Creating the perfect palette: how colour theory brings a home to life

July 2025

At Story Homes, we understand that purchasing a home is one of life’s biggest and most exciting decisions. That’s why every detail of a Story home is carefully considered from the layout to ceiling height to how our show homes are designed.

From initial concept to the finishing touches, the curated process of a show home is led by the talented team at Show Business Interiors and we approach it with the same care and precision that goes into building every home we deliver. One of the key design principles used within our show homes and something you can apply easily in your own home is colour theory.

We’ve teamed up with the talented team at SBI to share an insight into colour theory and how the theory is translated into a Story Homes show home such as in the newly launch Elmbrook Park, Coppull development.

Curious to know more? Read ahead to learn more…

What is colour theory?

Colour theory is the art and science of using colour in a way that creates visual harmony and evokes the senses and emotions. At the heart of colour theory is the colour wheel, which helps designers understand how colours relate, contrast, or complement each other.

Key concepts include:

Hue: the basic colour (like red, blue, green).
Saturation: the intensity or purity of a colour.
Value: how light or dark a colour is.

By understanding and applying these elements, SBI are able to shape the atmosphere of a space whether it’s a calm and understated or bold and energising.

Designing a show home is a science; every little detail counts when you're trying to achieve a specific look and feel. One of the biggest factors in setting the tone of a space is colour. Whether it's through feature walls or styling pieces, colour psychology plays a huge role in how a room feels, and it’s something we take seriously in every design. Elmbrook Park, Coppull is a perfect example of where we’ve used colour to evoke a specific feeling.

Jackie Founder of SBI

The psychology of colour

Colour is more than decoration, it directly impacts how we feel in a space. The SBI designers use this knowledge to make each room serve it’s purpose not just visually, but emotionally. Here’s an overview of how different colours are used:

Warm colours (reds, oranges, yellows) are stimulating and cosy, they work well in social areas like family areas or living rooms.
Cool colours (blues, greens, purples) are calming and serene, perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices.
Neutrals (whites, greys, beiges) are versatile backdrops, often used to balance bolder accents or to emphasise natural materials.

By aligning colour choices with the function and desired mood of each room, designers create spaces that feel right on a subconscious level.

With the Harrison show home, we opted for a contemporary style that still feels premium and sophisticated. We used heritage blue throughout the open-plan kitchen, family, dining area, due to its elegant yet inviting elements. This contrasts nicely with the master bedroom, which fosters a warm, neutral palette, with touches of deep blue tones used in the styling items. This subtle contrast not only adds depth and interest, but also creates that harmonious, calming feel throughout the home.

Jackie Founder of SBI

Bringing colour theory into your own home

Whether you’ve just moved into your new Story home or are refreshing a single room, your colour choices can have a significant impact on how a space feels and functions.

Our show homes are more than beautifully styled spaces, they’re designed to inspire. They demonstrate how thoughtful colour application can bring balance, personality and atmosphere to every corner of your home.

So the next time you’re selecting paint, choosing fabrics, or picking out finishes, go beyond the trends. Ask yourself: