Brilliant interior colour schemes

Get smart with your lighting and bring out the best in your interior colour schemes, because the colours in your interiors are directly related to the type of lighting you choose.

Scientifically speaking, colour is the result of light being emitted or reflected from a surface. This means that the light landing on an object affects our perception of what colour it is.

So when it comes to interior design, it makes sense that your choice of lighting and your choice of colour scheme are inextricably linked. That is, if colours are important to you, and you want to make the most of the colours you choose to display in your living spaces, then you need to choose your lighting carefully.

Choosing the right blends for your home

It's not like you're going to be painting the inside of your home hot pink. Or deep purple. The walls in our homes tend to be based around white, in all its marvellous shades, with occasional mid tones like chocolate browns, leafy greens, earthy oranges and reds and ocean blues putting in an appearance for depth and variety. Timber, of course, and exposed brick or render, are other popular choices.  

"For these sorts of natural, organic and textural feels it's often best to opt for a lamp which will give you a more yellowy or warm type of light," suggests lighting consultant Peter Lodge of Euroluce Lighting Environments. "Old-fashioned light bulbs, on a lampstand or hanging pendant-style, usually within a lampshade, work really well for this."

Create an inviting interior

Peter points out that the effect that most people are trying to achieve in their homes is one of comfort. "In general you want to be invited, encouraged to linger, and to feel warm," he says.

"Within that, there are a number of ways to affect the mood or atmosphere of your living spaces, from using uplights coming out of the floor, to having hidden lamps within recesses in the walls. Lamps can be dimmed or made brighter. It depends on what effect you're going for."

Interior light fittings

Some light fittings such as dichroic lamps can be used to bring out the colours in artwork, or in coloured furniture. And of course, in areas such as the kitchen or other work spaces, the impact on the colours around you may be less important than safe, secure, solid lighting so you can actually see what you're doing.

The science can be tricky, but our tastes and preferences for our living spaces are often pretty cut and dried.

Ask a professional for advice on what lighting will best suit your home, and bring out the best in your interior colour schemes.