7 Steps to Create a Harmonious Colour Scheme for Your Living Room
Image by JMS Style & Design | Achieving a harmonious colour scheme is simple with a few easy tips
Whether you’re aiming for fresh, beachy neutrals, tropical-inspired accents, or rich earthy tones, a harmonious colour scheme ties all the elements together to create a room that feels cohesive, relaxed, and distinctly Queensland.
Let’s explore what a harmonious colour scheme is and some tailored tips for creating one in your own living room.
What is a Harmonious Colour Scheme?
A harmonious colour scheme is one where colours blend together seamlessly, creating a balanced and unified look without overwhelming the senses. This doesn’t mean the colours need to match exactly, but they should work together.
Some colour schemes that are most commonly used to achieve harmony in design include:
Monochromatic: Using various shades, tints, and tones of a single colour to create a serene, cohesive look. Perfect for coastal-inspired or minimalist spaces.
Analogous: Combining colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel, like blue and green, for a soft, nature-inspired vibe.
Complementary: Pairing colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, like coral and teal, creating contrast while still feeling balanced.
Personally, I love using a monochromatic or analogous colour schemes with soft, subtle hues. Adding textured finishes brings depth and creates a relaxed, calming space that's both stylish and welcoming.
Image by JMS Style & Design | Softer hues and textural elements add to this scheme
Tips for Creating a Harmonious Colour Scheme for Queensland Living Rooms
1. Start with a Base Colour
Choose a base colour that reflects the Queensland lifestyle. Neutrals like sandy beige, warm whites, or soft greys work well as they’re versatile and add a natural, relaxed feel to the room. This base colour will cover much of the space, like walls, larger furniture, or area rugs, setting the overall tone.
2. Apply the 60-30-10 Rule
The 60-30-10 rule is a classic approach that’s especially helpful for Queensland homes with open-plan layouts. Here’s how it works:
60%: Your dominant colour, typically the base colour, covering about 60% of the room.
30%: A secondary colour, often reflecting natural accents like weathered wood tones to add depth. This could come through in your timber furniture pieces or flooring for example.
10%: A pop of colour that brings energy to the space. A pop of colour doesn’t need to be anything bright and/or offensive. A pop of colour in a subtle muted scheme could be a warm hue like clay, rust or even an olive green. These pops of colour could come through in accessories like cushions or throws.
3. Use Natural Elements to Enhance the Palette
Natural textures and materials like rattan, timber, and woven fabrics are ideal for Queensland’s climate and lifestyle and add depth to your space. Incorporate timber tones in furniture, light linens, or wool fabrics in neutral shades. This brings warmth and texture to the room, creating an inviting look that softens the colour palette without overpowering it.
4. Layer with Varied Textures
In Queensland’s bright, open spaces, texture can add depth and visual interest that colours alone might not achieve. Combine smooth surfaces like walls, flooring and furniture with textural pieces such as woven items, like baskets or jute rugs, or bouclé fabrics to create a balanced and layered look. Different textures allow colours to play off each other, giving the room a rich, harmonious feel.
textural cushions add interest and depth in a soft analogous scheme
Textural woven cushions are a great way to incorporate varying depths of colour into your scheme. Baya Living are one of the best for textural cushions and the Johnson Cushion in Taupe is one of my favourites. Featuring a ragged grid design in finely woven reverse fabric, the Johnson cushion’s lumbar shape and soft taupe palette adds a timeless, restorative quality to interiors.
Image | Baya Living
5. Consider the Impact of Queensland’s Natural Light
Natural light in Queensland can be intense, which can alter how colours appear throughout the day. Lighter colours can take on a brighter look, while darker hues can deepen in intense sunlight. Test your chosen colours under various lighting conditions before committing, especially for a room that sees both morning and afternoon light.
6. Add Subtle Patterns
Patterns that incorporate your chosen palette can enhance the colour harmony without clashing. For a subtle and tonal look which also incorporates pattern, look for designs in rugs or pillows that subtly bring in your accent colours without overwhelming the space. Aim for one or two patterned items to keep it balanced and avoid clutter.
Rugs woven in warm, analogous neutrals bring a sense of softness and harmony, seamlessly tying your space together
Invite simple, understated texture into your space with the pared-back design of the Omaha rug from Baya Living. Crafted from a mottled wool blend, the warm pebble tones and dense underfoot texture makes this an all-rounder for a range of interior styles.
Image | Baya Living
7. Test and Adjust Your Scheme
Before finalising your colour scheme, bring home samples or swatches and observe them in your living room over a few days. Queensland homes often have expansive windows and open layouts, which can influence how each colour or piece appears. Testing lets you see how the colours interact with the natural light and other elements in the room.
Bringing It All Together
Designing a harmonious colour scheme for your Queensland living room is about finding a natural balance. By choosing a base colour that resonates with your style, applying the 60-30-10 rule, incorporating textures, and considering the effects of natural light, you’ll create a living room that feels inviting, cohesive, and truly reflective of Queensland’s unique charm.
Need advice to help bring your design together? We are here to help. Contact us at JMS Style & Design to see how we can assist.
