How to choose paint and colours for a happier, healthier space.

We invest so much in making our homes beautiful. We choose the perfect sofa, the right flooring, the art that speaks to us. But what if the biggest impact on how our home feels comes from something often overlooked?

Your walls are the largest surface in your home. The colour you put on them has a profound effect on your mood and wellbeing and the paint you choose has a direct impact on the quality of the air you breathe.

Creating a healthy home isn't about jumping on a trend; it's about making considered, intentional choices that support your family's wellness. And it can all start with your walls.

The air we breathe - What’s really in your paint tin?

We've all experienced that new paint smell. For years, we've associated it with a fresh start and a new look. But what you're actually smelling are VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

VOCs are chemicals that are released into the air as paint dries. They can include a range of substances like formaldehyde and benzene, which can contribute to respiratory irritation, headaches and allergies. The concerning part? Some paints can continue to off-gas these chemicals for years after they've dried.

The good news is that you have a choice.

The paint industry has made huge strides and in New Zealand, we have access to incredible low-VOC and zero-VOC paint options. These products are made with your health and the environment in mind, drastically reducing the number of harmful chemicals released into your home without compromising on quality or durability.

Choosing a low-VOC paint doesn’t mean settling for less, it’s one of the simplest and most effective changes you can make to improve your home's indoor air quality. It's a choice for healthier living, especially for households with children, allergy sufferers, or anyone sensitive to chemicals.

You can read more about why independent advice matters when selecting the right paint our our post on The Independence Advantage.

More than a mood - The science of colour psychology.

The impact of colour on our emotions isn’t just a feeling; it's a science. Colour psychology explores how different hues can influence our mood, behaviour and even our physical wellbeing.

When you’re choosing colour for a room, start with how you want to feel in that space.

Looking for calm and serenity? Soft blues and greens are your best friends. They have a proven calming effect, lowering stress levels and creating a sense of relaxation. These shades are perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms and quiet living areas where you want to unwind.

Need a boost of energy and creativity? Consider gentle yellows or oranges. These colours evoke feelings of happiness, optimism and vitality. They work in kitchens, hallways, or any space where you want a friendly welcome.

Want to create a cosy, nurturing space? Turn to warm, earthy tones like terracotta, brown and complex neutrals. These colours make a room feel grounded, cocooning and incredibly inviting, ideal for living rooms and family spaces where connection is key.

By understanding these principles, you can move beyond choosing a colour simply because it looks nice in a fandeck and start designing rooms that actively support the life you want to live within them.

Bringing it all together: Your bespoke, healthy home.

Choosing the right low-VOC paint and the perfect colour can feel like navigating two complex worlds at once. This is where expert, independent guidance becomes invaluable.

At Pigment, our role as independent colour specialists is to bring these threads together for you. We start with how you want to feel and then translate that into a cohesive palette. We guide you to the best performing low-VOC and sustainable paint products from any brand, ensuring the final choice is not only personal and considered but also healthy for you and your family.

Your home should be your sanctuary, a place that is both uplifting and beneficial. With the right knowledge and a little guidance, you can create a space that nurtures you, from the air you breathe to the colours that surround you.

Ready to create a home that looks good and feels good? Book a consultation with Pigment today to start your journey to a healthier, more beautiful home.

Image: via Pinterest