Create a look that’s both refined and glamorous. Soft blue-grey walls create a cocooning effect in this Princess Margaret Showhome living room, while wood, brass and orange accents warm up the cool palette.

Bring the outdoors in. The walls and ceiling of Canadian actor David Cubitt’s San Miguel retreat are painted a soft, wheat-like yellow, bringing a bit of Mexico’s sunny climate indoors.

Draw on the largest pattern in the space for colour inspiration. Designer Jennifer Scott plucked the classic white colour on her walls from the chic Moroccan rugs in her own living room, creating a neutral envelope that lets texture steal the show.

Use colour to up the impact of artwork. A contemporary gunmetal grey allows the bright artwork in this Toronto living room to become the centre of attention.

Enliven a small bathroom with an ocean-inspired hue. Light blue paint livens up this cottage’s quaint powder room, where it covers an old-fashioned sink and part of the wall.

Let this small room envelop you. Save the lighter colors to make larger rooms feel even more expansive; paint a daring hue on the walls of a smaller room for a dramatic, cocooning effect, as designer Sophie Burke did in her main floor bathroom.

Take a cue from your flooring. To create a sense of cohesion in this bathroom, designers Erin Feasby and Cindy Bleeks looked to the graphic floor tiles for colour inspiration, pairing a steel grey hue with brass detailing throughout.

Let ornate mouldings add character to colour. Light lavender walls make for a fresh, feminine backdrop in this grand dining room by designer Katherine Newman. Large-scale artwork and a set of brass sconces pop against the whisper-soft hue.

Enhance wall trim and panelling. A strong, classic colour like blue easily finds itself at home in any room. In David Sword and Lise Anne Gougeon’s Toronto home, tall panelling painted in this handsome hue ups the drama in an otherwise toned-down space.

Get inspired by historical hues. A cream wall colour accented with gold detailing gives this luxe Manhattan dining room a refined, formal feel.

Pair a neutral colour with a lively wallpaper. Designer Nam Dang-Mitchell elevated the this home office’s neutral grey envelope with Cole & Son’s Circus wallpaper on the fireplace mantel, adding visual interest without detracting from the clean-lined aesthetic.

Find colour inspiration in artwork. Homeowners Robert Tanz and Bob Hevenor pulled the tranquil blue hue on their walls from a collection of plein air sketches. “It’s watery, serene and relaxing,” says Robert.

Shine the spotlight on a favourite hue. A romantic blue coats architect Darcie Watson’s home office, capturing the mood of a traditional home library.

Go for an on-trend colour combination. Pastel pink walls create a soothing atmosphere in designer Sabrina Albanese’s principal bedroom, and act as a neutral backdrop for a deep blue headboard and mint green nightstand.

Earn your stripes. There’s no colour combination more classic than black and white, and in this principal bedroom, a wall painted in those tones adds drama and flair. A shapely sconce breaks up the room’s angular lines while keeping to the modern aesthetic.

Create a moody ambience. Rich green walls do well when paired with neutral colour and natural texture. In this chic Montreal loft, the forest green hue creates a restful retreat perfect for sleep.

Create contrast between warm and cool. Chef Devin Connell of Toronto’s Delica Kitchen painted her kitchen cabinets a cool, mid-toned blue to offset a nook with sunny yellow tiles.

Paint your personality. Says designer Holly Dyment, “When someone enters your space, your character should be reflected. If you are bold, go with red, purple or orange, but if you’re low-key, pick a soft blue, green or lilac.”

Use the style of your cabinets as a colour guide. Traditional kitchens, like this sophisticated space by designer Brian Gluckstein, benefit from classic colour choices such as grey, white or cream.

Don’t neglect the fifth wall. Up the wow factor in a guest space by painting the ceiling the same colour as the wall. In Brett Sherlock and James Booty’s Niagara-On-The-Lake home, a classic blue-grey has a calming effect, and pairs well with antique furniture.