. Light shades of blue are calming and refreshing and will make you wake ready to start the day.” Kitchen
“Yellow is often used in fast food restaurants to get people moving and it’s a good colour for kitchens as it encourages creativity, and optimism. When the cook is happy, the food tastes better."
"Red is also good as it stimulates hunger but blue can counter hunger and quench the desire to cook. Green will make the room feel bigger and a cooler, more comfortable place.” Bathroom
 | | Wood and water in the bathroom |
“If you want a place of beauty and meditation, use deep blues or purples and add some candles and blue glass bottles in the window. The tones of the sea like blue, turquoise and watery green are soothing and give a quality of calm and freshness and cleanliness."
"Pink is an intimate colour which supports the feeling of looking after your own body. If you share a family bathroom, add some strong stimulating colours like bright orange or green or yellow which will discourage lingering and move people through.” Living Room
“Yellow is a welcoming colour which creates the illusion of space and encourages conversation but it’s not a relaxing colour so you can add a complementary colour like blue. "
 | | Roaring red paint in the dining room |
"If you want this room to be your sanctuary, blue or green work well and if life is tense choose a gentle pink. But shocking pinks or bright reds will jar your nerves and turn the room into a battle zone. To meditate in a quiet room, violet is good with yellow.” Dining Room “This is a more relaxing and leisurely room than the kitchen where the work is done. Yellow will stimulate emotions and conversation but is not so good for digestion. Blue is a soothing colour but not so good when eating. The best colours here are orange, red and peach.” Children's Rooms “Babies love bright primary colours and their immature eyes recognise them and are stimulated by them. But it is a big mistake to use these colours in a bedroom where you want your baby to rest and sleep not be hyperactive and wakeful. Choose soft, soothing pastel colours." "It’s important with children not to impose your tastes or trends on them, let them choose their own colours. And with teenagers who often like black or psychedelic colours, let them express their own ideas and insecurities as it is their own room.” | 
