The art of compromise for color conscious couples

Can’t agree on a color scheme with your loved one? Here’s how to create a harmonious home you’ll both love.

If you and your partner find yourselves falling out over your color choices, take a deep breath and read our expert tips to help you achieve domestic and decorating bliss.

1. Paint the easy rooms first

Take stock of all the rooms you need to make decisions about. Are some easier to reach decisions on than others? If so, start there.

2. Be practical in your choices

Think about the size of the room, the type of flooring, pieces of furniture you want to have in the room and any contrasting colors you have to match. If you let these factors be your guide, you’ll limit the number of decisions you have to make based on personal choice. Consider the color temperature too and whether the room should be warm and cozy, or cool and refreshing.

3. Make sure you both have your say

If you’re too busy talking over one another, you may fail to pick up on the fact that you actually do have more color choices in common than you thought.

4. Score your colors from 1 to 10

If you have wildly different views, scoring the colors you like from one to 10 can be really helpful. If your partner scores a color significantly higher than you do, can you give in on that area and perhaps have your say in another room?

5. Think about color intensity

dulux_color_choices_uk_2.jpg

If you can’t compromise on the color itself, perhaps you can agree on the properties of a particular color. For example, you might not like bright orange on your walls, but how about a more gentle terracotta shade?

Which colors?

E0.27.60 / 80YR 44/311

6. Don’t be afraid to experiment

Choosing colors with Visualizer app

If one of you is struggling to imagine what a color will look like on your walls, try it out before you buy anything by using the Visualizer app. This will help you to see how different colors will look at the push of a button – and hopefully reach a decision!

7. Go for grey

Grey living room

It’s highly versatile and works just as well in classic as in contemporary schemes. Worried grey’s a bit drab? Jazz it up with a bright accent color, such as pink or yellow.

Which colors?

SN.02.77 / 10BB 73/039

When choosing colors, it’s worth thinking about how light affects them. Our guide will help make sure you pick the right shade for your room.