The way people view colour is not universal. Colours have different meanings, symbolisms and associations within and across cultures. Selecting colours for your project can be frightening especially when it's a costly exterior paint job that will remain with you for many years.

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Colour can:

• Affect your emotions and energy levels

• Make your space feel warmer or cooler

• Make your space feel larger or more intimate

• Hide or enhance building features or views

• Lighten or darken areas

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What to think about when choosing colours:

1. Who uses the room and what will they do there?

2. How do you want to feel when using the space? (e.g. hungry, sociable, peaceful?)

3. What is the existing light level like and how do you want it to change?

4. What do you wish to hide (small skirting boards, a view) or enhance (a view, a wall, a space?)

5. Would you prefer colour to be an accent or the feature of your space?

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What you can do:

• Make a pin board (digital or in a scrapbook) of any colours or colour schemes that appeal to you. Avoid over thinking choices at the start. You'll find that you start to see some patterns across what you like.

• Look at colour in the environment, photograph house schemes, shop windows, street art - anything that appeals to you.

• Ask your paint shop for colour fans, paint swatches or test pots. 

• Employ an expert to help you.