Elephant’s Breath or Dead Salmon? How to Pick the Perfect Paint Without Losing Your Mind!
Whether its a new house in need of decorating or a room that needs a glow up, choosing the right paint colour can be daunting especially with such whacky names. We have put together a guide which may just help you in making that important choice!
East Sussex or West Sussex, the direction your room faces, its size, and even the atmosphere you want to create all play a role in choosing the perfect shade. Let’s break it down…
1. Room Orientation & Light
The colour of your room changes throughout the day due to the direction your room faces! Here’s what you need to know:
South-Facing Rooms
Warm and cool tones suite south-facing rooms well! These rooms get plenty of natural sunlight all day long. Crisp whites, neutral greys, or muted greens will keep the space feeling fresh without overpowering it. If you fancy a cosier vibe, deeper colours like rich terracotta, deep blue or emerald green can work beautifully here!
North-Facing Rooms
With less light these rooms can feel dark and shadowy! So choosing warm tones here is the best practice. Creamy whites, warm beige, soft caramels, and honeyed yellows can add much-needed warmth, while soft pastels like blush pink, pale blue or sage green can brighten up the space. Avoid cooler colours that might make the room feel uninviting and sterile.
East-Facing Rooms
Brighter in the morning and cooler in the afternoon, these rooms require balance to work with this shift. So try warm neutrals like taupe, dusty rose, or gentle peach. Deeper colours like moody blues or emerald greens can create a striking contrast if you want more of a dramatic look.
West-Facing Rooms
These rooms have that afternoon and evening sunlight that bring a golden glow! Making them ideal for cooler shades like soft blues, misty greys, or fresh greens which help to balance this warmth. But if you fancy enhancing that sunset warmth, earthy tones like terracotta or burnt orange can add a little touch of spice!
2. Creating the illusion of space VS making it feel cosy
This ones pretty obvious and many people know, but here goes! Lighter colours create the illusion of space and darker, deeper shades create more of a cosy, intimate feel.
If you want bigger and brighter…
Soft neutrals like white, light grey, and pale pastels help reflect light and open up the space.
Glossy or satin finishes can bounce light around, making the room feel airy.
Monochrome palettes (using different shades of one colour) can create seamless flow and depth.
If you want warm and cosy…
Darker hues like navy, charcoal, or deep plum make a space feel all snug!
Matte finishes absorb light, adding to the richness of the colour.
Layering textures (think painted walls with soft furnishings in similar tones) enhances the warmth.
3. But what’s the right finish?
Not all paints are created equal—finishes make a difference too!
Matt & Chalky Finishes – Perfect for soft, elegant walls with no glare.
Satin & Eggshell – Great for a subtle glow, easy to clean, ideal for kitchens & living rooms.
Gloss & Semi-Gloss – Reflective and durable, best for trims, doors, and areas that need wiping down.
4. All together now!
Get your testers at the ready as it’s always best to test samples before fully committing! Test on different walls and check them at various times of the day. Lighting, furnishings, and even floor colour can affect how a shade looks in your space.
If you're ready to refresh your home in East Sussex or West Sussex, SLS Maintenance is here to help. Whether it's painting, redecorating, or a full-room transformation, we’ll get it right the first time. Let’s turn your space into something truly stunning!
