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20 Nov 14

How to decorate with bold colour

bright blue living room

As anyone who knows me will attest, I’m mad-bonkers-all-for decorating with colour. Its simply one of the most affordable and transformational ways to update your home, and better still all you have to do is invest in a tin of paint. Daubing a new hue on the walls is without doubt the easiest and yet most dramatic way to instantly inject a new look, a new mood or just simply add interest to your home. And why not try painting the walls yourself- (I’ve heard) it can be like therapy. Nothing seems more exciting than seeing a new colour roll out and onto the walls.

So it’s widely agreed that colour has the power to change the mood, set the theme, even alter the perceived size of your room with visual tricks. So as an interior designer, or home improver, you’ve gotta learn to Love Colour, Colour is your friend!

Living room Image from Marks and Spencer

Image from Marks and Spencer

But the subject of decorating with colour is a huge topic, and I’m not about to write my thesis on the matter here. So for the sake of this blog post, I’m going to talk about decorating with Bold tones. To my delight the trend in interior design is behind decorating with bright hues. We’re seeing a move away from the washed out Scandi hues in favour of some zingy brights that carry some punch as well as desperately dark and murky hues.

Photograph by Joanna Henderson

Photograph by Joanna Henderson

Now, I understand decorating in this palette takes some guts, and it feels daunting with the worry of getting it wrong and then having to invest time and energy applying plenty of coats to block it out again. I’ve got some tips to give confidence in getting it right.

First up the trick to decorating with bold colour is to balance the look with contrasting neutrals. Whether that’s smart black and white for a up scale look or the softer natural tones of wood, creamy white or sultry grey.

Designed by Sophie Robinson for Ideal Home. Photograph by Dominic Blackmore

Designed by Sophie Robinson for Ideal Home. Photograph by Dominic Blackmore

Next add some natural accents. This could be some green foliage (I love ferns) or a little natural wood to counter balance the bold colours. Natural colours also add warmth, which can be a welcoming touch when you’re using strong acid brights or dark moody hues. A wooden floor, a leather armchair or an oak side table could be just enough.

Living room designed by Sophie Robinson for Ideal Home. Photograph by Simon Whitmore

Living room designed by Sophie Robinson for Ideal Home. Photograph by Simon Whitmore

Think about Colour Blocking (I have written a post on the very subject here)  as there is no rule that says you have to go for out and out colour on all four walls (although I’d urge you to every time!) A fabulous feature wallpaper or one wall painted in a punchy colour can do the job. For example I love deep azure blue next to soft dove grey or a screaming canary yellow next to smokey black.

 Found on escapadeblog.com

Found on escapadeblog.com

Also, colour doesn’t just apply to walls. Add colour in other ways, on furnishings and accessories. This is particularly relevant if you’re renting. A bright jewel coloured sofa in a pale grey room looks wonderful or a bright punchy pink headboard can create a dazzling focal point in a bedroom.

Designed by Sophie Robinson for Ideal Home. Photograph by Dominic Blackmore

Designed by Sophie Robinson for Ideal Home. Photograph by Dominic Blackmore

I think it works well when you add an accent colour or two to your bold colour scheme (plus your neutrals). For example choose one colour as your dominant choice-this might be on the walls or sofa, then mix in some neutrals and naturals, then add the last 5% as an accent. This gives the look some pep and a little extra edge. My tip for success is to keep them all the same hue or saturation.

 Found on bhg.com

Found on bhg.com

Don’t be afraid to add pattern to your bold colour scheme- but I think bold prints work best as they can muscle up to the bold colours. Bold silhouettes, geometrics and large scale florals work well.

Photograph by Joanna Henderson

Photograph by Joanna Henderson

So where to start and find inspiration. You can start with a swatch of fabric or wallpaper and then pick out your colours from that with the knowledge that they all sit nicely together. Check out Harlequin, Designers Guild and GP & J Baker for some fantastic bold designs. For me, I love to decorate with a bold dark hue on the walls and then have fun collecting bright coloured artwork, fabrics and accessories that contrast dramatically.

Image from tallbox.org

Image from tallbox.org

You can watch me talk more on the subject of decorating with colour along with slides of my own projects on the housetohome website.

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Before and after! This room took me on a real jour Before and after! This room took me on a real journey.
At first, I thought I needed a calm, blank space to focus… so I painted it all white. I know - can you believe it?! I told myself it was for clarity and creativity, but the truth is, I hated it. I felt flat and totally uninspired.

So, I ripped up the rulebook and went back to what I know works for me: bold colour and big pattern. I painted the whole space in my favourite cobalt blue (Lazuli by @zoffanyfw) and installed the ‘In the Woods’ mural from my @Harlequinfw collection - and now it’s everything I wanted and more.

I feel creative, energised, and completely connected to the beautiful garden just outside the window. A daily reminder to trust your instincts, feel from your gut and be brave. 

#OfficeGoals #CreativeWorkspace #BoldInteriors #BeforeAndAfter #SophieRobinsonStyle 
#CobaltBlue #HarlequinWallpaper #ColourLovers #InteriorDesignUK #InTheWoodsMural 
#DesignForJoy #MoreIsMore
A masterclass in maximalism! 🌈✨ It was such A masterclass in maximalism! 🌈✨

It was such an honour to guest judge the Interior Design Masters final alongside the fabulous @michelleogundehin and wow, what a finale it was!

The setting? The magical village of Portmeirion.
The challenge? Transform a bland holiday cottage.
The winner? The brilliant @john_cooper_design and what a winning design it was! 

John’s scheme was a glorious celebration of colour and perfect  storytelling. I loved how  he used bold Mediterranean hues and motifs from room to room which cleverly held this maximalist vision together. It felt like being whisked away to a land far far away. And thereby perfectly capturing the spirit of Portmerion. Honestly, it felt magical to be there!

I’ve unpacked all Johns clever ideas and design takeaways over on the blog (link in bio) — but I’d LOVE to hear what you thought.

Was John your winner?
What design moment caught your eye?
Could you stay in a house like this?

Tell me in the comments 👇

#interiordesignmasters #maximalistinteriors #maximalistdecor #portmerion #colourlover #banthebeige
Longing for a life-changing escape? You’re not a Longing for a life-changing escape?
You’re not alone. Our next Discover Colour Retreat at @elfennmarrakech just sold out in just a few hours, snapped up by our incredible subscriber community who said yes to more colour, creativity, and the trip of a lifetime. 💫

If you missed out, don’t panic, we’re already planning more dates in this dream of a design destination. Think: bold design, deep connection, sun-drenched inspiration, and the kind of joy that lingers long after you get home.

Want to be first to hear?
Comment ‘ELFENN’ below and we’ll send the link with details + the option to add yourself to the VIP waitlist.

Because beautiful things come to those who wait…
and this one’s worth every second. 🌺

#elfennmarrakech #discovercolour #designretreat #marrakech #moroccanstyle #designinspo
Ready to create a home that feels unapologetically Ready to create a home that feels unapologetically YOU?

For me it’s about bold joyful colour, striking pattern, and those magical touches that light you up every time you walk through the door. This isn’t about playing it safe, it’s about crafting a home that celebrates the uniqueness of who you are and how you want to feel. 

In my exclusive online course How to Create a Maximalist Interior, I’ll guide you through my step-by-step design process—so you can confidently design a space that’s full of heart, soul, and style.

🎉 25% OFF ends TONIGHT! 🎉
Comment MAYJOY below and I’ll send you the link.

And yes, you’ll get a personal tour of my own technicolour home, so you can see exactly how I bring it all together.

Let’s unlock your dream home. One room at a time. 💥
EXCLUSIVE Live with the WINNER of @interiordesignm EXCLUSIVE Live with the WINNER of @interiordesignmasters ! 

Thankyou @john_cooper_design for a beautiful LIVE taking a deeper look into your amazing experience being on the this most loved show. We all loved watching you grow and develop as a designer and your collection with @johnlewis is an absolute triumph! Cannot wait to see what you do next 🙌
All the Finale feels ✨ What a joy was filming t All the Finale feels ✨
What a joy was filming this series of @interiordesignmasters with @michelleogundehin , @chattyman , not mention this year’s insanely talented finalists @john_cooper_design 💙 @ritamillat ❤️ There is a lot of love and positive energy that goes into making this show.

And it doesn’t end here…

TONIGHT at 7pm I’ll be going LIVE right here on Instagram with this year’s winner… SPOLER ALERT….

@john_cooper_design 
I cannot wait to chat all the behind-the-scenes design insights, and what it really takes to win Interior Design Masters. What a smashing journey John has been on. Wow his final design blew me away, it’s was soo well executed and his vision was perfectly in step with the flamboyant eccentricity of Portmerion. Top marks! 

Come join us and ask your questions during this exciting Live event or come back later and watch the replay! 👀

Missed the show? Catch  up with @bbcone  Interior Design Masters on @bbciplayer 

#InteriorDesignMasters #IDMFinal #DesignShow #BehindTheScenes #InteriorDesignUK
Beware of listening to the ‘experts’! I get i Beware of listening to the ‘experts’!
I get it though, designing a house is hard, especially if your taste leans towards the 
maximalist style. There is every chance you’ll feel overwhelmed or stressed about getting it wrong with the end result one hot mess. However here are some of those common ‘design rules’ that I absolutely disagree with! Would love to know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you’re ready to stop playing it safe and fully embrace creating a home that truly reflects you, my specially designed online course has everything you need to keep you falling into any more traps. I’ll guide you through uncovering your unique style, choosing colours with confidence, and mixing patterns like a pro, all while making it feel beautifully cohesive and creative. And the best bit? It’s 25% off until the end of May! That’s right, just a few days left to pick up a massive discount.

Just comment MAYJOY and I’ll pop the link over in your DMs.


#maximalisthome #colourfulhome #interiorinspo #designmyths #interiordesignadvice 
#patternclash #dopaminedecor #banthebeige #maximalistdecor #interiorstyle 
#colourmyhome
Ready to step into your best life? Start with the Ready to step into your best life? Start with the place that holds it all. Your home.

I’ve always believed that a joyful, soul-filled home isn’t just a reflection of who you are… it’s a catalyst for who you want to become. When you’re surrounded by colours that lift you, patterns that energise you, and decor that tells to your story, something magical happens.

You feel confident, calmer. More you.

And if you’re ready to design a home that feels like you, my brilliant online course is here to help.

I walk you through how to bring your personal style to life — from choosing colours and mixing patterns, to making it all beautifully hang together. And right now, it’s got a whopping 25% off — but only until the end of this week! 🏃‍♀️

Simply comment MAYJOY and I’ll DM you the link to find out more.

Because great design isn’t just about how it looks — it’s how it makes you feel.

And that feeling? It ripples out into every part of your life. 💛🌟

#FeelGoodDesign #JoyfulHomes #MaximalistInteriors #ColourConfidence #InteriorInspo #DesignWithSoul #SophieRobinsonInteriors
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