This week, I would like to introduce you to my friend Laura. Laura and I first met when judging at New Designers for the ‘Colour in Design’ award, and she has now just published a book called 'The Rainbow Home’. She also has fascinating job…one that you probably didn’t know even existed.
I have found Laura’s approach to colour to be really eye opening, even for this old dog who has been in the game 30 years! She invites you to think deeply about why we’re drawn to certain colours and repelled by others - something I hadn’t thought about very deeply before. Her book shows you how to explore this, and it certainly got my cogs whirring, reminding me what a truly personal thing colour is. I hope it inspires you too…
So Laura, can you explain what you do for your living?
I am colour consultant, trend forecaster, a material and finish designer, and now an author of 2 books! I help people and companies understand how to use colour meaningfully, not just aesthetically.
How did you get into colour consulting?
I’ve always been fascinated by how colour is made at the source. After graduating from the Royal College of Art, I worked with Toyota, Speedo and Nokia, studying how colour behaves in materials like plastic and glass. The other half of my career has been spent understanding how and why we use colour.
When were you first aware that you loved colour?
My Grandad’s conservatory, he was a keen gardener and it was full of geraniums. I remember the vivid red blooms and the smell of them, so now I associate that particular red with the smell. He also had a 70’s bungalow filled with bright colours, textures and unusual plants.
Do you think colour trends are still relevant?
It’s interesting as I think that today, sustainability and conscious consumption are big drivers of colour. Not wanting to make or consume more influences how we use materials. so instead of pushing trends, I help clients use colour to tell stories—based on meaningful factors like psychology, emotion and identity.
What tips do you have for introducing bold colour if you are nervous?
Try to find your OWN appreciation of colours. Not following trends, but your tuning in to your gut instinct. That’s what the rainbow home is all about.
One of my main tips in the book is about connecting back to your own memories of colour, maybe thinking about a childhood home, person, or somewhere you would like to revisit. Digging down and finding those connections and memories can help create a palette. Maybe it evokes a bold orange you associate with joy. You could start pairing it with similar tones to make it easier on the eye, or you could introduce it in accessories on shelving. It’s all about connecting emotion with environment.
What is a colour walk?
It’s a creative exercise I teach: take a walk for an hour, it can be urban or rural, without distractions. Observe and collect the colours that catch your eye. Photograph, sketch or even paint them - You won't come back with things you don’t like, as you will be drawn to ones you like.
When I travel somewhere unusual, the light is really different - I went to Central America a while ago and kept a colour diary – it’s filled with vivid greens and oranges that I still refer to today. These walks reveal unique, personal palettes you won’t find in trend reports.
Do you believe certain colours are better in certain rooms?
I consult for paint companies and so I hear this a lot. I think it all depends on light and how you want the room to feel. You do need to bear in mind that if you use cool colours in a north facing room it will feel more cool, whereas very bright spaces can take a lot of colour. People say you shouldn’t paint a dark space dark - but I would totally challenge that as it can make them feel more cocooning.
What colour trends are you seeing emerge?
My book is based on the bright, convivial, colourful trend that is emerging, which totally challenges minimalism. It knocks on the head the need for slick interiors and perfectionism. When researching for the book, I found there is becoming a far bigger gamut of colour being used. Purple is one - especially lavender and blue tones, which are having more of a “moment” as they’re playful and uplifting.
Warmer colours are also having more importance for making us feel good… reds, oranges, and even yellows in bold tones or muted versions.
Pastels have also come into the market as a new neutral and are taking over the cream and stone and grey, which I think has been led by new eco paint brands.
There is a lot of talk about dopamine colours, what are they?
I define them as saturated, energetic hues that lift your mood—colours that spark joy. The rainbow has been used for a long time as a universal symbol of energy: hope, celebration, and of course pride.
So your husband Dan is textile designer… how do you two agree on what colours to use in your home?
We don’t always! Dan likes nostalgic, layered palettes, coming from his screen printing background. Wheras I lean towards more modern tones, material experimentation, and bringing in principles of colour theory. And zoning. We do have to compromise so I think a middle ground is often green!
Is there a more female bias with using colours?
There is science behind that! Women often have more colour receptors in the eye, so biologically, yes! A lot of colour choice is also made on instinct and emotion so that could be another reason women gravitate towards using colours, and why there are so many women in creative industries.
Do you believe political change filters into colour trends?
Absolutely. We have a tumultuous political scene at the moment, which will influence market behaviours, which will affect consumer behaviour, which will have repercussions on people’s spending habits. In uncertain times, people gravitate toward “safe” colours - Pantone last year was brown which is a warm safe and consistent colour.
Quickfire Questions
Go to colour combination?
I am always drawn to blues and coral tones. I’ve been on a journey with green, I used to struggle with it but now I’m starting to love it...
If you were a colour what would it be?
Aquatic blue
Which season?
Autumn… best time of year
Fave bedroom colour?
Muted pink because it is nurturing.
Worst colour
I don’t like black, it’s not going to help or support us! And clean white isn’t good for our psyche! It reflects too much light.
Main learning from writing this book?
That you can combine multiple colours in a space and it can be successful. Using colour theory, you can create a multi-hued space.
It is so inspiring to hear Laura's approach to colour, her book is full of even more ideas, tips and tricks - and is the perfect handbook for if you want to start introducing more colour in your home. You can purchase a copy here.
