Colour me home!
Strap: Four top designers reveal how the right shades can shape mood, expand space, and reflect your style
Byline: Bhuvana Shridhar
As Bangalore’s demand for distinctive home design grows, many residents find themselves unsure about choosing the right wall colours. With homes becoming central to our daily lives — from work to relaxation — it’s essential to create spaces that feel balanced, positive, and inviting. Experts say colour can make all the difference. The right shades not only enhance aesthetics but also influence mood, energy, and overall well-being.
From calming blues to earthy neutrals, designers are seeing a shift towards palettes that offer comfort and personality. Against this backdrop, we spoke to four leading architects and interior designers on how to bring colour home, thoughtfully.
OB: What are the benefits of using colour in interior design?
Santosh Gelani: Colour is one of the most powerful tools in interior design — not only does it set the mood of a space, but it’s also one of the quickest ways to transform it. Whether used through paint, wallpaper, or textiles, colour can instantly breathe life into a room. With brands announcing a new “Colour of the Year” annually and a wide range of shades and finishes available, there’s something for every taste. You can stay on trend or choose hues that reflect your personal style.
OB: What are popular colour trends for interiors in Bangalore right now?
Santosh Gelani: While there aren’t “Bangalore-only” trends, the city’s interior design scene is dynamic and evolving. Homeowners are open to experimenting with diverse materials — from classic paints and wallpapers to rich textiles and decorative panelling. Textured wall finishes are gaining popularity, especially concrete effects, lime plasters, and natural paints that bring an earthy, organic feel. Hand-painted murals and artist-created feature walls are also being used to add character and uniqueness. Today’s trend isn’t about following fixed rules — it’s about merging personal taste with creative expression.
OB: How can colour help make a small flat look bigger?
Santosh Gelani: Colour plays a role, but it’s not a magic solution on its own. A spacious feel comes from a combination of elements — layout, lighting, furniture scale, and materials all matter. That said, using consistent tones, avoiding harsh contrasts, and choosing colours that reflect natural light can enhance a sense of openness. Soft neutrals or light hues work well when combined with smart furniture choices, mirrors, and thoughtful lighting. In short, colour helps — but it needs to work in harmony with other design elements to truly open up a small flat.
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OB: How can one choose the right colours and colour schemes at home?
Nandita Manwani: Begin by asking yourself how you want to feel in each space. A bedroom may need calming pastels or soft neutrals, while a living room can carry deeper tones like bottle green or rust. Consider natural light — a shade that looks perfect in one home might appear dull in another. Avoid blindly following trends. Instead, strike a balance between personal taste and timeless appeal. And remember — not everything needs to match, but the elements should complement each other and feel cohesive.
OB: Are colour choices of Bangaloreans becoming bolder?
Nandita Manwani: Bangalore is moving beyond safe beige and embracing more character. There’s a clear shift towards warm, earthy tones — think clay, olive, and ochre — layered with natural materials like rattan, jute, and exposed wood. Themes inspired by nature and mindfulness are gaining ground — Japandi, biophilic design, and Indian-modern fusions are all on the rise. Homeowners are becoming bolder with colour, but also more thoughtful in how they use it.
OB: What are homeowners prioritising in modern home interiors?
Nandita Manwani: The biggest trend today is intentionality. It’s not just about decorating a house, but about creating a home that reflects your lifestyle, values, and identity. Clients are prioritising sustainable materials, multi-functional furniture, mood lighting, and subtle tech integration. Think smart homes with soul — where wellness, beauty, and practicality blend seamlessly to create spaces that are not only stylish, but also deeply liveable.
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OB: How do colour combinations in interiors influence our mood and emotions?
Deepak Rao: One of the most powerful ways colour affects a space is through the emotions it evokes. Warm tones like red, orange, and yellow bring energy and warmth, making spaces feel lively and inviting. In contrast, cooler shades — blue, green, and soft grey — create calm and focus, making them ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, or work areas. With the right palette, a room can feel joyful, restful, elegant, or even dramatic. It all depends on how colour is used to support the function and mood of the space.
OB: Can colour bring a space to life — or overwhelm it?
Deepak Rao: Absolutely, colour has the power to transform a space — but it must be used with intent. In design, colour isn’t just a visual element; it’s a language that influences how we feel and experience our surroundings. When used thoughtfully, it adds character, emotion, and depth. But overdoing it with clashing tones or excessive boldness can create visual noise and disrupt balance. The key is purposeful use — where every shade contributes to the mood, meaning, and identity of the space.
OB: What’s your advice on choosing colours for homes in Bangalore?
Deepak Rao: Begin with how you want the space to feel. Is it a restful bedroom, an energising kitchen, or a cozy nook? Use neutral base tones to bring a sense of continuity throughout the home, then layer in accent colours for personality and contrast. Remember, colour doesn’t have to live only on the walls — it can be introduced through furnishings, drapes, art, rugs, or even cabinetry. It’s about creating a balanced and expressive environment that works for your lifestyle.
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OB: What shades are stealing the spotlight in Bangalore homes right now?
Ruchi Aushotosh Mehraa: In Bangalore, there’s a clear move toward earthy, grounded tones paired with neutral bases and bold pops of colour. Light, cool shades are still a go-to for walls and ceilings — they help bounce natural light and make rooms feel more spacious. Mirrors, cleverly placed, only enhance this effect and add a touch of elegance.
OB: How do you pick a colour vibe for your space — and stick to it?
Ruchi Aushotosh Mehraa: It all starts with how you want the space to feel. Every colour carries energy — cosy, fresh, grounded, or vibrant. Seasonal moods can also guide you — warm hues for monsoons and winters, airy tones for summer. But above all, lean into personal preferences. If a colour makes you feel good, it deserves a place in your home.
OB: What makes a Bangalore home feel truly ‘you’?
Ruchi Aushotosh Mehraa: It’s all in the details. For modern homes, open layouts, clean lines, and natural materials set the tone. Minimalist spaces shine with functional layouts and neutral palettes. Eco-conscious homes focus on sustainability — from energy-efficient fittings to materials that are kind to the planet. And luxury homes? They blend bespoke finishes, tech-savvy comforts, and architectural flair to reflect individual taste and lifestyle.