The best starting point is a colour chart. As a first step, choose colour categories that you like visually and that match the space, for example neutral and pastel shades, a blue to go with the kitchen cabinets, or perhaps something in a selection of green, yellow and purple shades. To this end, we have created the HGMIX INTERIOR COLLECTION colour chart, where the collection of shades is designed to allow easy browsing within each colour category. We suggest starting with a limit of up to three categories, after which the process of making the right choice truly begins!

First, choose the brightness or intensity of the shade. You should base this choice on the light in your room. For bright rooms with more daylight, you can choose a darker, more intense colour. You can also get away with slightly grey or dirty tones, as the colour will actually look cleaner due to the amount of light. For larger and unevenly lit spaces, you can create an interesting effect by choosing a more intense shade for the larger and better-lit areas, and a softer, brighter shade of the same colour for smaller and less well-lit areas. Adjust the contrast as desired. Choosing two very similar shades can create a really subtle contrast and soft transition through the space; or you can bring a little more variety to the space with a strong contrast.

The next step is to choose the colour shade. Colours are basically divided into warm and cold; although this might seem simple at first, it is not always easy to make the distinction! For example, green can achieve both a warm or a very cool look, depending on the undertone. However, the undertone is often noticed only when comparing several similar shades. When a colour has blue or grey tones, it is usually said to have a cold undertone. As a rule, these colours are chosen when there is a lot of dark wood, concrete flooring, marble, or a lot of natural light in the space, which we want to calm down with cooler shades. Colours with a warm undertone tend to be yellows, oranges or pinks and create a feeling of softness and comfort. As a rule, these colours are chosen when there is more light wood or larger pieces of light-coloured furniture in the space, and they are suitable for both light and darker spaces.

Special attention should be paid to the undertone when choosing a white shade. We tend to pay less attention when choosing a white, although a carefully selected shade can completely change the look of a space. A neutral or very strong, pure white with no undertone is typically chosen for a very dramatic look, for example in combination with black. On the other hand, white pieces of furniture can appear a little grey against strong white walls. It is also worth noting that when choosing white, even more attention should be paid to the colour of the sockets, switches and window or door frames, as a strong white will emphasize any greyish or even more likely, yellowish undertone.

When choosing a shade, it is a good idea to consider all the spaces in your home. Soft hallways will keep the space more open, a particularly welcome feature in smaller apartments. Focus on a smaller number of colours and repeat their use throughout the different spaces.

Selecting the shade with the help of a colour chart is followed by testing. Is it necessary to consider that paint can have a completely different effect on a larger area than on the colour chart. On a larger surface, the final result tends to be more pronounced, and the paint’s appearance can also be changed by the lighting and the amount of light in the space. Before embarking on a renovation, we therefore advise purchasing a small amount of paint in the selected gloss level.

Apply the paint to a small part of the wall and observe the effect throughout the day as the lighting changes. It is necessary to follow the recommended number of coats and wait for the paint to dry completely between coats. If choosing between a larger number of shades or stronger colour tones, which are usually harder to cover, we suggest that you do not apply the paint directly on the wall surface, but on white drawing paper or a similar base that can be easily moved around the room. Take your time and make sure your space looks exactly the way you want it to.