How to Choose a Color Palette

Light is the quiet designer of every room. Before paint, before furniture, before color — the sun has already made the first choice. Understanding how light lives in your space is the secret to designing a room that always feels right, morning to night.

Start with your compass. It’s your simplest design tool. North, east, south, west — each direction tells a different story in light. North light stays cool and calm. East light feels gentle and fresh. South light glows warm and golden. West light burns toward evening. 

Once you know where the sun moves, notice how light changes through the day. At night, look up. Overhead lighting can wash a room in white or yellow tones — bright and direct, often showing every color at once. Medium lighting, ideal for activity light like floor or table lamps, softens edges and warms surfaces. Low light — through candles, wall sconces, or dimmed lamps — adds mood and depth, turning neutrals to honey, blues to velvet, and whites to cream.

All these layers of light are what make a room come alive. It’s absolutely beautiful. See how your space transforms under each one.

Now consider your color palette — the last step. Start with your favorite colors, find shades you love, and choose an element — earth, air, fire, or water — to guide the mood. Then, pick three main colors or shades. Use them in a 60-30-10 balance: one dominant, one secondary, one accent. Black and white can frame your palette, keeping it grounded and clear.

Warm tones hum in the sun, while cool tones let shadows dance. Together, they tell your story — warmed by the sun and balanced by shadow. Try sitting in your space today and let the room tell you where color belongs.