Sophie Robinson

The stylist and designer – and believer in the power of colour to make our homes happy – is on a mission to ban the beige

You aren’t shy of using vibrant colours. When did that all begin?

I was always obsessed with bright shades. My light-bulb moment was when I was seven and my parents allowed me to pick the scheme for my bedroom. I chose a multicoloured graph-style check wallpaper with a rainbow border, and matching rainbow curtains and duvet cover!

Is colour something to be scared of? Absolutely not – in fact I run workshops to help people lose the fear. Once you know what your colour palette is and what really resonates with you, you can use colour well. It is all there in your gut – it’s just been suppressed by years of ‘good taste’ and worrying about what’s in and what’s out.

Your best advice?

Before you jump on Pinterest or pick up a paint chart think: ‘What do I want to do in this room and how do I want to feel in here?’ And then the colour will support that mood.

Is there a link between what we have on our walls and what’s in our wardrobes? When I was a judge on The Great Interior Design Challenge, I expressed myself through clothes on the show and people said: ‘You’re so confident with colour.

I wish I was.’ That was when I started blogging about colour. So, yes!

Where is the happy space in your home? My hallway – it’s deep lazuli blue, and I have a pink stair runner. A hallway sets the style of a home, so have it in a favourite shade.

How can we find our true colours?

Have a look in your jewellery box, accessories drawer, make-up bag. I had a client once who wanted her kitchen matched to her favourite purple nail polish. And she loved that kitchen; it made her feel fabulous.

Is it as simple as following your heart? My seven-year-old self knew exactly what colours I like. My son is the same. I let him decorate his bedroom and he’s five – he didn’t hesitate: ‘Atomic Red, Mum!’ When you get back in touch with what you really like it is a revelation.

Find more inspired thinking on Sophie’s blog and podcast: sophierobinson.co.uk