Jennifer Sheahan: Climate and surroundings help inform our home colour schemes 

The Home of the Year winner advises we look to our natural surroundings when considering paint choices for our homes

Cheery yellows bring sunshine into Irish homes. Picture: Moya Nolan

The right answer to “what colours should I decorate my house with” is “whatever colours you like”. When it comes to your own home there’s no right or wrong — it’s your home, design it however you wish! That said, with an overwhelming array of options it can help to consider some guidelines to narrow your choices. 

When I was putting together my (many) Pinterest boards, I noticed I kept adding images influenced by wherever I had just been. Following a trip to Paros I was temporarily obsessed with the vibrant pink bougainvillea and cheery blue-and-white of Greek homes.