The Importance of Using Colour and Having Fun When It Comes to Designing Interiors

I started thinking about writing this blog while sat in a hospital waiting room. The mundane magnolia walls were talking, egging me on and inspiring me, but not in the way you would hope. As I stared blankly back at them, I thought gosh aren’t you depressing? In a place where a lot of bad news thrives, one of the last things people want to be met with are drab off-white walls. I thought in that moment this place is in desperate need of a splash of colour to cheer it up. I love colour, it’s who I am and what I heavily lean into when I design, so when I see spaces that are lacking, I often reimagine them in my head. If you’ve ever been to a children’s hospital you might have noticed that they often use bright colours and patterns to make the children feel more comfortable, which makes sense. Why does this stop at ‘adult’ hospitals? I promise you most of us are just as scared and a little colour might subconsciously take the pressure off and help to create a moment of joy in an overwhelming situation.

Imagine walking down the street in this current climate, you’re all wrapped up, it’s cold, the sky is grey and overcast, how do you feel? Fed up, cold, over it? Now imagine the clouds part, as the sun breaks through beaming, warming up your face, how do you feel now? Warm, happy, grateful? I know I’m really piling it on, but I want you to understand the power of colour and how it translates and effects how we feel in a space. We are wired to often perceive dark colours as cold and bright hues as warm and vibrant, hence why on a cold, wet and grey day we can feel a little down.

Growing up, a lot of us can lose colour and a sense of playfulness in our lives because of adult experiences and circumstances, and one way to bring some joy back into it is through adding splashes of it throughout our interiors. Protecting and building a sacred and uplifting space is very important especially in today’s current climate, where sometimes remaining positive can be trying - hence why joyful and fun interior design is understandably on the rise. Leaning into colour and fun when building a holistic and vibrant space can really make a difference and is beneficial to our wellbeing, as we spend upwards of 80% of our time indoors. It really is time to let your inner child back out.

There’s a reason why Dulux’s colour of the year is True Joy (a bright yellow). People are literally screaming out and wanting joyous interiors. As humans we crave happiness - people want to let loose, be free and have fun. So now seems like an opportune time to really lean into interior design to help do this. “Well, what can be done?” I hear you say…

Colour (obviously) – can bring so much happiness and vibrancy to a space. Think back to an interior that moved you. I can imagine that colour, whether it was quiet or loud in saturation, played a part. As a recent paint company supplier exclaimed “colour is the backdrop to our lives”, and they couldn’t be more right. Colour surrounds us every day, so why not have fun when choosing something that has the power to be all encompassing? I’m drawn to more vibrant warm colours, but you do you. Get those samples cards ordered and try not to err on the side of caution, you might surprise yourself and if you quickly tire or feel that colour wasn’t the right option then that’s what paint brushes are for. If you want a space to feel vibrant, go for mustards, oranges and lighter greens.

Moments of Joy – if anything, it’s all about creating moments of joy within an interior. This makes spaces high vibrational and memorable. Divide your space into pockets of peace and havens of happiness, so it feels balanced and takes you on a journey. By carefully curating a space with emotions and feelings in mind, it will emit positivity and help with wellbeing. Also making spaces considered and eclectic makes sure it’s suited to specific inhabitants and that’s always a joy for those within. If you’re designing for yourself, follow your internal interior compass and don’t let trends phase you, as only you know what works for you and that’s always going to be perfect.

Furniture – pick pieces you can’t live without, and you need to know more about. It can be so tempting to just buy cheaper furniture, but if you can save your pennies and hold off, you could get your hands on an heirloom piece you treasure and fall in love with more each time you see it. Furniture is one of the key components that help to build a story and adds that playfulness – as it takes up most of the footprint. Think fun statement sofas, colourful curious coffee tables and admirable armoires. As I often trawl the internet looking at interiors, the types that stand out to me are ones that you can tell have taken time to come together and they look so inviting, interesting and inspiring. When it comes to interior design it should look considered – it really is a process or a journey, if we’re being romantic.

Sensory Experience – interior design is a multifaceted discipline and needs to converse and connect on many sensory levels. Think sight, sound, smell and touch. These combined elements make a space more inviting, mindful and unique. Playing with the senses in a fun way is a form of escapism and who wouldn’t mind escaping every once in a while? There’s real power on calling on the senses to come to the party. As humans, we love to engage and take in our surroundings. Making interior design truly immersive is a great way to make your interior stand out for being the fun one!

If you’ve met the Nelson and Long team, you’ll know we don’t take life too seriously and we are always having fun. That’s why our interiors are vibrant and colourful because that’s who we are. Our ethos – “creating happy spaces that inspire community building” will forever ring true.

So… come and join us on the brighter side of life.

N+LX