The days are getting longer and one by one we’re shedding our winter layers. Make no mistake: summer is on its way. And as it does we turn our attention outdoors… to the garden, patio, or balcony, where many of us will be hosting alfresco dinner parties and weekend barbeques. Chances are our outdoor spaces have been a little neglected over the winter months, so it might be time for a little spruce up. And what better way than with some new outdoor accessories? Our Colour Consultants are a fountain of knowledge when it comes to sourcing \ngorgeous homewares\n, so to help you host in style, they’ve shared their go-to garden accessories for a summer of outdoor entertaining.\n\nCharlotte’s go-to garden accessories\nArbala\nA haven for traditionally made Moroccan homewares, \nArbala\n is perfect for creating a colourful, bohemian balcony or garden. And when it comes to outdoor entertaining, you’re going to need a tray. Charlotte recommends their \nPink Majorelle Tray\n. “If you’re anything like me, when it comes to summer dinner parties, I spend a lot of time running in and out of the house, bringing food, drinks, you name it. Invest in a beautiful tray to make those trips easier, giving you more time to spend with your guests.”

Matilda Goad \nWhen it comes to tablescaping, few do it better than \nMatilda Goad\n. Known for her iconic scalloped designs, her \nscalloped linen napkins\n are the finishing touch to an alfresco dinner party. As Charlotte puts it, “they add colour and personality to your table setting as well as being less wasteful. The gorgeous colour combos from Matilda Goads’ range mean there’s a colour for everyone. Mix and match for an eclectic, relaxed vibe.   

Nicola Fasano ceramics \nFor ceramics, Charlotte heads to Nicola Fasano. “The table is one of the most important pieces in our home, the place where we come together, reconnect, and slow down. When it comes to outdoor entertaining, I always reach for \nFasano ceramic plates and bowls\n. They are a work of art in themselves and will elevate any table setting”.

Sammy’s go-to garden accessories\nOliver Bonas \n“Nothing looks prettier than a gorgeous parasol and this \nRendezvous Wave Orange Parasol\n from \nOliver Bonas\n caught my eye. It has all the good looks one needs, relaxing hand-painted waves and a fab colour combo of lilac and orange”. Not to mention totally on board with \nthe wiggly decor trend\n.

IKEA\nOne of Sammy’s go-tos for homewares, \nIKEA\n, delivers in the garden department too. “To keep to the practical side of garden room living I am introducing this \nVRENSTED Rug\n. It plays upon the same inside principles as indoors: grounding your furniture, pulling your scheme together. and zoning the area. Kick those flip flops off and enjoy treating your feet.”

John Lewis \nTrusty \nJohn Lewis\n is good for just about everything, but let’s not forget about one of the most important parts of garden entertainment: the music. Sammy recommends these \nwaterproof and portable speakers\n which come in a range of colours, so you can match them to your decor. \nFinally, Sam adds, “sprucing up your entertaining area with garden accessories doesn’t have to mean a trip to the shops. Look inside your home and pull your cushions, throws, side tables, and candles into the open. For a budget-friendly idea grab a couple of wooden pallets to create a seating area. Rustic and bohemian vibes right there.”


Tash’s go-to garden accessories\nvonhaus \nA great destination for all things homewares, \nvonhaus\n has some really well-priced outdoor furnishings too. Like this \nwooden frame hammock\n. “The perfect place to sit back and relax in your garden, I recently bought this hammock and it has become my favourite place to read a book and fall asleep in the sun”. 

Lighting Legends\nFestoon lights are the final finesse when it comes to getting your garden ready for entertaining. They elevate the entire look and allow you to carry on until long after the sun has set. For all your outdoor lighting needs, look no further than \nLighting Legends\n. “Festoon lighting sets the perfect ambiance for an evening outside. We got the \nsolar panels\n as we didn’t have an outdoor plug but these lights have been a game-changer to spruce up a little area in our garden”. \nBeliani\n\nBeliani\n has the most gorgeous range of colourful wrought-iron furnishings, perfect if you’re going for a \ncottagecore-style garden\n. And as Tash reminds us, “if you're like me and come summer love to host, having a side table to place your drink is crucial”. She recommends their \nCAVINIA Garden Side Table\n, which comes in pastel pink or mint green. 

If this list has got you excited about getting out into the garden once again, take a look at our guide on \nhow to get your garden decor ready for entertaining\n. 

If you’re anything like our Colour Consultants, there are few things more satisfying than finding an absolute gem of a lamp in your local charity shop, or the adrenaline rush you get when you make the winning eBay bid on that vintage Parker Knoll armchair. That said, we all lead busy lives, and sourcing those ‘hard to find’ pieces is, well, \nhard\n. Not to mention time-consuming. Sometimes you just need a go-to ‘click and it’s delivered to your front door’ option. So, we spoke to our team of Colour Consultants about their recommended online homeware stores for all your interior decor needs.\n \nSam Bramley’s go-to online homeware stores\n\nBirdie Fortescue \n“I absolutely love \nBirdie Fortescue\n for pattern and form. This is where you need to be if you want those preppy, eclectic vibes. Adding splashes of colour and personality, you might even see people who love the contemporary style sneaking a few of these pieces into their space”. Go here if you’re looking for a contemporary twist on traditional-style \nrugs\n.

Trouva\n“For every style and genre under one roof, \nTrouva\n is my go-to. It brings independent homeware shops under one roof which allows you to source curated, artisan, and beautiful objects. A more thoughtful approach to shopping. My interior ideology is to buy things you love, that are well made and sourced with care”. Fortunately, Trouva allows you to do so with ease. 

IKEA\nOnce the ultimate weekend destination, but now very much an online shop “for me my go-to shopping mecca is \nIKEA\n. I love nothing more than an \nIKEA hack\n. But be careful not to fall into the yellow bag of goodies and grab all the bargains, you can still be a considered shopper here and create some bespoke pieces that really can lift, elevate and compliment your home”. An oldie but a goodie, we’ll always love IKEA. Especially their ever-growing range of \nplants\n.

Tash Bradley’s go-to online homeware stores
\nLate Afternoon\n“Almost ALL of my ceramicware is \nLate Afternoon\n. I cannot go on enough about the quality of their pieces. And with that considered (you can chuck everything in the dishwasher and not have to worry about it) it’s really well-priced”. A must-visit online destination if you’re looking to create a colourful tablescape.

Sunday and Story\n“My lockdown find. I’ve not got not one but two of her rugs at home. All of \nSunday and Story\n’s rugs are vintage and sustainably made, championing Morocco’s women weavers. They \nare \nexpensive, but these pieces are an investment”. Just the ticket if you’re after that \nboho home decor\n look.  

Pooky \n“What I like about \nPooky\n is their range of styles—there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re going a bit more minimalist or \nmaximalist decor style\n, you’ll find something. Also, because they sell their lamps and shades separately, it’s a great option for finding something to jazz up that Facebook marketplace lamp”. Your one-stop show for all your lighting needs.


Bert & May \n“My favourite tiles of all time. \nBert & May\n create handmade pieces, using traditional techniques to create unique patterned designs. The pigment and finishes of the paint, these are my absolute go-to for quality and style”. A must-visit if you’re looking at renovating your kitchen or bathroom.

Charlotte Cropper’s go-to online homeware stores\nGlassette\n“Love love love \nGlassette\n! It's an incredible platform for investing in unique handmade pieces made by UK designers and makers. There's something for every budget and it's a great place for supporting small businesses and brands”. Curated by Laura Jackson, pieces are chosen because of the creativity, care, and craft that has brought them to life. 

Mediteranea\n“I live in Italy, so for objects that promote that Mediterranean lifestyle, my go-to is \nMediteranea\n (but don’t worry, they ship worldwide). I'm in love with everything Valentina's brand stands for: slowing down, quieting the mind, and above all, championing artisans”. So if you’re looking to bring a little Mediterranean decor style into your home, take a look at Mediteranea’s laid-back collection. We particularly love their Tabletop & Kitchen edit, for curating that homely Mediterranean kitchen feel. 

And there you have it: the ultimate go-to online homeware stores as chosen by our Colour Consultants. If you’re looking for something specific to suit your style take a look at our picks of \nthe must-have retro accessories for your home\n or \nthe best places to buy affordable antiques in the UK\n.

We’re really excited to introduce to you Sam Bramley; a designer, Art Director, DIY enthusiast, Lick’s Lead Colour Consultant, and more - a true all-rounder!\n\nSam has a BA in Applied Arts from Derby University, a degree that allowed her to explore and nurture her creativity, studying everything from photography to graphic design. Sam’s career began in the magical world of film and television. Her roles were just as colourful and diverse with every day being unique - some of her titles include Art Director, Standby Art Director, and Graphic Designer. She was responsible for everything from building sets to styling locations and making props.

Sam then went freelance as a traditional Interior Designer, working on commercial and residential projects… but quickly slipped into the online world of working, specialising in computer-generated renders. Sam worked for one of the leading paint brands in the UK, as an Interior Designer and Colour Consultant, bringing over 6 years of online experience in the field. Her love of interiors and colour is part of her makeup and the common thread throughout her career.\n\nSam joined Lick in August 2020 and has, to date, helped design more than 1,500 rooms. So let’s sit down with this powerhouse to find out where she sources her inspiration, why she loves DIY, and what her predictions are for the future of interiors.\n\nWhere do you source your inspiration?\nI am a very visual person and tend to source my inspiration from books, magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, and set design. I’m always on the lookout for a new design book that will inspire me and get my creative juices flowing. And Instagram is a great place to find the latest DIY hacks!\n
Check out \nSam’s Pinterest board\n.

How would you describe your interior style?\nI would describe my interior style as contemporary, but I love adding twists. A little preppy softness here, a little touch of graphic accents there.\n\nWhen it comes to decorating my own home, I have to work within the parameters of my lifestyle. I’ve designed my home to accommodate family living. I have two young boys and a (very) large dog. Any decor pieces, therefore, have to be functional to withstand spilled hot chocolate and muddy paws!\n\nWith working in an industry that brings daily inspiration on a mass scale, you can fall down the hole of following fashion, but over the years I have found my comfort zone and my direction - in warm pinky-white walls. They are the perfect blank canvas, allowing me to experiment and layer different colours, patterns, and styles.\n\nI am also led by quality, sustainability, and longevity. I seriously consider what that piece is going to bring to my space and whether it will have value in the future. For example, passing down the family line or reselling it.

What are your predictions for the next interior trends?\nI really see “preppy” making waves in 2022. Preppy embraces pattern-on-pattern, but it has a softness, unlike maximalism. And it is more considered than eclectic. Think frills and bobbin furniture that soften line forms, curvature in headboards, and a largely neutral colour palette.\n

You’re a big fan of DIY and getting creative at home. Why do you love “doing it yourself”?\nI love DIY for a number of reasons. Firstly, I’ve grown up around DIY. My dad is an engineer, and he always instilled in me the idea that with a little grit and determination, anything is possible. You \ncan\n do it yourself.\n\nSecondly, DIY is very budget-friendly. I often run into the same problem: I find something I love that is totally out of my price bracket. So I ask myself… “how can I get that for a fraction of the price?”. This is where DIY steps in. For example, during my kitchen renovation, we purposely and consciously put the money we had into the framework - the bones (floors, walls, beautiful doors, windows, etc). The rest we had to make good with what we had, by re-using and upcycling.\n\nI fell in love with these beautiful tiles in a restaurant in Australia and -knowing my budget - a DIY solution was created. With a ceramic black pen, a pack of white tiles, black grout, and a steady hand - I recreated the design myself. I drew the pattern onto the tiles and sealed the design by baking them in the oven. My builder at the time thought I was crazy!

Another thing I love about DIY is that it really allows you to express your creativity, and personalise every project. It’s about being unique and being yourself and putting your stamp on something. The physical craft of making things is so rewarding, too. When I look around my home, I see things I’ve made in every corner, which gives an intimate, homely feel to the place.

What’s your top tip for someone wanting to do a bit of DIY?\nLook at online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook marketplace, or Shop Your Home. You can find really affordable pieces that are just begging to be upcycled! And of course, IKEA is a great place to get basics that you can transform into whatever you want.

What's your favourite interior trend and why?\nI love the ‘make do and make mend’ mentality permeating the decorating world at the moment. DIY has really been on the rise in the last few years and it’s great to see a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship. DIY doesn’t mean compromising on the quality or look! There is a move towards design that is high quality, durable and has longevity. You’ll see a whole ecosystem of buying second-hand furniture, upcycling etc - just think of eBay. Furniture that is made well will last a lifetime and I love to see people choosing old rather than new as it’s more sustainable too!\n\nWhat's your favourite Lick colour?\nMy favourite colour at the moment is our gorgeous minty \nGreen 08\n. It oozes confidence, full of character and has made its presence known since the 1930's. Delicious when added to door frames and as an accent colour. \nGreen 08\n is my colour fix whilst my favourite wall colour has to be \nWhite 06\n.

Struggling to choose the perfect colour scheme? \nBook a video colourist session \nand our expert team will help you find the right match.

Why wait for the sun to come out tomorrow when you can have it beaming every day of the week with a lick of  yellow paint? With two sunny-side-up shades in the Lick palette – one custard cream and the other more golden  syrup in vibe – there’s method in making sure you’re picking the right one to suit your room. So rather than  tossing the coin and hoping for the best, here’s how to get shade savvy… \nLet’s talk undertones \nIf you noticed our description of our \nwarm Yellow 02 paint\n with its reddish undertones and are wondering what the heck are we  talking about, let’s break it down.  \nColours are made up of a very precise recipe, and one of the main ingredients is the undertone – the  underlying colour that’s mixed in and that helps to define its character. A warm base, for example, will tip a yellow into warm territory whereas a grey base will add softness, for sure, but it’ll also transform a yellow into a  cool cat.  \nPay attention to them, because they’re key to establishing the whole tone of your room and your colour’s  temperature. Want things cosy? Look for those reds. Want something classic and country? Creamy, yellow  undertones become your bestie. Rather play it cool and contemporary? Blues and greys, come on down. \nDrop a tint. Throw some shade\nSo you’ve got your undertone sorted, now you’ll want to pay attention to how much tint and shade your colour’s working – tint being how much light white is stirred through and shade being the dark side and black pigment to deepen things.\n\nYellow 01\n is fresh as a daisy with lots of tint in the mix, whereas \nYellow 02\n has, without doubt, a dollop of black poured in so give it hidden depths.\nColour compatibility and room direction\nTemperature, tint and shade are your first few pieces of the puzzle, but the next part can be a bit of a stumbling block for many – not for much longer though. The question of which direction does your room face has a lot to do with which colours complement it most.\nIf you don’t want to get bogged down in the detail, why not book a colour consultation with any of our specialists – Tash, Sam and Vanessa? They’ll take you by the hand and guide you to the yellow that best suits your space. Or if you were part of the orienteering club at school, whip out your old friend the compass and discover which yellow will salute to your room’s direction with great honour.\nNorth-facing rooms: warm, sun-boosting yellows\nCool blue light is what you’ll be dealing with in a northerly room, meaning to stop them feeling as cold as ice, you’ll want a room-cheering, warm yellow like \nYellow 02\n. \nYellow 01\n would still look very lovely, but it’ll highlight its tint, making it seem like a paler, whiter yellow than it really is.

East-facing rooms: easygoing creamy yellows\nA warm morning glow and cool evening light, that’s the story of an east-facing room. \nYellow 01\n is just perfect in settings such as this because its paler tendency (because of the aforementioned level of tint) and its creaminess giving you characteristics that work with both sides of the story.

West-facing rooms: yellows that relate to the time of day\nEast- and west-facing spots have the most changeable light, so you’re best bet is to go for a colour that relates to both sides of the coin. Or, think about at what point of the day you’ll be using it most and play to its strengths that way. For example, if you’re painting your kitchen yellow and you spend most of your time there in the evening when the light is warm and sunny, you might want to neutralise it with a cooler yellow like \nYellow 01\n.\nSouth-facing rooms: all yellows welcome\nStrong and clear natural light is what south-facing rooms benefit from and are considered the top of the pack. Why? Because they’re said to suit colours light and dark and with any undertone going on. Just bear in mind that if you pick our warmer \nYellow 02\n, it’s going to feel even more golden in a southerly room – but that sounds like a pretty glorious thing if you ask us.

Kelly Hoppen CBE is one of the most well-known figures on the interiors circuit. You can imagine then just how excited we were to curate a palette of six new neutrals paint colour with her. After all, she’s internationally recognised for her mastery of colours in the neutral camp so who better to develop \nLick x Kelly Hoppen palette\n with us than the queen of neutrals herself?\n\nRead on to meet Kelly Hoppen CBE; the interior designer, product designer, author and TV personality, and discover \nour new collaboration: Lick x Kelly Hoppen\n.\nKelly in brief\nClean lines and neutral tones, warmth and opulence, East meets West – that’s Kelly Hoppen home’s trademark and what’s put her on the map as one of the most sought-after interior designers on the planet. She’s kind of a big deal.\n\nFrom super yachts and private jets of the rich and famous to hotels and homes, her portfolio is one that spans four decades, countless continents and has scooped up an impressive number of awards and accolades (an MBE in 2009 followed by a CBE in 2020 no less for her commitment to British creativity and international business).\n\nHaving co-designed the likes of rugs, tiles and fabrics in the past, now, she takes on colour creation alongside our resident colour specialists to blend six tonal neutrals from easy greys to the beige that’s been missing from her design life for forty years and counting (more \nadvice on how to use beige paint\n right this way).

How would you describe your signature style?\nKH: “Purist luxury fusing East and West to create balanced harmonious interiors.”\nWhich interior trend inspires you the most?\nKH: “I don’t follow trends and never have. I follow instinct and am inspired by my clients’ wishes using my physiology of design based on layering of textures of every sort and the creation of space using my signature grid line methods.”\nWhat’s the story behind these six colours you’ve created for Lick?\nKH: “My love of the 'perfect neutrals’ is long documented. Over the years I have used certain palettes of fabrics that have resulted in me creating the perfect basic six colours that will work in any interior design scheme.” Psst… read our tips on \nhow to style all six colours.\n

If you could describe the palette in one sentence, what would it be?\nKH: “The perfect neutral palette to enhance any design.”

Why is painting a room so important?\nKH: “I think paint has become a much more superior item in a room. People are painting more mindfully than they used to be. It is a really great way to change a room. Paint is reupholstering your walls. For me it’s expression, it’s happiness and it’s energy. So that’s how I look at colours. That's why I love colour in either a whole room or a wow statement or a pop of colour to enhance.”\nWhat has been your biggest pain point when choosing a paint palette for a space?\nKH: "Paint was often a last minute afterthought of running to the shop, mixing it and then running back to slap it on the wall, and then often it would be the wrong colour. Hence why I love the Lick samples! Because you can stick them up on your wall and look at the colours in day and nighttime light and really see how the colour changes. I also love how Lick believes in the architecture of applying paint – it’s about so much more than just slapping it on.”\n“When you have confidence in colour you make the right choice for your walls.”\n“When I was 17 my biggest fear in design was choosing the paint colour. Because I used to go down and get it mixed and I would come back and it would never be the colour that it said it was. The Lick palette makes things so much easier, because you’ve given people a range of shades in six or seven colours so that they then have the confidence to choose. When you have confidence in colour you make the right choice for your walls. It’s such an easy thing to do, but it’s been such a pain before. And you’ve made it simple.”\nIf you could only choose one colour from the palette to use in a project, which would it be and why?\nKH: “It would have to be \nBeige 05\n as this is so new and a colour I have needed for forever.”

Tempted to paint the town neutral? Read up on \nhow to style Lick x Kelly Hoppen paints in your home here\n, get painting your home using the \nLick x Kelly Hoppen Timeless Neutrals paint colours\n and don’t forget to tag us in decorating pics!

'Real Homes Of Instagram' is our weekly sneak peek into the homes of some of our favourite decorators from Lick's community and beyond.\nNext up in the series, we introduce to you to Rachael and her gorgeous home that you can find on her Instagram - \n@beetrootandblack\n.

Rachael is 36 years old and lives in the North East with her husband and two young children. By day, she works as a photographer, so, it’s fair to say she has a keen eye for detail!\nTheir home is a Victorian end terrace which she bought from a good friend of hers. They decided to change the whole look of the house, not only with decoration and styling – but by adding a shower room, downstairs toilet and driveway, too.

Rachael describes her style as classic & traditional; with contrasts of moody, bold tones. She also likes to add quirky features to keep the style feeling current and contemporary.\nHer favourite room in the house is their open plan kitchen and dining area, which perfectly shows off Rachael’s preferred style combinations. Kitted out with a grand Rangemaster cooker, glossy white Smeg fridge and stunning original fireplace – the space is full of traditional elements. However, we also love the bold, charcoal black wall she has painted in the kitchen area to give the space a pop of colour – it really is a fantastic feature for the room. Love charcoal? Check out our \ncharcoal grey paint Grey 08.\n

When searching for inspiration, Rachael likes to use Instagram to look at other homes and accounts. She loves that Instagram is an interactive platform where you can ask questions and enter into discussions about the products or styles you are interested in.\n“I tend to not follow trends, if I like something I’ll go for it. It doesn’t bother me if people don’t agree with me, even my husband!”\n

Rachael’s most recent project was her staircase gallery wall; a mission that had been on her list for some time. She was fed up with the blank white wall, and was determined to add some attention and style to it.\n“I didn’t want to just put one picture up at a time and it look unfinished, so I took my time collecting the right pictures and frames; and eventually had enough to start it. I love it, it makes such a difference to the space now.”\nThe starting point for this project was to collect the art and prints, so that once Rachael had established an overall style; she could start collecting frames to compliment them. She went for ornate, gold frames so that she could add drama to a blank white wall. However, Rachael also bought one in-particularly oversized print and simple black frame, to stand out amongst the others. We think it looks fantastic! It may have taken Rachael six months to collect the art and frames, but good things certainly come to those who wait! And, with Rachael being a dab hand with a hammer, it only took her 30 minutes to put them all up on the wall!\n“I love DIY. The best bit is not having to wait for tradesmen. I am very impatient, so if I have an idea - I want it done yesterday. Although they would probably do a better job, I’ll get it done faster!”\nNext on Rachael’s DIY wish list is a new kitchen. The current one consists of a modern gloss finish, and was already fitted when they moved in. She admits it’s not quite to her taste; and hopes to change it one day, to a more traditional shaker kitchen.

Rachael’s Top Tips for Decorating:\nAlways prep! I have learnt the hard way by not putting down sheets or covering furniture; and ended up spending just as much time cleaning, as I did painting…\nSave yourself time and effort when it comes to cutting in, and use a good quality tape to mark your edges. It’s all about the finish!\nNever make an estimate when it comes to wallpapering, and always double check your measurements. I made a mistake once, (by as little as four inches!) and it ended up being a very frustrating, messy miscalculation!\nMake sure you tackle just one room or space at a time – trying to take on too much can be overwhelming. It’s better to stay focused on the one job in hand.\n

Rachael's Lick Picks!\n\nBotanical 05\n wallpaper would look great on one side of my hallway. It would definitely add some much-needed texture to the space, too.\n\nGreen 05\n paint would be gorgeous in our playroom. I’m obsessed with every shade of green at the moment. It’s my favourite colour!\nYou can find Rachael and her beautiful home on Instagram - \n@beetrootandblack\n.\n

'Real Homes Of Instagram' is our weekly sneak peek into the homes of some of our favourite decorators from Lick's community and beyond.\nNext up in the series, we introduce to you to Jessica and her amazing home that you can find on her Instagram account \n@charminglifebyjess\n.

They have lived in this house for four and a half years now, and always knew they wanted a period property with high ceilings, original features and wooden floors. They fell completely in love when they originally viewed it; however, they knew there would be a lot of renovation work to do, especially with the kitchen and bathroom. \nTo date, they have completed full transformations of these rooms; as well as vibrant DIY makeovers to the other spaces within the house too. \n“I adore colour, but also have a soft spot for more muted 70s tones. I love mixing modern mid-century style furniture with one off vintage pieces. A little bit of everything, I guess!”\n

Jess admits that her favourite rooms in the house are ever-changing, depending on what her latest project might have been. Simply adding a new print, chair or lick of paint instantly makes that particular room her most desired space; and I think we could all relate to that!\nHaving said this, decorating her son’s bedroom was a much-loved task and continues to make her smile regularly. Complete with a brightly painted fireplace and orange decals, the spaces oozes character and happiness. \nWhen looking for inspiration, Jess likes to take time out and read interior magazines. She also uses Instagram to browse all the home accounts that exist on there – and specifically uses the ‘save’ option to create her very own collection of style stimulus. \n“With so much at our fingertips these days it’s easy to become overwhelmed and end up liking every style under the sun. Make sure you save the images you like (I even go old school and cut images out of magazines). It’s a great way to have an immediate mood board, to see the sorts of styles that you’re really drawn to.”\n

Jess’s most recent project was painting the colour block arch in their master bedroom. They already had a green feature wall behind their bed, but they felt they needed an extra splash of colour to bring the whole room together. Unsure what shade they wanted to use for a long time, they fell completely in love when they first saw our very own \nOrange 02\n. \n“We ordered a wall sticker sample from Lick, and once it arrived we quickly realised how well it complimented the green in our bedroom. My husband worked out the measurements and drew the arch, then I got to work by painting it. We somehow managed to do this with help from our three-year-old too – team work really does makes the dream work!”\n

Although Jess doesn’t currently have any upcoming projects in the pipeline, she often likes to give her rooms a ‘refresh’, by simply rearranging the furniture, book shelves or soft furnishings. It really is amazing how much this can transform a space from time to time. \nJess has also recently started her own home styling service, where you can approach her with a brief and budget – and she will put together mood boards and source products for you; complete with all the information you will need to start the new project! Perfect for those of you that maybe struggle to pull a vision together. Why not head over to Jess’s Instagram page and get in touch today. 

Jess’s Top Tips for Decorating:\nAlways make time to prepare. Know exactly what it is you want to do, and what the end result is going to look like\nIf you’re painting, make sure you have everything in place before you start; the masking tape, dust sheets etc. \nWhen hiring a trade, be sure of the quality of their work before going ahead. Our kitchen-fitter was brilliant at carpentry but not as good with tiling. We wished we’d have known this, in hindsight! \nHave confidence in yourself – we are by no means skilled decorators, but we feel confident giving any project a go! \n

Jess’s Lick Picks\nI am IN LOVE with the \nBotanical wallpaper\n ranges. Particularly \nBotanical 04 blue leaf wallpaper\n & \nBotanical 06\n. \nUnfortunately, our bathroom won’t need decorating for a good few years but I’d love some botanical wallpaper in there at some point.\nYou can find Jessica and her beautiful home on Instagram - \n@charminglifebyjess\n. 

Meet Tash Bradley. Lick’s bubbly and vivacious Director of Interior Design, it’s her mission to help you better understand colour, the way it can influence our everyday lives, and the spaces we call home.\n\nTash spent her working life in the creative industry; first as a professional artist, and then in the world of marketing. In the last 10 years, she has specialised in colour and interior design, working alongside her mother in property development and home decoration, as well as studying interior design at the University of Arts London. More recently, Tash completed a degree at Advanced Colour Methods for Industry Professionals in applied Psychology of Colour.

As Director of Interior Design, Tash describes her role as having three pillars: “colour consultancy, product development, and content creation. My goal with all of these is to help you create your dream home. Think of me as your decorating friend. We will do it together. We will get you there”. Whether through live Q&A’s, webinars, how-to videos, or colour theory lessons.\n\nNot only is she the chief curator of the Lick colour palette and wallpaper collection, but to date, Tash has carried out over 1000 colour consultancies for clients across the UK, EU and US, giving them the confidence they need to transform their homes.

What do you love most about your role as Director of Interior Design?\nMy favourite thing about my role is my colour consultations. Every time I get off a call, I leave feeling excited and inspired. I get so much joy out of helping people who are stuck in their decorating journey to transform their homes. I love talking through the aspects of colour psychology and getting them to understand its power. It’s so rewarding to be able to speak to our customers first-hand, understand their pain points, and feed this back to our team so that we can continue to evolve and improve the way we educate and help our customers.

Where do you think your love of colour and design came from?\nGrowing up with a mother who was not only an interior designer and property developer, but also a trained psychologist and lecturer, gave me the foundational knowledge about colour psychology before I even studied it. I learned from a young age the power of interior design in improving a person’s lifestyle and wellbeing.\n\nWe moved around a lot as kids as my mother developed and flipped lots of houses, and in each house we lived in, we were given a full creative licence to decorate our room the way we wanted. This was so integral to my creative development as a child. My mother really empowered us to be expressive, and create our own little sanctuaries that reflected who we were and what we loved at the time.\n\nWhy do you believe colour psychology is so important and how does it influence the work that you do?\nColour is a language and colour psychology allows us to understand it. We take in colour before we take in the form. When you enter a space, the first thing you see is colour, followed by sound, smell etc. We react very emotionally (and often subjectively) to colour, which in turn impacts the way we behave and interact within a space.

Colour is a language and colour psychology allows us to understand it.

Colour psychology is an integral part of identifying the shades that speak to a client’s space, style, personality, and lifestyle. In order to understand what would work best in my client’s home, I have to first understand how they want to feel in their space and how they emotionally respond to different colours. This is because some colours can be triggering to some people and hold different associations. I endeavour to understand (and help the client understand) which colours produce positive associations and which don’t, in order to help them create a home environment in which they can feel happy and safe. Our homes, after all, are our sanctuaries and impact our mental health more than we know.\n

Our homes, after all, are our sanctuaries and impact our mental health more than we know. 

Where do you source your inspiration?\nI love flicking through magazines, and (like all of us) scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram. But I can get quite lost in the latter two. These incredible online platforms offer a wealth of inspiration, but it's also easy to get lost in them. For me to get inspiration I need to leave the house. I truly believe the best colour combinations are found in nature. I get so much visual stimulation from getting outside and letting my eyes dart around, picking up patterns, shapes and forms.\n\nIf a client is struggling with what colours they like, I always tell them to do one thing; go outside. Take pictures, pick up shells or flower cuttings—anything they are drawn to. Bring them all inside and lay them out, like a mood board. You’ll start to see the tones, textures and patterns you are naturally attracted to. This will give both them and me a better idea of the colours they should decorate their space in, as subconsciously they are gravitating towards those colours because they make them happy.

How would you describe your interior style?\nI would describe my style as farmhouse meets eclectic, but I don’t design my space for Instagram or because I think it’s a decor trend. I design my space for me and my husband. Everything in our home holds sentimental value and has a story attached to it. Whether that’s a painting or a trinket we’ve found on our travels. We love every corner, every ornament, and every colour in our home. Because it is our little sanctuary, a safe and comfortable retreat for not only us but also our friends and family. I’ve found that if you feel comfortable in your home, it will make others feel comfortable and welcomed too.

Sam and I are both bubbly people, and in many ways, our home reflects that. You’ll know as soon as you walk in that I’m going to be chatty. Whilst I like my walls to be warm and neutral, my accessories are bright and colourful. I need colour in my life. It energises me and makes me feel joyful.

What’s your favourite Lick colour?\nI don’t have a favourite, they are my babies! I love every single colour equally.\n \nWant to get the Tash Bradley eclectic farmhouse look? Take a \npeek inside her Somerset cottage\n that she and her husband renovated, or \nbook a video consultation today\n.

Drumroll please… meet Charlotte Cropper! The newest International Colour Consultant to join our team of colour experts - we thought we’d introduce her properly to our community of decorators. Artist, designer, and colour consultant specialising in the psychology of colour, of herself, Charlotte says “I’m an ideas person”. We say, she’s a doer too.\n\nFrom designing cushions for CasaCarta (Laura Jackson’s a fan) to her own table design called ‘Reconnect’, she even created our very own Lick wall mural in Shoreditch, Charlotte’s always got a new idea up her sleeve. She honed her skill at Sydney Design School. And, after studying an illustration course at Camberwell College of Arts, she enrolled on the Colour Psychology course by Karen Haller. And the rest, as they say, is history.

So we thought we’d sit down and do a little Q&A with our latest member of the team and find out how she got into the business of colour, where she gets her inspiration, and of course, what’s her favourite Lick paint?\n\nHow did you get into interior design?\nI’ve always been interested in art and interiors, so whilst living in Australia I worked at Sydney Design School before returning to the UK to do an Art and Design Foundation Course, after which I studied Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts. It was here that I became really interested in colour and how it affects our emotions and wellbeing. After completing a remote ‘Colour for Interiors’ course at the Sydney Design School I decided to dig a bit deeper and enrol in Karen Haller’s course on Colour Psychology.

What are your biggest influences and source of inspiration?\nTravel, discovering new places and meeting new people, whether it be the Italian Alps or the Moroccan desert. I love immersing myself in different cultures, getting to know the people, their rituals and traditions. I moved to Italy after university, where I currently live (in Milan) so I’m constantly surrounded by centuries-old neo-classical architecture. It’s impossible not to be influenced by that.\n\nWhy do you think colour psychology is so important to consider in interior design?\nI think it’s more important than any of us realise, perhaps even more after Covid. Colour Is directly related to your wellbeing, how you feel, how you behave and how you interact with others. It's personal. What's right for your best friend, might not be right for you. What makes me feel calm, might make someone else feel anxious. Colour affects us all differently, so it's about observing how YOU feel around different colours. We are really good at looking after our physical health, but we often neglect our mental health. Colour isn't the answer to all our problems, but it can certainly help to remedy that. And home is the best place to start.

What’s your favourite Lick colour?\nImpossible to choose just one; it would have to be Green 02, Pink 01 and Pink 02.

What's your favourite interior style and why?\nI love the mix-and-match aspects of eclectic decor, especially the look of curated gallery walls. Also, living in Italy, I’m particularly inspired by contemporary Mediterranean decor. I love natural textures and terracotta elements, which feature heavily in these styles.

What are your predictions for the next interior trends?\nHow we relate to our homes has changed so much over the last couple of years. Going forward, I see a shift from “trends”  towards lifestyle choices that are long-lasting and sustainable. Like an increased appreciation of artisans and original craftsmanship, coupled with buying locally and supporting local industries. As ever, I predict sustainability, and with that \nbiophilic design\n, to continue to grow and play a more integral role in our homes and interior spaces.

Check out our \n2022 interior trends predictions\n to read more of Charlotte's predictions and book your virtual \nvideo colorist session\n today.

Seeing red – not such a bad thing after all. The colour of sweet, sweet amour, passion and fervour; the colour of summer strawberries, of ripe and juicy tomatoes, of sweet and tempting cherries; the colour of romantic roses and jolly poppies; the colour of Christmas – there’s a whole lot of good to say about matters rouge. But when it comes to painting with it, you can’t help but feel you need to be amongst the brave-hearted because put it in a room and red’s no shrinking violet. Ready-made confidence coming right up in which case as we take on red paint, your perfect match and the best rooms in which to set it loose.\nLet’s talk undertones\nFrom your most unassuming whites to complex greens, every colour on the spectrum has hidden depths. In the world of interiors, we call those depths undertones – the base colour (or colours) that give a colour its soul.\nIn the case of reds, take a sultry scarlet hue and give it a brown undertone and it’ll become much more earthy and approachable. Or crimson with a navy blue base becomes cooled-down and a bit more plummy than pillar-box red whereas a cobalt blue base livens thinks up and makes a red sharp and strong. Point being, undertones make a heck of a difference to the finished product, so paying attention to them will give you a far better understanding of the red you’re questioning and whether or not the two of you will get along.\n\nIn our current palette of two Merlot-mellow reds, we use three principal undertones:\nBrown: to what does brown inartistically link? If your first guess was chocolate, you’d be right, and its velvet character is 100% detectable in a brown base, but the answer we were looking for was the earth, the soil, the ground beneath your feet. Focus on that latter description, because brown undertones make a red incredibly grounding. We use them in \nwarm Red 01\n – a deep and rich red for sure, but repeat after us – velvety and grounding, velvety and grounding, velvety and grounding. 
\nGrey: grey is what’s known as adding tone and you’ll find some of it alongside brown in \nterracotta Red 03\n. Depending on what depth of grey you go for – from dramatic charcoal ro softly-softly dove grey – and the amount of it, it’ll add a touch of coolness and a level of duskiness. \nRed 01\n only has a smidge – making it a comforting, warm red rather than a fiery one with a soft, dusted note that stops it from being overbearing in a room, even if you use it across all of your walls. 
\nPink: red and pink might sit closely together on the spectrum, but, that doesn’t mean they’re cut from the exact same cloth. Red and pink are separate colours (read up on our pink guide here) and that means that pink can be used as an undertone to mix things up. Just as we do in terracotta-toned \nRed 03\n. Pink in the base, especially the blush variety that we’ve used, takes red into peachy territory. A wise undertone if you want your red to be more of a gentle blush. \n \nDrop a tint. Throw some shade \nIt’s not just undertone that determine a red’s character profile. When concocting colour recipes, it’s a delicate balance of adding different degrees of tint (essentially, adding white) and dots vs dollops of shade (in other words, black).\nBurgundy red for example will have a whole lot more shade added to it than raspberry reds that will still have some shade going on but a little tint to give it lift. In terms of our reds, needless to say it’s \nRed 01\n that’s more shaded, deep and moody, ideal for cosy settings. \nTerracotta Red 03 paint\n on the other hand is into its tints and so go for that if you’re seeking a fresher, perkier red. \nColour compatibility and room direction\nThere are rumours that reds don’t work in rooms that get lots of warm, sunny afternoon light. Let us be the myth debunkers in which case as they 100% do, but it’s about finding the right sort of red. That’s a statement true of every sort of room whether it’s a sun-loving and southerly space or one that looks out to the East. So, without further ado, let’s do some room direction matchmaking – the final step to finding your ravishing red. \nNorth-facing rooms: warm reds to fight the chill \nTake the Great British climate as your cue here – heading north means getting cool. Rooms that are north-facing receive a colder light that’s a bit bluer and so the best reds are those that balance out the cold front, like \nwarm burnt umber Red 01\n. 

East-facing rooms:\n \nreds without a grey base \nIt’s really important that in an east- or west-facing room that you take the time to study your peel-and-stick samples in both the morning and afternoon. Why? Because the light in these two room categories see the most change and your chosen colour can look dramatically different depending on the time of day.\nAn east-facing room gets most of its natural light in the morning when it’ll feel bright and clear (not cool like in a northerly room), but come the afternoon, the light is lessened and the room a touch more shadowed. The golden rule is to choose a colour that best suits the light at the time of day you’ll use the room most. And if it’s all day long, then go for a soft red without any grey in its base like \nRed 03\n. In an east-facing room, it can come forward too much and flatten things.

West-facing rooms: pretty peachy reds  \nEast and west-facing rooms have a lot in common – in that they see the most changeable light. That being said, they also have buckets of differences too – in that what we said of an easterly room is the exact opposite in a west-facing spot. Colours are more shaded in the morning here with grey tones being enhanced, whereas in the afternoon, things get sunnier. Once again, a colour like \nRed 03\n is a good choice as its gentle peachy notes will feel almost like a comforting neutral in the morning, whereas in late afternoon or early evening light its rosy glow will be enjoyed in all its glory. 

South-facing rooms: sunset reds \nWarm and cool colours suit rooms with a south-facing aspect, making them amongst the easiest to decorate – hooray! Whichever sort of red you go for will be seen through a golden lens – one of the most flattering filters in town – so if you pick a warmer red like \nRed 01\n, it’s going to glow more gorgeously than ever before. Both \nRed 01\n and \nRed 03\n will work wonders because they both have a sunset vibe going on – \nRed 01 \nbeing the deep setting sun and \nRed 03\n being the dusky hazy sky. So know that you simply can’t go wrong – a dream situation to find yourself in.

Reds – not quite as scary as they’re made out to be after all. A colour to run towards with arms open, roller in one hand, paintbrush in the other. You can check out more \ncolours that go with red\n or jump straight in and \nshop our red edit here\n and to give you that final dose of courage, order your stick-and-peel samples for a no-fuss way to try before you buy…

Indulge in decorating advice from industry experts and our team of colour consultants. Learn about all things interior design, colour psychology, and more.

Ask The Experts - Expert Design & Decorating Advice

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the bedroom is the parasympathetic nervous system. Not quite as catchy, we know, but arguably more important. It’s a place with a lot of emotion attached to it and it means that the \nbedroom paint colour\n you choose is really important. According to \na 2021 study\n, around 1 in 3 Brits have trouble getting to sleep during the week, whilst 1 in 5 find it a nightly struggle. As our home and work life merges, 10% of the population admit to ‘working from bed’ whilst a massive 70% of people report sleeping with their phones next to their beds. All of this affects our sleep cycle and can lead to disrupted sleep patterns.\nWhilst there are several steps you can take towards \nbetter ‘sleep hygiene’ in your bedroom\n, the colour you choose to paint your walls is a great place to start. So, with that in mind, we spoke to \nTash Bradley, our Director of Interior Design\n, to recommend some of the best paint colours for your bedroom, according to colour psychology.\nHow do bedroom colours affect your mood?\nDid you know that the colours of bedroom walls have a huge impact on your mood, mental wellbeing, and how well you sleep? According to the principles of colour psychology, certain colours have the ability to make us feel calm and rested, whilst others can leave us feeling stimulated and anxious. So, when we’re asking ‘How do you want your bedroom to feel’ we’re really asking ‘How do \nyou\n want to feel’?

Warming, calming, relaxing, safe, and cocooning—these are the adjectives people choose to describe how they want their bedrooms to feel.\n

What are the best bedroom colours for better sleep?\nIf you’ve got one of those brains that simply won’t stop the chatter as soon as your head hits the pillow, then a gentle \nblue bedroom paint\n might just be the answer. The most mentally calming colour, Tash loves a soft blue in the bedroom. According to her “the softer the blue, the more calming. Shades like \nBlue 01\n, \nBlue 02\n, and \nBlue 13\n are perfect for a soothing bedroom and can help you sleep better”.\nDarker shades tend to be more stimulating, so if you’re set on going dark she recommends \nBlue 17\n. This grounded, muted blue will help you feel relaxed and supported, without being overstimulating. Alternatively, Tash recommends \nteal paint for your bedroom walls\n, as a calming compromise for dark blue. Those green undertones of \nTeal 01\n and \nTeal 02\n add a soothing softness to a space, whilst still creating a deep and cocooning effect.

What is the most relaxing colour in a bedroom?\nOf all of the colours, green is the least demanding on the eye. Without getting too sciencey on you, it’s the easiest hue for those rods and cones located in your retina to process. “The colour of balance, green connects us to nature. It brings a little of the outdoors in and instantly makes you feel more relaxed,” says Tash. So, if you’re looking to create a restful feel in your bedroom, reach for those \ngreen bedroom paints\n.\nThe holy grail of greens, for its versatility in different light conditions, \nGreen 02\n is a great mid-tone to use in your bedroom, whilst \nGreen 03\n is an excellent choice for creating an air of tranquillity and quiet reflection. If you want to go for something lighter, consider \nGreen 09\n, \nGreen 11\n, or \nGreen 14\n.\n

What colours are the most calming and soothing for a bedroom?\n“Whilst blues are mentally calming, pinks are \nphysically\n calming,” explains Tash. Pink is the colour of cuddles. So, if you go to bed every night with your shoulders up by your earlobes and your back in knots, then a cosy, nurturing \npink paint for your bedroom walls\n will work wonders for your sleep. Tash recommends opting for muted hues, like \nPink 07\n, \nPink 08\n or \nPink 11\n. These dusky pinks are straight from nature. They are earthy and grounding, and that heavy dose of black pigment makes them feel really grown up.\nOn the other end of things, if you’re looking for a light and bright, barely-there paint, go for \nPink 01\n—a great alternative if you’re after something more neutral. Alternatively, if just the mention of pink makes you run a mile, Tash suggests “a fresh take on pink” \nPurple 05\n or \nPurple 06\n.

What neutral colours are best in a bedroom?\nFrom whites to beiges and through to taupe, we never met a neutral we didn’t like. Sometimes you just want a blank backdrop and nothing does this better than a neutral \nwhite bedroom paint\n. Oaty \nWhite 05\n will brighten up even the darkest bedroom, or for a really smart and serene palette, \nWhite 04\n has a linen-like texture to it and will bounce light around a south-east facing room.\nIf you want to add more depth and texture to your colour palette whilst still keeping it very relaxed, beautiful \nBeige 02\n and \nBeige 03\n will do just this. As Tash puts it, “these guys are there to make you feel safe. To create a sanctuary and a cosy, comforting environment”. Their yellow undertones inject warmth into a space—especially Beige 03 for a dark north-facing bedroom. Finally, Tash recommends earthy \nTaupe 03\n. Its red undertones give it a pink(ish) appearance yet the effect is really cosy and grown-up.

And there you have it. The best paint colours for your bedroom according to colour psychology. If you’re looking for some more room-by-room interior inspo, take a look at our favourite \nkitchen paint colours\n or discover these \nperfect living room paints\n.

A lot has changed over the last couple of years. Changes to our lives that seemed temporary: the home office, the need for outdoor space, a yearning for simple living (not to mention a newfound appreciation for DIY) have become long-lasting. During the pandemic, we were forced to rethink how we used our space. Naturally, this has had a massive impact on our decor choices. That's why we're taking a look at the biggest interior trends to look out for in 2022.\n2022 interior design trend: homes as emotional spaces\nOften overlooked is our emotional connection to our homes. Over the last couple of years, that emotional connection has only strengthened as our homes have become our literal safe haven. \n\nAs our \nColour Consultant\n Charlotte puts it, "Now more than ever, our homes are a place where we want to feel sheltered, protected and supported". So how does this translate into interior design trends? Well, would-be decorators are paying greater attention to \nhow colour psychology affects our emotions\n, and we're seeing lots of gentle, nurturing colour choices.  Warming \npinks\n are like a hug in a paint tin, whilst \nbeiges\n create an earthy, grounding effect. For the full low down, take a look at our \n2022 colour trend predictions\n. 

Now more than ever, our homes are a place where we want to feel sheltered, protected and supported.

2022 interior design trend: healthy homes\nMore than just maintaining our physical wellbeing, having a healthy home is about preserving our mental wellbeing too. It’s time to create a sanctuary within your home by instilling a bit of that spa-like zen, evoking the senses, and sorting out your \nfeng shui\n. Things like incorporating house plants to help us feel closer to nature, carving out zones in our home for meditation, hit classes or yoga, and decorating with gentle paint colours, are all predicted to stay relevant next year and beyond. Essential oil diffusers in scents like bergamot, ylang-ylang or lavender can alleviate anxiety, whilst the child in us feels a sense of security surrounded by soft, tactile, swaddling blankets or throws.

2022 interior design trend: cosy living\nCosiness isn't a reaction to the weather: it's a reaction to the world outside. It's a feeling so many of us want to evoke in our homes—as demonstrated by the continued popularity of the hygge trend. "I encourage people to find those nooks, those spaces where you can snuggle up with a blanket and feel safe", says Tash, our Lead Colour Specialist, "Our living rooms and bedrooms should always have an element of cosiness to them. A place you can retreat to". During the pandemic, our homes were our cocoons, our sanctuaries, and this has been reflected in our decor choices.

2022 interior design trend: craft & DIY\nAccording to Fameed Khaliqe; “we are living in the golden age of craft”. What we are seeing is an increased demand for design that is bespoke, authentic, and hand-made. Why? Because fine craftsmanship stands the test of time. As we move away from ‘fast fashion’ as a society, we too are moving away from ‘fast design’. More and more, we've seen our community of decorators looking to vintage or \nupcycled furniture\n, rather than buying brand new. \n\nAn emergence of ‘makers and doers’ has occurred in the last decade, with people being hooked to the creativity (and affordability) of DIY;  "It's about putting your own touch on it, which makes anything you make feel more loved. It's about feeling pride in your work, standing back and saying, "I made this!" explains Tash. "Anything crafted instantly adds texture, personality, and a grounding feel".

Anything crafted instantly adds texture, personality and a grounding feel.

From the cottagecore movement to embarking on \nDIY wall panelling\n across the world, the arts and crafts movement is gaining traction, and it has a positive environmental element too. \n\nIt's a great way to know \nwhat to do with leftover paint\n. From \npainting your garden furniture\n, \ngetting crafty this Halloween\n, having a go at these \neasy DIY Christmas decorations\n or these \nhandmade Christmas cards\n. The list is \nalmost\n endless.

2022 interior design trend: smaller, simpler living\nWhether you're renting or buying, property prices are on the up. That's why more and more of us are opting for simpler living. "Our generation wants freedom", says Tash, "When you're tied to bricks and mortar, you're restricted. For some, the idea of a smaller home that they can lock up and leave for a month to go travelling is the answer". \n\nFrom studio flats and tiny homes to fully embracing van life and the open road, when it comes to design, they each require one thing: being really smart about space. From built-in storage beneath the stairs, bed, and floorboards to grown-up bunk bed-cum-office layouts, prepare to be amazed at how you can create a simpler living space without going totally minimalist. We've loved seeing at-home frills like subway style tiling, geometric-patterned flooring, fixed beds piled high with throws and cushions, and even the odd log fire in tiny homes and vans. So, if you're looking to declutter your life, take a look at these \n6 minimalist kitchen decor ideas\n.

2022 interior design trend: broken-plan living\nA post-Covid alternative to \nopen-plan living\n, broken-plan living was born from a need to use our spaces differently—whether to create more privacy or separate work from play. It's about using key design elements to break up the space without breaking the flow. Distinct zones can be created by using different floor finishes, creating partitions or strategically placed furniture. \n\nFor example, using large open-shelving not only acts as additional storage, but it can also create a home office, whilst different flooring can differentiate between kitchen and dining areas, as can a kitchen island or butcher's block. An L-shaped sofa can carve out a cosy living space whilst tall, leafy plants can act as a partitioning screen.

2022 interior design trend: biophilia\nOne of our favourites to date, \nbiophilic design\n, is the interior trend that keeps on growing. Linked to reduced stress, enhanced creativity and clarity of mind—it's no wonder that some of the world's top companies have implemented it in their workplaces. Charlotte explains, "As humans, we are so interconnected with the natural world. Our physical and mental wellbeing, as well as our productivity, depends on us spending time in nature". Some of the key considerations include lots of natural light, internal and external views of nature, and opting for natural and handmade materials and fabrics.

As humans, we are so interconnected with the natural world. Our physical and mental wellbeing, as well as our productivity, depends on us spending time in nature.

And how does this translate into our home decor? Take a leaf out of the \nJapandi trend\n or \nScandi-interior style\n and opt for bare windows or blinds over curtains to allow maximum natural light and provide unobstructed views of the outdoors. Inside, incorporate lots of indoor plants into your home decor.\n\nUsing colour schemes inspired by nature, like our predicted 2022 sustainability colours, is a great way to bring the outdoors in. Take a look at these \ngreen bedroom and living room ideas\n and our range of \nbotanical wallpapers\n for some inspiration.

2022 interior design trend: shy tech & digital cosiness\nYet another Covid-coined word to add to the dictionary; “‘shy tech enables you to connect to technology in a positive way", says Tash Bradley, our Lead Colour Specialist. Nowhere is this more important than in the bedroom, where many of us choose to go tech-free. Whilst in the early noughties, your brand new flatscreen might have taken pride of place, today many decorators are looking to disguise it.

Shy tech enables you to connect to technology in a positive way.

In the bedroom, you could use a tapestry to ensure no blinking lights are visible after bedtime, whilst in the living room, you could use a cupboard to disguise your TV or home office. Wall-to-wall built-in shelving, piled high with books and trinkets, can also help to mask a large TV. On the other end of the spectrum, many designers are going digital in order to benefit our homes. From salt lamps to sun lamps, these little bits of tech can actually create an air of digital cosiness. Whilst designers like James Turrell take the concept of mood lighting to a whole new level.\n2022 interior design trend: expanding outdoors\nWith our newfound appreciation for our gardens, they've become as vital a part as our indoor living spaces. 'Outdoor space' topped property searches during the pandemic and our need for it shows no sign of wavering. \n\nMerging our indoor and outdoor living spaces is set to be a big trend next year, as detailed in our predictions for 2022’s garden trends, where we saw outdoor dining, open-air kitchens, and outdoor entertaining spaces all taking centre stage. Even if you don't have access to a garden or balcony, planting a window box with your favourite flowers or herbs will have the same soothing effect on the eye. Whilst the act of caring for your plants can be both relaxing and rewarding.

We hope this closer look at 2022's biggest interior design trends will give you some decor inspiration for the year ahead. Take a look at \nour colour trends of 2021\n and see if you too have found yourself adding a bit of nature into your home.

Ask the experts

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Meet Charlotte Cropper: Lick International Colour Consultant

Colour explained: everything you need to know about red paint