What colours should you paint your walls, based on your personality?

Look around the rooms in your home and you’ll likely pick up on a style. And while it may seem as though there are certain pieces of furniture and decor lying around that you have chosen unconsciously, it’s highly likely that your unique personality played a role in making those choices.

By the same token, even though choosing the ‘right’ paint colour for certain areas in our homes can feel rather overwhelming, rest assured that the answers may all lie within ourselves. What piques your interest? What draws your eye? And what excites you the most about everyday life at home? Although seemingly unrelated, your answers will lead the way.

Take a look at the different personality types below to see which you most relate to. Then read on for some expert tips and paint colour suggestions that will help you uncover your own colour chart.

The nature lovers

You love taking cues from Mother Nature herself. You are known for collecting natural materials and making a place for them in your home. You’re constantly inspired by the varying shades that appear in your surrounding landscapes.

Expert tip: According to Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr, the nature-loving palette can range from Dulux China White, a warm white with a subtle green undertone which mimics natural sand colours and reflects light beautifully, to Dulux Italian Clay, a colour filled with warmth and energy. Other earthy tones include Dulux Golden Grain and Dulux Tranquil Retreat.

For the pristine clean

You prefer to have a pared-back home which allows your furniture and decor to do most of the talking. You are either a Nordic-style fanatic, an eclectic curator or somewhere in between — either way, you like to start with a completely blank canvas.

Expert tip: “Although the colour white has been extremely popular and somewhat predictable, when well utilised, white can really be the best choice,” Lucena-Orr advises. For warm white options, Dulux Natural White™ or Antique White U.S.A.® are suggested, while for more cooler choices, Dulux Lexicon® or Dulux White on White™ can be the perfect selection for your space.

The bold and brave

You love making a statement with colour and your motto is, ‘The bolder, the better.’ You are not afraid to try new things, including the latest colour trends, although even then you may just stumble upon the start of your very own trend.

Expert tip: “Paint is such a transformational element and a cost-effective way to completely change the mood and feel of a space, so why not have fun with it? It’s only paint, after all,” says Lucena-Orr. As such, a deep and decadent hue like Dulux Deep Aqua could work wonderfully behind the bed in the master bedroom, or a welcoming hue such as Dulux Shepherd’s Warning in the hallway is sure to create a grand entrance.

The luxe lover

You love keeping up to date with the portfolios of top-tier interior-design firms and furniture stores. You appreciate quality in finishes and finesse in styling. You are all about texture, whether that be rich velvet, pure linen or shiny metallic and brass items.

Expert tip: “Texture in paint adds another dimension to colour with the light-and-shade aspect, which only textures and metallics can create,” explains Lucena-Orr. “For a modern and contemporary feel, try Dulux Concrete Effect, which has a subtle, and beautiful finish that really mimics a concrete look. For a more natural yet luxe effect try Dulux Suede Effect, which has a gorgeous, natural colour palette that exudes a wonderfully earthy and matt feel.”

The spontaneous types

You don’t associate yourself with being too pristine, but you’re not known for being too ‘out there’ either. Rather, you enjoy unprompted creativity, like buying that one statement piece of furniture for a certain space, or changing an entire room’s style on a whim.

Expert tip: “Sometimes a spontaneous pop of colour here and there is enough to create a unique point of difference,” says Lucena-Orr. “For this, try a pop of a vibrant mint, like Dulux New Life, or a citrus such as  Limone on the front door. Simply adding your favourite striking colour in a study nook or guest bedroom can help to create a sense of playfulness and joy to these spaces.”

The feminine fans

You are often found treating yourself to a fresh bunch of flowers in varying soft, seasonal colours. You are a big believer that pastels are not limited to kids’ rooms but can happily find a place in other parts of the house where adults roam.

Expert tip: “Pastel tones are soft and soothing and create a sense of calmness and tranquillity to any space,” explains Lucena-Orr. Such colours include Dulux Pinkham, Lama, Ecru and Silver Thaw — all of which have a beautiful lightness that can be used throughout the home. Some pastel colours can also be schemed with a warm white, such as Dulux Natural White™ or Whisper White.