Repainting? A Peacock Blue feature wall is tempting, but you might be sick of it within a year. These three colours are hard to get wrong, work with almost any style of decor, and stand the test of time. Here's how I'd use each one.
C15 - Painting Inspection Checklist
$59.00 AUD
Last updated 28 Oct 2026 · Revision 4 · Free updates for life
Checklist Type: Minor
Form Factor: Fillable, print-ready PDF (A4, 22 pages)
When to use: Painting stage: from specification through to the final finish inspection
A 63-point painting checklist. Check your paint selections, the walk after the sealer coat and the finished paint inside and out, in line with AS/NZS 2311.
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1. White - A Classic Neutral That Opens Up Any Space
White is the classic neutral. It opens up a space and gives you a clean, bright backdrop to build on with accent colours and decor.
Crisp and Calming
An all-white room feels crisp and calm, and lets your furniture and art do the talking. White reflects light, so small rooms feel bigger. Look at the undertone: warm whites (with a hint of cream or yellow) stop a room feeling stark, while cool whites (with a hint of grey or blue) feel fresher and suit strong natural light.
Versatile and Timeless
White works with virtually any accent colour and never really goes out of style, which makes it ideal if you like changing your decor.
Easy to Touch Up
White is easy to touch up because it's simple to colour-match, but it does show scuffs, so use a washable low-sheen or satin finish in hallways and kids' rooms.
Choosing your white: Buy sample pots of two or three whites and paint large patches (at least A3) on two different walls. Check them in morning and evening light before you decide. The light reflectance value (LRV) on the paint chart tells you how much light a colour bounces back; the higher the number, the brighter the room will feel.
2. Grey - Sophisticated and Subtle for a Cosy Aesthetic
Grey is sophisticated and subtle, and it can feel cosy or crisp depending on the shade.
Charcoal Grey
A deep charcoal on the walls of a living room or bedroom makes a bold statement. Pair it with crisp white trim for contrast, or warm it up with timber. It's great for a cosy media room or study.
Slate Grey
A medium slate grey works well in kitchens, bathrooms and hallways, especially with good natural light, and complements most timber cabinetry and flooring.
Ash Grey
A light ash or dove grey is ideal for brightening up a south-facing room that misses out on direct sun, bouncing around what light there is. In a bedroom or living room, it's also a great backdrop for colourful art and textiles.
Grey comes in endless shades, so sample a few. Some greys turn blue, green or purple depending on the light.
3. Beige - Warm and Welcoming for a Timeless Look
Beige creates a warm, welcoming room, and unlike bolder colours, it's a classic that won't date quickly.
Beige works on its own or as a base for other shades. Add depth with texture in your furnishings instead, like linen, timber and woven pieces.
Beige pairs beautifully with timber and natural materials like rattan, seagrass and jute. In a living room it's an ideal backdrop for timber floors and furniture.
For a quick, affordable bedroom or study update, paint the walls a warm beige and add linen bedding, a natural fibre rug and some greenery.
Whether creamy, sandy or taupe, beige is welcoming and liveable. Use slightly different shades in different rooms for subtle contrast while keeping the flow.
Before You Pick Up a Brush
Sample first: paint large test patches on two walls.
Check the light: look at them in morning and evening light, and with the lights on at night.
Pick the sheen per room: low sheen for living areas and bedrooms, satin or semi-gloss for wet areas, kitchens and high-traffic spots.
Check the finish: if you're paying a painter, use our C15 Painting Inspection Checklist to inspect their work.
