Northern Lights

North facing rooms do not receive direct sunlight, instead, they receive a cold light which is more limited.

However, it will be a steady, constant light which will not cause your colour to appear dramatically different as the day goes on. Colour can create the mood you want in a room but it is very important to work with the room's orientation in order to choose the correct tone of colour. 

Rooms that face north are the most difficult to decorate - especially if you are trying to create light and space. When decorating north facing rooms you will have to rely heavily on artificial light. Sometimes it is better not to fight nature in a dark room and work with it instead.

Use a strong, deep colour that has its own qualities such as a rich red or purple or even chocolate, these shades will generate drama, warmth and intimacy. Dark colours generally work better in dark rooms. If you only have one small insignificant window in the room then painting it a rich, dark colour will give the room the lift and warmth it needs and will create a more inviting atmosphere. 

Try to avoid white and blue shades that seem dull or have a grey tinge. If you insist on using blue then keep in mind that muted, soft blues may turn out looking dull or grey. Choose a warm, mid tone blue that's more vibrant than what you may be used to. Your aim is to brighten this cold dark room.

A light colour will never come to life in a dark room. Lighter colours will instead create a cold and clinical environment. However, if you still have some natural brightness in the room you have the option of painting the room a light beige and balancing this with some warmer and brighter tones. A light beige will still add way more warmth and personality to the room than white would. Combine light, uplifting colours with tonally deeper shades to brighten up you room.

Alternatively, use patterned paint techniques to truly bring your walls to life. North-facing rooms need light colours if you are going to make the most of the natural light available. Choose those with a warm note to them: pale yellow or pink and neutrals or whites with a creamy base rather than a grey one will make the light  in the room feel warmer. 

Dusky violets and rich pinks are perfect for adding warmth to your bedroom. Choose Dulux Summer Surprise 1 or Dusted Fondant combined with Bitter Chocolate 5. This combination of rich colours will create a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

If your north facing room is a living room and you do not want to use a bold colour that you may tire of then why not combine a yellow based colour with some creamy neutral shades to bounce as much light around as possible? A shaded room will never win against yellow in its most saturated form. Look for a deep yellow that has gold undertones such as Dulux Lemon Chiffon 3 for the biggest impact.

A punchy colour combo is the perfect solution for a room that doesn't get a direct hit of sunlight.