At Bridget Murphy Interior Design, we believe colour is one of the most transformative tools in creating a home that reflects your personality, mood, and lifestyle. With premium paints from Zoffany, Sanderson, and Colourtrend, we guide clients through a thoughtful process to ensure every shade works in harmony.
Step 1: Understand Colour Impact
- Warm colours – Reds, oranges, and yellows bring energy and cosiness. Ideal for living rooms and entertaining spaces.
- Cool colours – Blues, greens, and purples foster calm and tranquillity. Perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Neutrals – Whites, greys, and beiges offer versatility, making spaces feel open while providing a backdrop for accent tones.
Step 2: Consider Room Function
- Living Rooms – Create a welcoming atmosphere with inviting warm tones or relaxed cool shades.
- Bedrooms – Soft blues and greens encourage rest and relaxation.
- Kitchens & Dining Areas – Choose stimulating warm hues like yellow or red, or refreshing cool shades such as mint green.
- Bathrooms – Light, airy tones like pale blue, soft grey, or creamy white enhance brightness and cleanliness.
Step 3: Test Colours in Situ
Never choose paint straight from a screen or colour card. Instead:
- Paint large swatches on lining paper.
- Move them around the room to test in natural and artificial light.
- Revisit at different times of day, as light dramatically changes the way colours look.
Step 4: Create a Cohesive Flow
Your home should feel connected. To achieve this:
- Choose a primary colour that carries through multiple rooms.
- Add accent colours for variety and character.
- Follow the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant colour, 30% secondary, 10% accent.
Step 5: Leverage Colour Tools
We provide a full suite of tools to make selection easy:
- Colour library: Contemporary, Historic, and Weather collections—over 1,500 hues, all available in any finish.
- Colour quiz: Narrow down preferences or discover new palettes.
- Downloadable colour charts: Perfect for accurate in-person comparisons.
Expert Tips
- Finishes matter: Choose the right paint type for each space—Ceramic Matt for walls, Soft Sheen for kitchens/bathrooms, and Gloss for doors.
- Keep records: Write down specifications to avoid confusion with decorators.
- Support Irish brands: Colourtrend is renowned for smooth coverage and easy application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing paint too early in the design process.
- Relying only on digital images without swatching.
- Ignoring lighting conditions.
- Mixing too many neutrals, which disrupts palette flow.
Why Zoffany & Sanderson Paints?
- Zoffany Paint – 156 richly pigmented shades, available in three finishes, crafted with time-honoured recipes that combine beauty and durability.
- Sanderson Paint – Over 150 shades, mixed with precision, offering an eclectic palette that works beautifully across classic and contemporary interiors.
Both brands offer premium quality, versatility, and timeless style. Before you pick up a brush, we always recommend ordering a paint chart to discover the tones that speak to you.

