The "Paradox of Choice"

We’ve seen it a hundred times: a homeowner spends $100 on sample pots, paints twenty different squares of "white" on their wall, and ends up more confused than when they started. Choosing a colour is the most stressful part of the journey. As leading interior house painters in Melbourne, we’ve helped thousands of clients navigate this. Here is our professional advice for choosing a palette that works for your specific home.

Understanding Melbourne’s "Blue" Light

Melbourne is a "cool-light" city. Unlike the golden sun of Queensland, our light often has a blue/grey undertone.

• The Trap: A "Cool Grey" that looked great in a magazine can look like a "Cold Hospital Ward" in a South-facing Melbourne room.

• The Fix: We always recommend "Warm Neutrals" for Melbourne interiors. Colours with a tiny hint of yellow, ochre, or pink (like Dulux Hog Bristle or Natural White) counteract the blue light and make your home feel cozy, even on a grey July day.

The "Colour Drenching" Trend of 2026

If you’re shopping for a high-end look, you need to know about Colour Drenching.

• What is it? It’s the practice of painting the walls, skirtings, and cornices all in the same colour, but in different sheens (Matte for walls, Semi-Gloss for wood).

• Why it’s relevant: It makes small Melbourne terraces feel massive. By removing the white "outline" of the skirtings, the eye doesn't stop at the floor—the room feels infinite. It’s the ultimate "Designer" secret we are bringing to St Kilda and Richmond this year.

Don’t Forget the "Fifth Wall" (The Ceiling)

Most people just say, "White for the ceiling, thanks." But if you are doing a deep, moody colour on the walls (like a sage green or charcoal), a stark white ceiling can feel like a heavy lid.

• The Pro Tip: We often "tint" the ceiling paint with 25% of the wall colour. It softens the transition and makes the room feel cohesive rather than chopped up.

Testing the "Real" Way

Stop painting squares in the middle of the wall!

• The Method: Paint your sample onto a large piece of cardboard. Move that cardboard around the room at different times of the day - morning sun, midday shadow, and under your LED lights at night. A colour that looks great at 10 AM might look "muddy" at 8 PM.

Why the "Finish" Matters as Much as the Colour

As your professional painters in Melbourne, we will ask you about "Sheen."

• Matte: Hides every bump and scratch. Great for older heritage walls.

• Low Sheen: The "Goldilocks" finish. Perfect for living rooms, it has a slight glow but is still scrubbable.

• Semi-Gloss: Reserved for your doors and windows. It provides that "hard shell" protection against sticky fingers and vacuum cleaner bumps.

Conclusion: Your Home, Your Journey

The journey from "I need a painter" to "I love my home" doesn't have to be stressful. At Athans Painting, we don't just provide the labour; we provide the expertise to ensure your investment is protected and your vision is realised.