The 60-30-10 rule is a simple and effective way to create a balanced colour scheme in your home. It involves using 60% as the dominant colour, 30% as the secondary colour, and 10% as the accent colour. This approach ensures your space feels harmonious and well put together. Accent colours are great for making your walls stand out and creating a focal point in the room. Whether you choose bold, dark, or subtle colours, accents add that extra bit of visual interest. To get the right balance, use lighter accent colours with darker walls, or choose deep tones to complement light, bright walls.

Use Accent Colours to Add Depth and Mood to Your Space

Incorporating accent colours into your home can add depth and dimension, especially in spaces with minimal architectural detail. They help break up large, open floor plans or high-ceilinged rooms, creating a more balanced and intimate atmosphere. Choosing the right paint colour can also set the mood of a room – for instance, olive green can bring a sense of calm and tranquillity, making it perfect for spaces meant for relaxation.

1. Bold Black Accents

A black accent wall can add striking depth and flow to any living space, becoming a bold focal point. Whether in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, or dining area, black suits all rooms, giving them a timeless and sophisticated look. In spaces with less natural light, black can create a cosy, intimate feel. Pairing black with white is always a safe bet, making the space feel brighter and more relaxing. For something different, combine black with pastel pink for a unique and stylish touch that creates a classy vibe, perfect for hanging out with friends.

Modern living room and kitchen featuring a stylish gray sofa, dark wood dining table, and vibrant green accent wall painted with Nippon Paint. Natural light floods the space through large windows, enhancing the contemporary decor.

costume green

NP AC 2120A

smooth as silk

NP OW 2152P

japanese curry

NP

Modern living room featuring a cozy beige sofa with textured cushions, a black coffee table, and decorative accents. The backdrop showcases a rich green wall painted with Nippon Paint, enhancing the room's stylish ambiance. Natural light illuminates the space, complemented by a pendant light and minimalist décor elements.

tempest sea

NP AC 2107A

artist's impression

NP N 1864T

Berry Scent

NP

Modern house exterior featuring a sleek design with green and white color scheme, enhanced by Nippon Paint products for durability and style. The structure includes large windows, a spacious balcony, and lush greenery, showcasing contemporary architecture.

great seascape

NP 7106

lavender haze

NP 3023

Berry Scent

NP

2. Terracotta Brown Accents

Terracotta brown adds elegance and depth to neutral spaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in areas like living rooms and dining rooms. This earthy hue brings a sophisticated touch, helping to make your home feel cosy and relaxed. It works well as a backdrop for furniture such as sofas, armchairs, and wooden shelves, adding character and charm. Terracotta pairs beautifully with colours like dark blue, green, pink, black, and neutrals. For an extra layer of warmth, combine it with creamy whites or taupe tones, and pair it with wooden furniture for a balanced, welcoming look.

Modern dining area featuring a wooden table, stylish gray chairs, and a decorative vase with dried flowers against a warm brown wall painted with Nippon Paint.

fertile earth

NP AC 2145A

wet moccasin

NP

wet moccasin

NP R 1385T

Modern living room featuring a brown suede sofa, round coffee table, and a decorative shelf with a burnt orange backdrop painted with Nippon Paint. The space is accented with greenery and minimalist decor, creating a cozy and stylish atmosphere.

brown bailey

NP AC 2141A

abacadabra

NP 7034

mocha magic

NP

Modern bathroom interior featuring a minimalist design with a wooden vanity, round mirror, and freestanding bathtub. The warm peach-colored walls, complemented by Nippon Paint products, create a serene atmosphere. Natural wood flooring adds texture, while stylish accessories enhance the contemporary look.

terra peach

NP YO 1229P

affogato

NP AC 2134A

nude shades

NP

Modern two-story house showcasing a blend of brown and white exterior paint, featuring vibrant landscaping. The image highlights the quality finish of Nippon Paint products, enhancing the home's aesthetic appeal under a clear blue sky.

hazelnut haze

NP 1870

dandelion desire

NP 1003

fired stone

NP AC 3441A

3. Mustard Yellow Accents

Mustard yellow, with its warm gold undertones, adds a touch of elegance to any room. This vibrant colour works especially well in spaces that receive plenty of natural light, making them feel lively and stylish. To create a cosy and cohesive atmosphere, pair mustard yellow with brown, orange, or soft pink. For a more striking look, consider combining it with blue-greens for a bold contrast that remains sophisticated. Mustard yellow also pairs beautifully with neutral colours like white and grey, helping to balance the vibrancy and creating an inviting, contemporary feel.

Modern architectural design featuring a striking yellow cantilevered section, showcasing a contemporary home painted with Nippon Paint products. The image highlights sleek lines, large glass windows, and landscaped surroundings, emphasizing a blend of aesthetics and functionality.

florist yellow

NP AC 2052A

cactus cooler

NP 0444

olive overture

NP 1854

Modern dining area featuring a round wooden table and stylish chairs, with a backdrop of green and yellow walls painted in Nippon Paint colors. Elegant pendant lights hang above the table, enhancing the contemporary design.

celery seed

NP BGG 1731

deep safron

NP AC 2051A

tigerstripe

NP YO 1232A

Modern dining area featuring a sleek black table and stylish yellow chairs against a vibrant yellow wall, showcasing Nippon Paint's premium color. Decorative elements include a minimalist shelf and potted plants, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

yellow blaze

NP AC 2053A

black

NP

silver flare

NP

Modern living room featuring vibrant Nippon Paint colors, with an archway framing a cozy space. The design includes a yellow sofa, blue chairs, a round coffee table, and a decorative plant, complemented by large windows for natural light.

magnolia blossom

NP R 1263P

orange kisses

NP AC 2060A

Berry Scent

NP

4. Dark Navy Blue Accents

Dark navy blue brings a dramatic yet sophisticated touch to any room, adding both visual interest and a cosy ambiance. This rich hue works well in spaces like home offices, where it can be paired with wall art to create a stylish and inspiring environment. In bedrooms, combining white walls with a navy blue accent creates a bright, open feel while still maintaining a sense of warmth. For an elegant finish, pair navy blue with metallic accents such as gold or silver fixtures and lamps, enhancing the overall atmosphere of your space.

Modern architectural design featuring a sleek two-story house with large glass windows and a dark blue accent wall, complemented by Nippon Paint's high-quality exterior coatings, set against a serene lakeside backdrop.

rhapsody

NP AC 2094A

laid back

NP OW 1056P

Berry Scent

NP

Modern bathroom featuring a deep blue wall painted with Nippon Paint, a sleek white freestanding bathtub, and a stylish wooden vanity. The design highlights contemporary elements with a round mirror and minimalist accessories, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.

fluid blue

NP AC 2101A

oak parquet

NP N 1870D

Berry Scent

NP

Modern home office featuring a stylish desk with a white top and wooden legs, accented by a vibrant blue wall painted with Nippon Paint. The setup includes a sleek computer, a decorative vase, and a comfortable brown chair, creating an inviting workspace.

blue mercury

NP AC 2099A

natural cedar

NP N 1878T

newtowne brown

NP N 1890A

Cozy living room featuring a brown leather sofa adorned with a patterned throw, set against a deep blue wall painted with Nippon Paint. A stylish wooden coffee table holds books, while a gold floor lamp and decorative vase complete the elegant decor.

colbalt blue

NP AC 2100A

burgundy

NP R 1351A

Berry Scent

NP

Conclusion

Incorporating accent colours into your home is a simple yet effective way to enhance your living spaces, adding depth, warmth, and personality. Whether you choose bold hues like black or navy blue, earthy tones such as terracotta and mustard yellow, or timeless neutrals, accent colours can transform any room into a more inviting and stylish environment. With Nippon Paint’s extensive range of colours, you can easily find the perfect shades to bring your vision to life, by carefully selecting the right tones and pairings to create a space that reflects your unique style and mood. Remember, the key is to balance your accent colours with the overall design, ensuring a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere throughout your home.

See a colour you like in real life?

Snap, upload, and Colour Match! Take a picture and upload it to our Colour Match tool to identify the closest Nippon Paint colour that it matches.

Interior design concept displayed on a laptop featuring Nippon Paint color swatches: Irish Charm, Pitter Patter, and Bright Flame, set against a modern kitchen backdrop with sleek cabinetry and stylish decor.