Updated on 25 June 2026 · by Pepe, painter in Elche
Choosing a colour is what most people find hardest: in the tin it looks one way and on the wall, another. I'm Pepe, a painter in Elche, and I'll tell you which shades are in right now and, above all, how to combine them to get it right, which is what really matters.
One thought before we start: fashions come and go, but a colour chosen with a bit of thought for your light and your furniture lasts well for many years. Don't paint just to follow a trend blindly; paint it because it's going to make you feel good at home.
The colours that are in
The trend is towards natural, warm, calm shades that give a feeling of calm and homeliness. These are the ones people ask for most:
- Warm neutrals: beige, sand, greige and off-whites. The handiest, brightest base.
- Soft greens: sage green and olive, the most versatile, work well in almost any room.
- Earthy tones: terracotta, clay and tan, to add warmth and character without overdoing it.
- Powder blues and muted pastels: very pleasant in bedrooms.
The fail-safe formula
The most common mistake is to fill the house with a strong colour and get sick of it within a month. What works best is using a warm neutral as the base on most walls and saving the more intense colour for a single accent wall or for the textiles and decoration.
That way you get the best of both worlds: a bright, timeless backdrop with a touch of character that you can easily change later by repainting just that one wall.
Which colour suits each room
Not every room asks for the same thing, because the light and the use change:
- Living room: a warm neutral base and, if you dare, an accent wall in sage green or terracotta.
- Bedroom: soft, relaxing shades (powder blue, aqua green, beige) to rest better.
- Kitchen: light and washable; a touch of colour in one area if you want to brighten it up.
- Hallways and entrance: light shades so they don't feel dark, in a washable finish because it's a high-traffic area.
How not to go wrong with the colour
The same colour changes hugely depending on the light in your home and the orientation. Before you decide, test it: paint a large patch on the wall (or a piece of card) and look at it at different times of day, in daylight and with the light on. What you fall for in the shop may not work in your living room, and vice versa.
And an extra tip: a smooth wall reflects light better and shows off the colour more than one with woodchip. If you have woodchip and you're redecorating, consider skimming the walls smooth first; as well as modernising, you gain brightness. If your flat is small, you'll also want the guide on colours to make it look bigger.
Want the exact price for your project?
I will come and see it with no obligation and give you a fixed quote, free and the same day. You deal directly with me, no middlemen.
FAQ
- Is an accent wall still a good idea or is it dated?
- It still works perfectly if it's done with a bit of thought: a single wall, ideally the far one and with good light, in a shade that goes with the rest. It's the easiest way to add character without overloading the house.
- Is white out of fashion?
- Not at all. Off-white and warm neutrals are more current than ever: they widen a room, add light and go with everything. The key is choosing the right shade (warm, not a cold, hospital white).
- Will you help me choose the colour?
- Of course, it's part of the job. When I come to see it we look at the light coming in, your furniture and how each room is used, and I advise on shades and finish with no obligation. You decide, I guide you.