Colour is powerful. It can be commanding, soothing, or energizing; therapeutic and mood-altering; and perhaps beyond all else, it can make (and leave) a solid impression. With such influence at your fingertips, deciding on a colour palette for your home can feel daunting—deciphering the nuances, knowing when to go bold—but these tried-and-true shades never go out of style.

Black and White

1120 Bay Lake Road, Bancroft, ON

Has there ever been a more classic colour combination? Checkered floors will always be a kitchen favourite, but the fresh way to use this combo is to lean further into white and employ black in the elegant contrasting details.

Taupe and Coffee

424 Clearwater Landing, Springbank, AB

Typically, Balinese-style beach houses in tropical destinations are outfitted with bright accents to offset the wealth of wood running throughout.

Gray Escape

4312 Russo Street, Kelowna, BC

From cloud-like softness to steely strength, gray has substantial versatility, especially when it comes to modernizing traditional estate designs. An airy main living space can be accented with slate and smoky metals, adding depth to an otherwise creamy palette. Punch up neutral rooms with this moody hue and bask in the calming power of a good gray.

Soothing Blues

14 Divadale Drive, Toronto, ON

Dusty blue curtains, porcelain objets d’art, and a beautiful coat of blue paint all pair perfectly with antique, historical furniture, crafts-style woodworking, and a heavy dose of patterned fabrics. Blue’s tranquil feel has the ability to anchor beloved treasures.

Yellow and Gold

4 Summit Circle, Westmount, QC

There is a particular richness to yellow tones, be they featured on textured mustard walls, sunshine-bright seating, or rippled gold frames. Not only does this sunny shade complement almost any kind of lighting design masterfully, but it instantly illuminates vintage chandeliers and antiques. Pass it from chair to patterned wall to French door to feel as though you’ve stepped into Versailles.

While there is much to be said for passing trends, as long as you stick to a classic colour palette, your home will always stay in fashion.

This article was originally published on Sotheby’s International Realty’s Extraordinary Living Blog and was adapted for Sotheby’s International Realty Canada’s INSIGHT Blog on January 19, 2021. This blog was updated on May 19, 2022.