Colour Tips for North & South Facing Rooms

The orientation of each room in your home has an impact on the light intensity and warmth. North facing spaces have the most consistent light levels, but rooms feel cooler and darker. In contrast, south facing rooms are filled with natural light and warmth. Now, you can’t change a room’s orientation. However, interior design decisions alter how these spaces feel. So, let me share some colour tips for north and south facing rooms.

Decorating North Facing Rooms

Let’s start with rooms that face away from the direction of the sun. Here, the infiltration of natural light and warmth is lower. On the plus side, this means no screen glare, minimal chance of fabrics fading, and a cooler space to escape to on those hot summer days. However, the feeling can be far from cosy, especially in the winter months.

So, my colour tips for north facing rooms are to counter the cool with warm hues. These are colours with a yellow, orange or pink base. On the walls, you might select neutral warm cream, light gold, taupe or pale, dusky pink. A deeper tone of the same colour, along with contrasting shade, can be introduced with patterned fabrics, a central rug and painted woodwork.

Alternatively, there’s the option to be adventurous with a deeper shade of terracotta, plum or a warm green. A darker colour may seem counterintuitive, yet it all depends on the function of the space. If you want to create a cosy, relaxing living room, a rich colour offers an intimate feel.

In addition to the colour palette, layered lighting and warm toned lightbulbs plays an important role in adding a welcoming feel to north facing rooms.

I have chosen a few warm neutral shades from some of my favourite paint brands:

Coat: Pampas, Sunday Soul and Duvet Day

Little Greene: Julie’s Dream, Hammock and Silent White

Farrow & Ball: New White, White Tie and Dimity

If you would prefer to lean into the cosy feel of a north facing room, these richer shades work beautifully:

Coat: Adulting, Sybil and Mr Clifton

Little Greene: Yellow Pink, Purple Brown and Hick’s Blue

Farrow & Ball: Railings, Red Earth and Hague Blue

Colour Options for South Facing Rooms

Optimising natural light and warmth is a priority in interior design, and a bright south facing benefit from both. This gives you greater colour freedom.

My preference for south facing spaces is to decorate them with cool blues and greens, which balance the light and offer a fresh and relaxing feel. Lighter shades offer a great backdrop that creates a sense of space and airiness. As you are more likely to have the curtains and windows open in a south facing room, I’m often drawn to the view and use colours in the surrounding garden or landscape as inspiration.

Equally, if you love colour, a south facing room is the place to introduce vibrant tones. Brighter shades can lift your mood and bring a sense of joy. They can be introduced using wallpaper, artwork and accessories. However, I suggest limiting the palette to achieve a coherent look.

When decorating a south facing rooms, I recommend a matt paint finish, which absorbs, rather than reflects, the light. This offers a softer, natural look. Also, consider window dressings that help control light levels, such as sheer voile blinds. In addition, consider the position of furniture, as it’s uncomfortable to sit facing direct sunlight.

For south facing rooms, I’ve selected a few cooler-toned shades:

Coat: Jojo’s White, Margot and Good Intentions

Little Greene: Linen Wash, Flint and Slaked Lime

Farrow & Ball: Wimborne White, Borrowed Light and Skimming Stone

To complement the warm light of a south facing room, these cooler shades work beautifully:

Coat: Lie-In, Yard Party and The Trail

Little Greene: Bone China Blue, Hicks Blue and Grey Teal

Farrow & Ball: Kittiwake, Bancha and Blue Gray

Creating the Desired Ambience in North & South Facing Rooms

The colour tips in this article offer a starting point. However, in an interior design consultation, I tailor the palette, furniture layout, lighting and accessories. My aim is to understand how you use the room and how you want to feel. Is it a space to be energised, social and productive, or do you visualise a sanctuary to unwind?

My interior ideas also consider design that complements your existing furniture and fittings. You often don’t need to buy a lot of new things to completely alter the style, flow and ambience in a room.

From advice by the hour to a full home design, my residential interior services are suitable for houses and apartments of all sizes. So, why not contact me for an initial conversation?

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