A simple, relevant, and consistent colour scheme is often the difference between a site that feels polished and one that feels chaotic.

Designing for the screen, however, is not the same as designing for print. On screen, colour comes from backlit RGB displays, not CMYK ink. That means luminosity, contrast, and legibility vary depending on the device or platform. To keep things consistent, limit the palette, focus on contrast, and understand how colours behave digitally compared to print.

A few principles to keep in mind:

• Less is more. Restrict the number of colours used, and apply variations strategically—such as colour-coded dividers, navigation, or photography.
• Prioritise readability. Large blocks of text are easiest to read as black on white. White on black can look sleek, but it’s harder on the eyes.
• Support the message. Colours should reinforce the brand. A financial institution, for example, might use cool, muted tones like blue, grey, and green to convey stability. Bright, warm hues would send a very different signal.
• Know your audience. Culture, age, and demographics shape how colours are perceived. Younger audiences often prefer bold, saturated hues, while older groups may find them overwhelming.
• Leverage contrast. Similar-value colours blur together and reduce legibility. Strong contrast improves both accessibility and clarity.

Ultimately, colour is not just decoration—it’s communication.

Use it with purpose, and your site becomes clearer, stronger, and more memorable.