Selecting Paint Colours?

Choosing the Right White:

Every home design journey starts in black and white, literally. A drawing, a concept, a few lines. But it’s not long before we dive headfirst into the world of colour, even when that colour might be a White. Selecting the right white might sound like a tongue-twister (try saying "the right white" three times fast), but it's easier than you think.

Start by considering the style of your home - is it Coastal? Modern Farmhouse? A nod to Hamptons or Mid-Century Modern? The theme will guide whether you need a crisp white or a warmer, creamier one. Once you've narrowed it down, get your hands on larger brush-outs or sample pots to test your whites in context. Look at them in natural light and move them around the space. Finally, always compare your selected whites with the other materials in your palette - claddings, roof finishes, flooring, trims... One will stand out as the Right White.

For this project it was 'Akimbo' by Taubmans.

How I Pick the Perfect Feature Colour:

When it came to our coastal guest house project, I knew exactly the direction I wanted - something that honoured the mid-century aesthetic but with an unmistakably Aussie coastal twist. And nothing brings that concept to life like a well-chosen feature colour.

For a home by the sea, blue is always a winner. It evokes calm, clarity, and connection to the coast. But what shade of blue? I explored countless hues using my fandeck collection, but the real magic came from using a colour scanning tool - Taubmans' Coloursmith Reader. I scanned everything: books, shoes, cushions - you name it! In the end, I landed on a rich indigo with great depth that balances beautifully with the light walls and timber floors. Its name? Blue Book. And yes, I named it myself. Creative, I know!

Front Door Flair:

Now, if you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know this: I love a coloured front door. It’s the smile on your home’s face! While the size and style should match your home’s architecture, the colour? That’s your chance to have some fun.

Best of all, colour is free to dream about - paint costs the same whether you go bold or play it safe. So why not choose something unexpected, joyful, or deeply personal? Whether it's a zesty citrus, a deep ocean teal, or something unexpected like 'Foxy Lady' by Taubmans... let your front door say, “Welcome home” with a bit of flair.

I couldn’t be happier with the colours I selected for this project (watch the free online series) and I can’t wait to get started with the colours for our next renovate/build project.

James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. Learn more from James' knowledge via his FREE online shows James Bought A House (a renovation) and James Bought A Guest House (a brand new build).