Lana Dullaghan • 23 July 2025

Easy Steps to Create Your Perfect Colour Scheme for Your Living Room!

Creating a beautiful colour scheme for your living room can be a fun and exciting project! A well-thought-out colour scheme can transform your space, making it feel warm, inviting, and uniquely yours. Here are some simple steps to help you design a living room that reflects your personal style and makes you feel right at home.


1. Find a Painting You Love

Start by selecting a painting that truly speaks to you. This piece of art will serve as the main inspiration for your colour scheme. Look closely at the different colours in the painting and consider how they make you feel. Do they evoke warmth, calmness, or energy? Use these feelings as a guide as you choose colours for your living room.


2. Select a Sofa Colour

Once you have your painting in mind, it's time to pick a colour for your sofa. Choose a colour that complements the shades in the artwork. The sofa is often the largest piece of furniture in the room, making it a beautiful focal point. A well-chosen sofa colour can also help enhance the overall mood of your living space.


3. Add Colourful Cushions and Throws

To bring some energy and life into your space, choose cushions in various shades that complement the colours from your painting. Cushions are an easy way to introduce different textures and patterns, adding warmth and comfort to your sofa. Mixing and matching cushions of different sizes and shapes can create a cosy and inviting look.

Additionally, don't forget to incorporate throws! A soft, textured throw can be draped over the sofa or armchair for added comfort and style. It can also introduce another layer of colour and pattern, making your living space feel even more inviting.


4. Choose a Rug

Think about getting a patterned rug that incorporates the colours from your painting. A rug can be a wonderful way to tie the whole room together and add a soft touch underfoot. If you prefer a more minimalist look, you could opt for a simple rug that fits your colour scheme. Remember, the right rug can ground the space and enhance the overall aesthetic.


5. Incorporate Different-Coloured Armchairs

For a playful touch, consider adding one or two armchairs in a different colour. This will create visual interest and make your living room feel more dynamic. Mixing colours can also break up the monotony and add character to the room. Look for armchairs that are comfortable and inviting, as they will encourage family and friends to gather and relax.


6. Decide on Wall Colour

When it comes to the walls, you have a couple of options. You can keep the wall colour neutral to create a calm backdrop for your vibrant furnishings, or you can choose a shade directly from your painting. Soft warm colours often work well to make the living room feel inviting and cosy. If you're feeling adventurous, consider an accent wall to add a pop of colour without overwhelming the space.


7. Fabric for Window Treatments

Don't forget about the window treatments, as they can significantly impact the overall look of your living room. Choose curtains or Roman blinds that complement your colour scheme. Light, airy fabrics can create a soft, inviting atmosphere, while heavier materials can add warmth and elegance. Think about the patterns and colours in your painting and furniture when selecting fabrics, as this will help create a cohesive look.


8. Use Mood Boards

Creating a mood board can be a very helpful tool for visualizing your colour connections. A mood board allows you to gather images, colours, and textures that inspire you. This way, you can see how different elements work together before making any final decisions. You can create a digital mood board using apps or websites, or you can go old-school with magazine cut-outs and swatches.

This example illustrates how different elements—like the sofa, cushions, throws, and artwork—can harmonize with one another. It's a great way to see your ideas come to life and make adjustments before you start decorating.


9. Accessorize Thoughtfully

Add accessories such as vases, books, or artwork to complete the look of your living room. These little details can make a big difference in adding personality and charm to your space. Choose accessories that reflect your interests and style, and don't hesitate to showcase your favourited items.


10. Enjoy the Process

Most importantly, have fun while designing your living room! This is your space, and it should reflect who you are and what you love. Take your time to experiment with different ideas and make it your own. Remember, there are no strict rules in interior design—trust your instincts and enjoy the creative process!



By following these easy steps, you can create a living room that is not only beautiful but also uniquely yours! Share your experiences and photos of your living room makeovers—I'd love to see what you create!







by Lana Dullaghan 27 November 2024
The Christmas season is the perfect time to infuse your home with festive cheer while maintaining your personal style.
by Lana Dullaghan 25 April 2024
Delve into the exquisite world of Irish linen and its fusion of tradition and modernity, sustainability, and artistry through the creation of the Emerald Wave Collection. Explore how this collection pays homage to Ireland's cultural heritage while adding a touch of contemporary elegance to living spaces, creating not just décor pieces but stories that bridge the past and present.
by Lana Dullaghan 1 April 2024
Embrace tradition and sustainability with our guide to caring for Irish linen. Protect its legacy and beauty for a greener tomorrow.
by Lana Dullaghan 14 March 2024
Embark on the journey of designing your dream kitchen with our simple step-by-step guide! Learn how to engage with a kitchen designer early, set a realistic budget, make personalised design choices, select durable worktops, coordinate worktops and splashbacks, prioritize flooring, leverage 3D visualization, and make deliberate decisions for a space that truly reflects your style and preferences. Create a functional and visually appealing kitchen that you'll love for years to come!
by Lana Dullaghan 7 February 2024
Fine art prints are a beautiful way to bring art into your space, but which type should you choose? Interior designer Lana Dullaghan debates the value of canvas vs. Giclee fine art prints to add ambiance to any room.
by Lana Dullaghan 27 January 2024
Discover the right way to frame artwork for striking interior design. From complementing colour tones to creating depth, let your art & aesthetic shine with the power of framing.
Stacked fabrics in colours ranging from green to dark pink to white.
by Lana Dullaghan 3 January 2024
Weave sustainability into your home with advice from Lana Dullaghan on how to embrace elegant, eco-friendly interior design.
by Lana Dullaghan 5 May 2023
With inspiration from the breath-taking landscapes of Ireland, Lana Dullaghan Designs seamlessly creates a tranquil master bedroom at the Ideal Home Show.
by Lana Dullaghan 15 April 2023
Interior designer Lana Dullaghan explores the inspiration behind her tranquil interior designs & how to create your own colour schemes based on Irish nature.
by Lana Dullaghan 9 March 2023
Embrace a design that reflects your tastes with the advice of interior designer Lana Dullaghan on what to do when renovating & decision-making.