
Calm
By Rabindranath Tagore (Indian, Bengali)
(Translated from Bengali)
In the stillness of this moment,
The river whispers secrets untold,
Soft winds carry the scent of dusk,
And the stars hum a hymn of the old.
Beneath the banyan’s watchful shade,
Calm descends, a tranquil tide,
The world withdraws its hurried breath,
And in this pause, the soul abides.
Not a clamour, not a cry,
Only silence, vast and deep,
Where the heart finds room to dream,
And the restless find their sleep.
Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry often reflects serenity and deep introspection, capturing calmness in its purest essence.
1. What Does Calmness Mean to You?
Calmness is not a one-size-fits-all concept. For some, it’s a serene space filled with muted tones and soft textures. For others, it’s a vibrant, energised room that reflects their inner harmony. Whether it’s a home, shared environment, or a personal retreat, calmness can serve different purposes. It might mean a place to relax and recharge, or it could be an environment that supports focus, creativity, or connection.
Before diving into colour choices, it’s important to ask yourself: What does calmness mean to me? Consider your lifestyle, the environment, emotions, and what makes you feel at ease. Defining your vision of calm is the first step in creating a space that nurtures well-being.
Allow yourself to dream, allow yourself to feel what calm is. Don’t focus too much on the space or rooms, but stay more general so you can truly see the calm you seek.
2. Targeting Your Vision of Calm
Once you’ve identified your personal idea of calm, it’s time to focus on your target. Think about how you want each space to feel and the emotions you want to experience within it. A bedroom might need to promote restful sleep, while a shared environment like a meditation or creative space might need to inspire balance and renewal.
Calmness doesn’t have to stop at one room—it can flow throughout your home or shared spaces, creating a sense of balance and cohesion. By keeping your goals in mind, you’ll be able to craft a palette that serves as the foundation for your sanctuary, no matter the purpose.

3. Personal Calmness: One Colour Does Not Fit All
"Solitude"
By Meira Delmar (Colombian)
There’s nothing like this bliss
of feeling so alone
in mid-afternoon
and in the middle of the wheat field;
under the summer sky
and in the arms of the wind
I am one more ear of wheat.
I have nothing in my soul,
not even a small sorrow,
nor an old remembrance
that would make me dream…
I only have this bliss
of being alone in the afternoon,
just with the afternoon!
Meira Delmar expresses a profound sense of peace and unity with nature, finding calmness in solitude amidst the wheat fields.
Everyone's journey to calmness is different. Some seek the feeling of solitude to allow space to be in the moment, to breathe without thought of the world around them or outside of them. It allows them the space to feel without distractions, to reflect back at them the frequency that they feel.
This is not just about the home—it could extend to shared spaces, places where calmness must align with collective energy. A space may need to bring you to calmness, helping shift your frequency. For example:
If you feel anxious or stuck in fight-or-flight mode, the space might need to calm your emotions and restore balance.
If you’re looking to be grounded, the space might need to create a sense of calm that supports meditation, exercise, creative pursuits, or focused work.
In a busy household or shared living environment, you might need specific rooms designed to lower emotions at night, preparing for restful sleep. Or, they may need to awaken you with gratitude and grounding to start the day on the right footing.
Colour is one of the most powerful tools for shaping this experience. It can calm, energise, or help you connect, depending on your needs. Calmness is not about adhering to traditional rules; it’s about using colours that guide you to the emotions you seek. Whether it’s soft neutrals, earthy tones, or even bold splashes of vibrancy, your space should reflect and support your emotional state.
4. Your Journey to Tranquillity
Creating a sanctuary takes time and patience—it’s a journey, not a destination. Start by exploring palettes that resonate with your emotions. Build a mood board using fabric swatches, paint samples, and even photographs that inspire you. As you test colours in your space, observe how they interact with natural light throughout the day. A colour that feels calming in soft morning light might feel different in the evening, so take your time to understand how it evolves.
Layering is also a crucial step. The first coat of paint is just the beginning—colours need to work in harmony with textures, furnishings, and accessories. While I don’t assist with selecting furniture or decor, I do guide you on paint finishes and how they contribute to the overall feel of the space. From matte to gloss, the right finish can make a significant difference in how the colour interacts with light and texture.
Not every idea is a winner or the final answer, but letting go of the need for perfection allows your mind and body to reflect and evolve with the process. My role is to help you refine and revisit your choices, ensuring the end result reflects the tranquillity you’re seeking. This journey evolves as we collaborate, bringing your vision to life.
5. Room by Room: Finding Calm in Function
Each space serves a different purpose, and calmness manifests uniquely depending on the function of the room. Bedrooms might call for soothing tones to encourage restful sleep, while a living room might benefit from colours that foster relaxation and connection.
During our Colour Consultancy sessions, I work with you to tailor a palette that reflects the purpose and mood of each space. For example, a client with a creative workspace might want muted greens or blues to create focus, paired with subtle pops of colour to boost energy. In high-traffic areas, such as hallways or kitchens, we might explore tones that feel welcoming and cohesive as you move through the home.
There’s no rigid formula—every decision is tailored to the emotions and functionality you need. I’m here to provide insights that ensure the colours you choose enhance the experience of the space while staying true to your personal style.
6. The Beauty of Individual Choices
There’s beauty in creating a space that feels deeply personal. Your sanctuary doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—it’s about reflecting your personality and the energy you want to create. Whether you’re drawn to bold, uplifting colours or prefer a pared-back palette that fosters calm, every choice should feel authentic to you.
Through my Colour Consultancy services, I guide you in embracing your individuality. Together, we explore options that align with your preferences while ensuring the space feels harmonious and balanced. My goal is to give you the confidence to make choices that resonate with who you are, ensuring your space is as unique as you are.

7. Calmness in the Details
Creating calm doesn’t stop at wall colours. Thoughtful, subtle details can elevate a space, transforming it into something truly special. I remember visiting the Hoxton Hotel in Amsterdam seven years ago, and the design of the rooms has stayed with me ever since. The various shades of green blended seamlessly with black accents, treating the space like an artistic composition. The colours gently flowed across walls, creating an abstract, harmonious feel that felt both calming and inspiring.
“Double drenching”—painting walls and ceilings in the same colour or a slight variation—is another look that embraces subtle details. By minimising sharp contrasts and using tonal gradients, this approach creates a cocoon-like effect, making spaces feel serene and cohesive.
Through Colour Consultancy, I can help you explore how small details, such as tonal gradients or colour transitions, can bring a unique and calming character to your space. These touches may be subtle, but they have a significant impact on how a room feels.
8. The Emotional Impact of Space
Ultimately, your home or shared space is more than just a physical environment—it’s an emotional experience. The colours you choose have the power to shape how you feel as you move through it.
When approached thoughtfully, colour can transform a space from chaotic to serene, energising to grounding, or neutral to inspiring. As a Colour Consultant, I help you navigate these possibilities, using colour as a tool to reflect your needs, emotions, and aspirations. The journey to tranquillity begins with understanding who you are and ends with creating a space that supports and uplifts your inner self.
9. Bringing Calm to Your Space: Locations I Cover
Whether you’re looking to transform a single room or an entire property, my Colour Consultancy services are available across a wide range of locations. Based in Cambridge, I provide services in surrounding areas such as Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. I also cover East London, North London, and West London, offering tailored guidance to suit your space and vision.
For larger projects, I’m available nationwide and even internationally, depending on agreed terms and scheduling. No matter where you’re located, my goal is to help you create a space that feels like a true sanctuary of calm and harmony.
calm colours for home