The Design Secret That Finally Made My Home Feel Right
You know when you walk into a home and something’s just wrong?
It’s not the furniture, it’s not the decor – it’s something deeper.
I realised this a while back while working on a client’s home.
Beautiful furniture. Great layout.
But walking from room to room felt like flipping through unrelated magazine pages.
Something was missing. Something essential.
A go-to colour.
This isn’t about drowning your home in one shade like you’re trying to score a paint sponsorship.
It’s about creating visual connections that make your space feel intentional.
Let me break this down for you.
The One Game Changer: A Go-To Colour
You don’t need everything to “match.”
A cohesive home isn’t about sameness. It’s about repetition without being repetitive. Creating a theme without feeling forced.
Here’s the kicker: pick one colour you love. Use it in different intensities, placements, and textures.
That’s how you get flow. No pro-level skills required.
Case Study 1: Blue Themed Home
I’ll tell you straight up.
Blue is my go-to, and I’m not shy about it.
My office? Blue accents in the lamp and art.
My dining room? A blue bench and an artwork that hints at it.
Front door? Light blue. Yup, you heard that right.
Pardon the tiny mat. Photo was taken haphazardly when I just moved in.
Case Study 2: Mustard Accent Apartment
Think mustard is too wild? Think again.
Here’s a space where mustard is the hero.
In the bedroom, the mustard bedspread pairs perfectly with dark grey walls. In the living room, bam – mustard sofa against bright white walls.
Different wall colors, but nothing clashes. It all connects.
That’s the power of one go-to color. It ties everything together, even when the rooms are completely different.
Ready to Make This Happen?
1. Pick A Colour You Actually Like
Choose a color that you want to see over and over.
Don’t pick what’s trending or what you think will look ‘safe.’
2. Start Small
Don’t dive straight into wall paint. Start with the small stuff:
throw pillows
rugs
art.
Test the waters before you go all-in.
3. Vary The Shade
This is critical.
Do not use the same shade on everything.
Otherwise, your space will fall flat.
Use light, dark, and in-between tones. Mix it up.
4. Be Strategic About Placement
Place your go-to color where it can be seen across multiple rooms.
That visual thread ties it all together.
Don’t just toss it around like confetti.
Notice how Heidi Caillier has used greens and reds across various rooms in this home. The shades have been varied. It’s all cohesive but not “matchy-matchy.”
The Hard Truth: Your Home Needs This.
You need a go-to color.
Not in a week. Not in a month. Right now.
So do it. Pick your color. Own it. Make it your signature.
Once you do, your home will feel complete. No more wondering why it feels off. No more disjointed rooms that make your brain itch with discomfort.