How to choose interior paint that transforms your home

Whether you're embarking on a major remodel or are simply refreshing a single room, the sheer quantity of interior paint options can be overwhelming. Luckily, there is some great advice that can help you make sense of it all with some tried and tested tips relating to colour choices and practical considerations that will put you on the path to success.

The first step is to embrace colour psychology, a science to which all these colour recommendations relate in some way, shape or form. Colours significantly impact our mood, emotions, and perception of space — fundamentals that cannot be ignored. For instance, soft blues and greens can invoke a sense of tranquillity and calm, ideal for bedrooms or bathrooms where relaxation is key. Warm colours like reds, oranges, and yellows, known to stimulate conversation and appetite (sometimes called the 'hungry colours'), are perfect for dining and living areas. Neutral tones such as whites, beiges, and greys offer flexibility and can create a sense of balance and stability, making them suitable for almost any room.

These are proven concepts and if you can start your journey understanding these essentials, so much of what is to come will fall right into place.

The importance of both natural and artificial light in a space is crucial when choosing interior paint, as they both significantly influence the perception of colours within a space. Natural light varies tremendously throughout the day which can dramatically alter the appearance of paint colours. For example, the early morning sun enhances warm tones, making cream paint colours glow. Midday or high-noon sun can wash out pale or subtle colours but can make deeper tones, like navy or forest green, look more vivid and dynamic.

The direction of the natural light can also affect how colours are perceived. Rooms with the sun coming from north-facing windows in New Zealand enjoy a consistent, soft and cool light throughout the day. This light is ideal for highlighting warm colours like soft yellows or creamy whites, which can counteract its coolness. Artificial lighting, from LED to fluorescent bulbs, also has its colour temperatures, which can enhance or distort paint colours. However, light bulbs can be easily swapped out and changed, especially LED bulbs, so you have some flexibility with these, but it still pays to at least be mindful of it.

Related article: Colour temperature and lighting — 5 tips to help you choose

The size of a room can have a big bearing on what paint colour you choose, especially if you want to make a room feel more spacious or cosy. Lighter colours and neutral tones reflect more light, thereby making small rooms appear larger and more open. On the other hand, dark and bold colours can make large rooms feel more intimate and grounded, adding depth and character. For small spaces that lack natural light, opting for warm, light hues can mimic the brightness of sunlight, enhancing the room's appeal. Additionally, incorporating an accent wall in a large room with a contrasting colour can add visual interest and depth without overwhelming the space.

In New Zealand, we're lucky enough to have some incredible natural scenery in and around our homes to use as inspiration for our interiors. Depending on where you live, this may be a good option to consider to help bring the outside in. For example, homes nestled in coastal regions might draw on soft blues, greens, and sandy neutrals, echoing the sea, sky, and beach, creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. In contrast, properties surrounded by lush wilderness could incorporate deeper greens, browns, and earth tones, mirroring the dense foliage and rugged terrain, bringing the serenity of nature into the home. For urban abodes, incorporating greys paired with vibrant accents can reflect the architectural elegance and energy of city life. Utilising this strategy not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also creates a meaningful connection with the surrounding environment.

The ceiling, or "fifth wall", should not be an afterthought, being such a prominent part of any room. Traditionally, ceilings have been painted white to reflect light and create a sense of height, making rooms feel larger and more open. However, venturing beyond white, for example, opting for light pastels, can add warmth and character while maintaining an airy feel. For more dramatic and cosy spaces, darker colours or even the same hue as the walls can draw the eye upwards, creating a sense of intimacy and depth. In homes with high ceilings or architectural features like beams, using contrasting colours or finishes can highlight these details. These ideas may not be for everyone but it's an effective way to create a point of difference that could take a room to the next level.

It never hurts to do a bit of research on what interior colour trends are in vogue before making your decision as this can help make your space feel modern and fresh. Look at new build projects and renovations and see what colour schemes and combinations are being adopted. High-end homes, in particular, are usually designed by the best talent in the country who are well-versed in the leading local and global design trends and movements. At the very least, it's a great source of inspiration, from which you'll no doubt create your own unique ideas.

Related article: Building wonders: Exquisite new build homes in New Zealand

Prioritising low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints is important for healthier indoor air quality and better environmental outcomes. VOCs are chemicals found in many traditional paints that can evaporate into the air at room temperature, contributing to indoor air pollution and posing health risks such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues. For these reasons, low VOC paints are the preferable choice as they minimise the release of harmful chemicals, ensuring a safer environment for families, especially in newer homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency.

Related article: Green building trends shaping the industry, our homes and workplaces in New Zealand

The durability of interior paint shouldn't be undervalued just because it isn't as susceptible to climactic conditions as exterior paint is. Interior paint still has to withstand the test of time against everyday wear, moisture, and sunlight exposure, ensuring that walls retain their colour and finish longer without frequent touch-ups or repaints. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, where the risk of scuffs, stains, and moisture damage is higher. Opting for high-quality, durable paints also offers long-term cost efficiency by reducing the need for regular maintenance and repainting. They are also often easier to clean and maintain, especially those that boast washable or scrubbable paint finishes, saving you time and money in the long run.

The type of finish affects both the appearance and functionality of painted surfaces, making it a key consideration. Matte or flat finishes offer a sophisticated, non-reflective look ideal for hiding imperfections on walls, making them suitable for low-traffic areas or ceilings. However, in humid environments, satin or semi-gloss finishes are often preferred for high-use or moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, due to their easier cleaning and better moisture resistance. Glossy finishes, while highly durable and easy to clean, reflect a lot of light and can highlight surface imperfections. They are more frequently used for trim, doors, and areas where you want to draw attention.

You can only buy what you can afford so working to a budget is key. Interior paint can cost anywhere from $20 - $90 per litre depending on the type, brand and quantity purchased so you need to be precise with your numbers. This ensures you not only have the budget to buy enough paint but will also determine the quality and type of paint you buy, which will in turn impact the longevity, finish, and overall look of your painted surfaces. Investing in higher-quality paints can mean a higher up-front cost but may be more cost-effective in the long run due to their durability, better coverage, and resistance to wear and tear. However, for those with tighter budgets, it's important to prioritise spending on high-traffic areas or rooms exposed to harsher conditions, opting for more durable and easy-to-clean finishes. You might then choose more affordable options for rooms that are less used in the home. Also, don't forget to include the cost of undercoat, paint brushes and scrapers or the cost of professional painters (if applicable) as part of your overall budget.

Testing paint samples before finalising your choice is a basic best practice as it allows you to see how colour truly looks in your specific space, taking into account the room's unique lighting conditions, furnishings, and surrounding elements. As already mentioned, paint colours can appear drastically different throughout the day and can be influenced by the room’s exposure, artificial lighting, and even reflections from outside elements. By applying samples directly to the walls and observing them over a period of time, you can avoid surprises and ensure the colour creates the desired mood and complements the space as intended. Sample pots are incredibly cheap, usually around $5 - $7 a pot, and will give you a good idea of how the paint will work in practice making it a vital step to save time, money and disappointment.

With some in-depth guidance to reference, you're now in a great position to start creating a shortlist of interior paints which will ultimately lead to a final choice that reinvigorates your space (or spaces). It's a fun journey to go on which can lead to extremely satisfying results that you and yours can enjoy for years to come.