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From Inspiration to Interiors: Q&A with a Colour Consultant

From Inspiration to Interiors - creative process of colour consultant


1. Personal Journey creative process



Who is Robert, and how did you become a Colour Consultant?


I’ve always been drawn to the world of colour and design. My journey into Colour Consultancy was fuelled by a desire to help people connect with their spaces in meaningful and personal ways. My background in art plays a significant role, as it gave me a foundation in creative expression and understanding how colours evoke emotions and shape environments.



What inspired you to pursue a career in Colour Consultancy?


My artistic and creative nature naturally led me to Colour Consultancy. I wanted to create something beyond rigid rules like colour theory or fleeting trends — I aim to bring my clients' personalities and essence into their spaces. I see colour as an emotional journey, a way to extend who you are into your environment.



What’s the most rewarding part of your job?


I love the conversations with clients—understanding their needs, exploring what they’re drawn to, and helping them uncover their true preferences. The creative process of crafting a colour palette tailored to them is incredibly fulfilling. It’s also rewarding to see clients grow more confident in their decisions and embrace the colours they truly love.



 


2. Insights and Inspiration



What role does art play in your approach to Colour Consultancy?


Art is my outlet for creative freedom, which is essential in this line of work. It keeps me connected to the creative process and helps me encourage clients to explore their own creativity. When clients—whether professionals or residential—become bogged down in technical details, they often lose the spark of excitement that initially drove the project. My art helps me stay in tune with that creative process, so I can guide clients to find the fun and joy in their projects, unlocking their creativity and bringing fresh perspective to their space


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creative process - where do you find inspiration
 Rorouni Kenshin

Where do you find inspiration for your projects?


My inspiration comes from a mix of cultures, nature, and art. Watching films and TV from around the world gives me insight into different aesthetics—Bollywood’s vivid colours, the elegance of France, the allure of Chinese period dramas, the creative eye of Spanish design, the beauty of Italian interiors, and the rich tones seen in Korean TV dramas, from Joseon period settings to modern styles. I also find endless beauty in flowers, plants, birds, and butterflies. Nature’s colours are always vibrant, surprising, and deeply inspiring. These influences all add to my internal colour palette and help me understand people’s unique preferences better.



How do you stay updated on trends and new ideas in the industry?


Instagram is my go-to platform. I follow interior designers, artists, and creatives who inspire me. Trends often emerge naturally, influenced by the world around us. Over the past decade, people have turned inward, seeking warmth and calm in their homes, which is reflected in their colour choices. It’s fascinating to see how global events shape the palettes we gravitate toward.



 


3. Professional Expertise



What is Colour Consultancy, and why is it important for interiors?


Colour Consultancy is about understanding the emotions, moods, and functionality of spaces and translating that into tailored colour palettes. It’s crucial because colour sets the tone for how people experience a space—it influences mood, productivity, and even relationships with the environment.




creative process of a colour consultant

Can you share an example of a particularly challenging project and how you handled it?


One memorable project was a Georgian house in Bath with striking architecture and five floors. The house had two distinct halves: one side was bright and connected to a lush garden, while the other was shadowed and cold, facing a sea of houses that blocked the light. The brickwork visible through the windows added to the shadowed, muted feeling. The clients weren’t fond of pink tones, so we chose warm yellows to bring much-needed warmth to the shadowed areas. For the brighter side of the house, we leaned into blue tones with green undertones, connecting the interiors to the beautiful garden view. By balancing light, colour, and the natural environment, we created a cohesive, inviting space.



What are the most common mistakes people make when choosing colours for their space?


People often follow trends too rigidly, which doesn’t always align with their personal style. One client, for example, was inspired by a blue-grey interior from a magazine but struggled to replicate it, spending a lot on samples without finding the right shade. When I met her, I noticed her glasses were red, and her wardrobe leaned heavily toward warm, red-toned colours. Her personal style clearly favoured bold, warm hues, which clashed with the coolness of the blue-grey tones she was drawn to in the article. It’s a common misconception that all greys are the same—every grey has undertones that create different feelings and effects. I’ve also noticed that people drawn to blue and red tones often share similar points of attraction. Both colours exude boldness, strength, and clean lines. I like to call this the Ralph Lauren effect—it’s a particular aesthetic that speaks to those who appreciate timeless, strong, and structured colour schemes. For this client, I didn’t dismiss her desire for greys but showed her how greys with red undertones could work in her home, aligning with her personal style while still creating a bold, cohesive palette. She was thrilled and ended up transforming her entire house with a new, more fitting design. This example highlights the importance of trusting your personal style and looking beyond fleeting trends for inspiration.



 


4. Practical Tips and Trends




Do you have any tips for someone struggling to choose the right colour palette?


Avoid rigid rules and trust your instincts. If you’re unsure about a colour, it’s probably not the one for you. A “maybe” is often just a delayed “no.” This always resonates with people—letting go of the “maybes” brings clarity and direction. It is my job to find you that direction, to give you a target—a clear emotional brief for your house or space. Once you have this, it will be easier to let go of the colours that don’t align with that vision. For me, I know I often fall in love with something at first, but that excitement can fade over time. I always allow myself to sit with several options, testing and reflecting on how I feel about them over a few days. The colours that still excite me after that time are the ones I know are right. When sampling, try painting A4 cards instead of directly on the walls. Make sure there are no white edges and use blu-tack to test them in different areas of the room. Avoid placing samples side by side, as colours can influence one another. Focus on each colour individually and observe how it makes you feel.



What’s a colour trend you’re excited about this year?


I’m loving the cinnamon and brown tones emerging for 2025. They evoke warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of cocooning—much like the spaces created by Tiffany Howell of Night Palm, whom I follow on Instagram for her incredible aesthetic. When I was on Instagram, thinking about this question, I noticed something fascinating. A YouTube video was playing in the background, and the musicians in it were wearing outfits that perfectly matched these colour trends for 2025. It was a striking moment, as if the trends were already naturally filtering through music, fashion, and art into interiors. I captured a picture because it beautifully shows how trends move through different creative worlds, connecting them in unexpected ways.



 


5. Conclusion and Fun Questions



If you could design a dream space, what would it look like?


I’ve always dreamed of a space that merges art and interiors in perfect harmony. My ideal space would feel like stepping into a tropical paradise, with large windows letting in an abundance of natural light and surrounded by lush greenery. The design would combine Brazilian modernist influences, the creative eye of Spanish design, the beauty of Italian interiors, and romantic French touches. While I love bold, blocked colours, the majority of the space would feature soft, subtle pastel tones, creating a calming and timeless atmosphere. For modernist building design, I draw inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright, while Luis Barragán inspires my love for the artistic use of colour. I’d also incorporate whimsical British details and Persian opulence, with gold accents woven subtly throughout. I’d love to have a room dedicated entirely to plants, where I could feel like I was walking through the tropics. The 60s and 70s aesthetic would add a playful touch, with shag-pile carpets and creative shapes. My dream space would be an evolving mix of everything that brings me joy—eclectic, personal, and full of life.



What advice would you give to someone considering hiring a Colour Consultant?


Start with a conversation—there’s no pressure. Finding the right consultant is like finding the right partner for your project. You need someone who understands your vision, inspires you, and makes the process enjoyable. The right person will bring clarity, creativity, and confidence to your journey.



hiring a Colour Consultant - creative process

Additional Information


As a Colour Consultant based in Cambridge, I offer my services across Cambridgeshire and the surrounding areas, including Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. I also provide Colour Consultancy services in North, East, and West London. For clients beyond these regions, I’m available for nationwide and international projects to bring your vision to life. Whether residential or commercial, my goal is to create spaces that reflect your unique style and needs.

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