The power of colour in surface pattern design

Colour is one of the most powerful tools in a surface pattern designer’s toolkit. It can completely transform a design, evoke emotions, and set the mood for a collection. While an understanding of colour theory is useful, it’s not essential - intuition and experimentation play just as big a role. As designers, we know when a colour palette works simply by how it looks and feels.

In this post, I’ll share how to build a colour palette, where to find inspiration, the key elements of a balanced palette, and how to use colour to create impact in your designs.

Finding inspiration for your colour palettes

Great colour palettes don’t appear out of thin air - they come from the world around us. Here are some of my favourite sources of inspiration...

Pinterest and books

Pinterest is a treasure trove of colour inspiration, from fashion to interior design. Books on design, art, and even travel photography can spark new ideas.

Home and interiors

The colour combinations in interior design can be incredibly inspiring, whether it’s a well-styled room, a piece of vintage furniture or a beautifully curated shelf.

Personal photographs

Your own photos can be a goldmine for unique palettes. A holiday snapshot, a cozy corner of your home or a street scene can offer unexpected colour combinations.

3D colour palettes

Collect objects around your home - fabric swatches, ceramics, stationery - and arrange them into a physical palette. Seeing colours together in real life can give a better sense of harmony and balance.

Nature (my favourite!)

Nothing beats nature when it comes to colour. From the deep greens of a forest to the soft pastels of a sunset, natural landscapes provide endless inspiration.

Tip: Build a photo library of inspiring colours! You can even use tools like Procreate to extract palettes directly from images.

The fundamentals of a good colour palette

A well-balanced colour palette needs a mix of tones to create contrast and depth. Here are some key elements to keep in mind...

Neutrals

These are the anchors of your palette - think soft greys, warm beiges and classic whites. They provide breathing room for the other colours to shine.

Mid-tones

These are the core colours of your palette, bringing warmth and vibrancy without overwhelming the design.

Darks and deep tones

These add contrast, grounding the palette and making lighter colours pop.

Emotional connection

How do your colours make you feel? Colour psychology plays a big role in how your designs are received. Soft blues and greens feel calming, while bold reds and oranges bring energy and warmth.

Bringing your palette to life

Once you’ve created a palette, the fun really begins! Experiment with different colour combinations, test them in your designs and see how they interact. Some colours may surprise you when placed next to others!

Here are a few ways to play with your palette:

• Create digital swatches and mix them in different proportions

• Use them in repeat patterns to see how they flow together

• Apply them to mockups to get a feel for their versatility

Final thoughts: Have fun with colour!

The best way to develop confidence in colour is to experiment and have fun. There are no strict rules - some of the most unexpected combinations can create the most exciting designs. So, go out, explore, take photos, collect objects, and create palettes that truly inspire you!

I’d love to see what you come up with - share your colour palettes and let’s inspire each other! If you are struggling to get going, I've included a few ideas above to get you started...