The colours to know before painting your house in 2020

Looking to update your home? Fresh colour is an easy DIY and affordable way to up-style any home.

Get ahead of the curve by dipping your brush into the most coveted colours and steal these insider tips for the perfect painterly refresh, inside and out.

Hear about the Australians taking grown-up gap years on Somewhere Else: 

Lilac, pale pink and mint

Why: “With neutral colour schemes dominating the last few years, it’s time for some soft, subtle hues,” says designer Justine Brown from Chocolate Brown. “They complement neutrals and tie back with on-trend pale timbers, terrazzos and marbles beautifully.”

Where:  A wash of mauve, rose, blush or mint adds colour and whimsy, and lives easily in any space as a neutral or pretty backdrop. “Introduce via your bed linen and soft furnishings,” says Brown. “Combine with tarnished brass or try a mint green laminate with pale timber and white cabinetry in the kitchen.”

We love: British Paints Lilac Lies, Dulux Mint Twist, Chalk Paint in Paloma.

Expert Tip: “These colours work harmoniously together,” says colour and paint expert Annie Sloan. “Add a stronger hue to prevent them looking too sweet, or white for contrast. For boldness, introduce yellow, black and white, or incorporate pastel floral fabrics for an English Countryside look.”

Vibrant yellow and mustard

Why: “Yellow is so uplifting,” says Brown. “I love dirty mustard tones with pale timbers and concrete.”

Where: Yellow works anywhere and suits all furniture, artwork, and decor. It even works in kids’ bedrooms for a space they won’t outgrow. “It’s fabulous with tarnished brass bathroom fittings,” says Brown. “Or layer with blues, pinks and whites in the bedroom.”

We love: Dulux Dandelion Yellow, British Paints Yellow Mania, Porters Paints Amber.

Expert tip:  “Mustard takes neutrals one step further in terms of depth,” says Brown. “It’s the perfect addition if your palette is looking bland.”

Greige

Why:  With grey on the wane, the combination of grey and beige provides fresh sophistication. “Greige evokes calm and stillness,” says designer Madeleine Blanchfield. “It’s subtle but gives the impression a space has been thoughtfully decorated. It’s warm without being overwhelming.”

Where: Greige looks beautiful with classic white trims or applied from top-to-bottom for real luxury. “It’s the perfect neutral and foil to add colour to,” says Sloan. “It works in most rooms and looks brilliant with reds, pinks and greens. It sits elegantly in the background, allowing colours to pop out from it.”

We love: Porters Paint in Grey Pepper, Chalk Paint in Country Grey

Expert Tip: “Taking photos of the beach and gardens allows us to pick colours within the greige spectrum,” says Blanchfield. “We use these natural tones to find a closer match in different paint ranges.”

Earthy tones

Why: Rich and moody, this palette provide an effortless connection between interiors and outdoors.

“Orange, red, tan and brown feel grounding,” says designer Nickolas Gurtler. “They feel good to live with because they are characteristic of nature which is always constant in our lives,”

Where: When the correct tones are applied, this is a palette that can be applied inside and out with ease.

“For opulence, choose dark unsaturated tones,” Gurtler says. “You can manipulate these colours to do almost anything.”

Expert Tip: Choose different shades and fine-tune the mood of your room. “Select one hue and use its multiple tones in different textures,” says Gurtler. “Be sparing or go bold. Both work.”

We love: Taubmans Barrel O Rum, Delta Clay 

Back to nature green

From grassy shades to desert hues, green delivers impact while feeling soothing to live with.

Why: “Green is soothing and honest, or opulent and luxurious,” says Gurtler. “It depends on how it is used.”

Where: Apply everywhere, from walls and doors to pots and cabinetry. “I like green in the bedroom, bathroom and living spaces,” he says.

Expert Tip: High-gloss finishes provide luxury and impart a soft glow by bouncing light around a space.

“Combine deep hues with black, white and brass for opulence,” suggests Gurtler. “Unsaturated greens, like eucalyptus, pair well with greys, whites and blonde timbers.”

We love: Porters Paints Cosmos and Nori, Dulux Dinosaur