Colour theory (the poppy way): How to choose colours that actually feel right

Colour theory can get very technical… but it doesn’t have to overwhelm. At poppy, we treat colour like a conversation - intuitive, expressive, and a little bit mood-driven.
Here’s a simplified guide to help you to understand how our palettes and themes work and how to style your tiles with confidence.

Warm vs cool: What they do to a space.

Warm tones (think terracotta, honey, olive, rust) pull a room closer. They feel sunlit, nostalgic, grounding, and a little cosy.
Cool tones (soft blues, sage greens, dusty lavenders) push a room open. They feel serene, airy, and quietly stylish.

Neither is “better”- they just tell different stories. If you’re drawn to one instantly, trust that instinct. Your brain already knows what it wants.

Soft, bright and neutral: The supporting cast

Soft palettes

Calm, muted, gentle. Perfect for spaces where you exhale - bedrooms, reading corners, places where your shoulders drop.

Bright palettes

Cheerful, contemporary, energetic. Great for kitchens, studios, or anywhere you want a little creative spark.

Neutrals / Earthy palettes

Grounding, versatile, easy to build on. These are the anchors - they keep everything else feeling intentional, not chaotic.

Because every tile is hand-painted and magnetised, you can mix palettes, mix themes, and remix your walls whenever your mood changes.

Pair Warm + Cool for tension

Pair Soft + Bright for contrast

Build a tonal story

Or go maximalist and let all four palettes chat together

There’s no wrong move - only combinations waiting to happen - that’s why poppy tiles are designed to let you shift, swap and experiment until it clicks.

The poppy takeaway

Colour theory isn’t about rules at all.
It’s about noticing how colours make you feel, and arranging them in a way that makes your home feel more like you.

And with small-batch releases, shifting palettes, and four big theme groups to play with, your poppy collection can evolve alongside your seasons, your stories and your mood.

Visit the Inspiration wall to gather ideas and to see what clicks.