A renovation transforms spaces, but it is the colors that define the personality of the new home. Far from being a minor decorative aspect, the choice of colors influences how we perceive each room: its spaciousness, its warmth, its functionality. In fact, a well-chosen color palette can increase visual comfort, generate a sense of order and, above all, convey emotions in line with the use of the space.
At ParatuReforma, where every project starts with the right materials, we believe that color is the ultimate tool to give coherence and character to any renovation.
What is a color palette and why does it matter?
A color palette is not simply a combination of shades that “look good”. It is a visual strategy that defines the atmosphere of each space and guides all subsequent decisions: flooring, wall coverings, furnishings, lighting. A well-structured palette helps maintain the aesthetic coherence of the home, facilitates the choice of materials and reduces the risk of making costly decorative mistakes.
The choice of a palette should consider the lifestyle of the inhabitants, the amount of natural light in each room, the functionality of the space and the visual continuity between rooms.
Starting with neutrals: a safe and flexible base
When starting a renovation, the smartest thing to do is to start with a neutral base. Colors such as off-white, soft gray or light beige offer a clean, versatile and timeless background. They allow you to experiment with other more intense tones without overloading the environment and, above all, they adapt well to different decorative styles.
In addition, neutrals play a key role in small spaces or spaces with little natural light, as they help to visually enlarge rooms and provide luminosity.
The 60-30-10 rule: chromatic balance with intent
Although it is not a strict formula, this rule helps to visually structure a space. It is about distributing colors in proportions:
- 60% of the space allocated to a dominant color, usually neutral.
- 30% for a more saturated complementary shade.
- 10% for vivid accents or decorative contrasts.
This proportion creates harmony and prevents a single color from saturating the environment.
Inspired by nature: combinations that never fail
Nature offers balanced color combinations of its own. Observing how colors coexist in a forest, on the beach or on a mountain can be more useful than following passing trends.
The chromatic circle: a tool to avoid getting lost
Although it may seem complex, the chromatic circle is easy to use. It allows you to create combinations:
- Analogous: colors together in the circle (e.g. blue-green-turquoise).
- Complementary: opposite colors (e.g. blue and orange).
- Triads: three equidistant colors (e.g. red-yellow-blue).
With this tool you can avoid common mistakes such as mixing too many shades.
Applications to design your color palette
Today you can experiment with apps like Coolors, Adobe Color or Canva Color Palette Generator. Many brands also offer online simulators.
Colors per room: how to get it right in every room
Colors per room: how to get it right in every room
The living room is the place where we spend the most time in company, whether with family or friends. That’s why a balanced palette is essential. Warm tones such as terracotta or coral bring energy and encourage conversation. Combining them with neutral tones -beige, off-white or soft gray- allows us to maintain a relaxing base that does not overwhelm. Natural wood in flooring or furnishings adds warmth and texture.
Helpful Hints: Add throw pillows, rugs or curtains with warm patterns for pizzazz. Use a deeper color on a single wall to create a focal point.
Example: A living room with off-white walls, a light gray sofa, a terracotta accent wall and light wood furniture is cozy and modern.
Color palette for kitchen renovation
In the kitchen, visual cleanliness and brightness are essential. White or cream visually expand the space and facilitate the perception of cleanliness. Colors such as olive green, mustard or petrol blue in details such as tiles, shelves or appliances bring vitality without losing sobriety.
Helpful hints: Use white as a base and reserve bold colors for base units or an accent wall. Choose colors that contrast softly with marble or granite countertops.
Ejemplo: Cocina blanca con armarios inferiores en verde oliva mate, tiradores de latón y azulejos tipo metro.
Color palette for bathroom renovation
The bathroom should evoke a sense of purity and relaxation. Colors such as aquamarine blue, sandy tones or natural stone recreate spa-like environments. Combinations with bright white increase the feeling of space. Current trends bet on matte black or anthracite gray details in faucets and accessories, which provide a sophisticated air.
Interesting tips: Mirrors amplify light and help highlight light tones. Mosaic tiles in soft tones can add texture without overpowering.
Example: Bathroom with ivory white walls, beige stone floor, black faucets and light blue accessories.
Color palette for bedroom renovation
Color has a direct impact on sleep quality. To encourage relaxation, opt for soft, cool tones such as lavender, sky blue, pearl gray or light beige. For a more intimate and enveloping bedroom, dark tones such as forest green or petrol blue can be excellent, always combined with warm and strategic lighting.
Practical recommendations: Combine soft walls with layered bedding: a mix of neutral tones and a deeper color. Upholstered headboards in dark colors add elegance without overloading.
Example: Bedroom with petrol blue wall, pearl gray sheets, and golden lamps with warm light.
Color palette for renovation of children’s rooms
Children’s rooms should encourage play, creativity and, at the same time, facilitate organization. A neutral base (light gray, white, cream) allows the details to be modified over time without completely redecorating. Color can be incorporated with illustrative murals, patterned textiles, colorful furniture or adhesive vinyls. Colors such as soft yellow, mint green or sky blue stimulate without oversaturating.
Helpful Hints: Use colorful open shelves to organize toys and add color. Paint a wall with chalkboard paint for free creativity.
Practical example: Room with warm white walls, white furniture and a wall with a jungle mural in mint green and mustard tones.
Chromatic continuity between rooms
One of the great secrets of successful interior design is to maintain visual coherence between different spaces. It is not about using the same colors in every room, but choosing an overall palette of 4 to 5 base tones and using them in varying degrees depending on the function of the space.
Keys to achieve it: Apply the same base color on walls or details (such as baseboards, doors or frames) to visually unite. Play with intensities: a sky blue in the bedroom can become navy blue in the bathroom. Introduce a “bridge” color (e.g., terracotta) in several spaces with different functions.
Example: If your palette includes off-white, blue, light wood and mustard, you can use:
– Off-white on living room and kitchen walls.
– Blue in textiles in the living room and bedroom wall.
– Light wood in furniture in all rooms.
– Mustard in bathroom and kitchen decorative details.
The role of materials in the color palette
Color is not only applied in paint. Also in coatings, pavements, wood, natural stone. Choosing materials in harmony is fundamental.
Choosing the right color palette is not only aesthetic, it is a strategic decision. A renovation with well thought-out colors enhances the architectural virtues and reflects the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
At ParatuReforma we offer you the materials, inspiration and support you need to turn your home into the place you always dreamed of living in.
How many colors should a palette for a house have?
The ideal is to work with between 4 and 6 colors that are distributed and combined in a coherent way throughout the home.
What color visually enlarges a room?
Light tones such as white, soft gray or beige help to give a feeling of spaciousness.
Is it advisable to use dark colors?
Yes, in small doses or in rooms with good light. Combined with light tones, they generate contrast and sophistication.
Can the perception of the ceiling be changed with color?
Yes. Painting the ceiling in a lighter shade than the walls visually elevates it. A darker one makes it lower and cozier.
