Hi everyone! I've been eager to pen down this post for quite some time now. Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in an event featuring Farrow and Ball's incredibly talented colour consultant, Joa Studholme. She imparted invaluable insights on interior decoration that I simply couldn't wait to pass along to all of you. The highlight of my birthday week was visiting Sofa.com at their impressive flagship HQ in Angel. I had deliberately taken time off to be there, and the opportunity to witness their exquisite products up close was lovely.

A glimpse of the Sofa.com HQ in Angel featuring this gorgeous velvet corner suite.

The showroom was meticulously organized, with a thoughtful layout that caught my eye immediately. What stood out to me were the convenient design cards and an array of fabric swatches readily available for customers to browse through at their own pace. For someone prone to impulsive interior decisions like myself, this place is a game-changer. Not only does it offer the necessary tools to help you craft a well-informed vision for your space, but the sheer abundance of options and the inspiring displays scattered throughout the showroom will leave you in awe - in the best possible way!

The wall of colour, fabric and design inspiration.

Product info design cards are available for you to takeaway to get planning with your decor pojects.

Joa, known for her expertise in Farrow & Ball colours, graciously imparted decorating insights during our pre-event conversation. Her delightful presence echoed both warmth and creativity, setting the stage for an engaging exchange of ideas.

Colour Consultant Joa Studholme. Image via Evening Standard

As a beginner in the realm of interior decoration, I stumbled upon this incredibly insightful guide. For those who, like me, are just starting out and seeking guidance on colour schemes, lighting tricks, small space solutions, or simply some fresh decor tips, this resource is a must-read.

5 TIPS FROM JOA STUDHOLME ABOUT DECORATING WITH COLOUR

1. Lighting should be a big factor in helping you choose a colour palette

When decorating a new space, consider colours and lighting for the right ambience. The color palette changes with natural and artificial lighting throughout the day. Balance colours to create a cozy atmosphere. Natural light enhances colours, while artificial light compensates for dark hours. The right colours and lighting in a space can influence your mood. Opt for a color scheme that makes you feel comfortable both day and night. Aim for a cozy feel with accessories and scents. Prioritise colours and lighting that uplift your mood in different times of the day.

When making small spaces brighter or larger, lighting is key. People tend to avoid dark colours in small spaces, thinking they shrink them. However, dark colours can actually blur boundaries and make spaces seem bigger.

Another tip Joa gave us was to use card for colour swatches and then observe the colours in the day and in night since colours often change in light conditions.

2. If you're new or afraid to introduce colour to your home, keep it low; i.e. floors, bath panels etc

This one's pretty self explanatory but great advice for anyone who may not have experience with adding colour to a space. Joa highlighted the various ways of introducing colour that won't seem daunting. By adding colour to the floors, or low on walls as accents, it still allows you to stick with clean, neutral tones in the higher regions of space if you'd like to.

3. Put bits of card or swatches into shelves/ cupboards to get a feel for how things will look before making a commitment.

Have you ever taken the plunge with decorating something? Because you just know that your kitchen cupboards will look great painted hot pink right? And then, a day later, after all your hard work, you suddenly think 'shit, that looks fxcking awful'? Yep. been there!

I have to say, I used to make decisions on impulse all the time and I am so glad that I seem to have moved away from this type of behaviour. If you also jump the gun sometimes and just throw yourself into things, then this tip will work great for you. Atleast if after a few days you're totally over the designs on the card swatches, you can swap them out for new ones until you find the ones that you really love, and then make that permanent change.

4.Wallpaper on ceilings is a thing!

Surprisingly, wallpapering a ceiling has NEVER crossed my mind, but as soon as Joa mentioned it I was like FXCK yes! Like, I literally felt my mind expand in that moment; it was a light bulb moment fo' sho.

5. Paint a door and the frame the same colour to make it appear larger

So this is probably one of my fave tips because I've lived in properties with really narrow doors before and I know how transformative this can be. If you're having the same problem, try the same colour for both the frame and the door. You will be amazed at the results! P.s this works particularly well for the front door.

If you found these tips useful and would like to hear more, I'd definately recommend buying Joa's book; How to Decorate.

How to decorate; Joa Studholme and Charlotte Cosby

What do you think guys? Have you learned anything new? I'd love to hear about your next design projects so let me know what you're working on and we can have a chat!

Farrow and Ball x Sofa.com Event