Darren Kennedy: Bold colours stimulate the senses and breathe life and energy into a space — so be courageous in the hues you use

'Seasons End' Yellow, from €32, The Acres Hall Paint Company, acreshall.ie

Yellow vase with handles, €24.99, from a selection at TK Maxx

Flower ceramic vase, €12, Penneys/Primark

Solarcycle Morph™ light in new Prussian blue and copper, €549.99, Dyson

HK Living hot pink slatted bench, €495, large, aprilandthebear.com

thumbnail: 'Seasons End' Yellow, from €32, The Acres Hall Paint Company, acreshall.ie
thumbnail: Yellow vase with handles, €24.99, from a selection at TK Maxx
thumbnail: Flower ceramic vase, €12, Penneys/Primark
thumbnail: Solarcycle Morph™ light in new Prussian blue and copper, €549.99, Dyson
thumbnail: HK Living hot pink slatted bench, €495, large, aprilandthebear.com
Darren Kennedy

Bold colours and patterns are big this year as a commitment to colour continues. Pigments of varying intensity are omnipresent in paint shades, tiles, wallpapers and textiles. Personally I’m all for it. I adore a bold burst of colour and I truly believe it can be one of the most transformative and stimulating ways to embrace change in our homes.

Walls are where you can quickly make the most significant statement. If you’re feeling brave, paint an entire room in a bold, eye-catching colour such as a zesty green or an energetic orange. These colours stimulate the senses and breathe life and energy into a space. If an entire room feels like too much, consider painting a feature wall or using these colours in an eye-catching wallpaper design. If you want to take it to the next level, try a vibrant mural wallpaper for maximum impact — it’s definitely a conversation starter!

Yellow vase with handles, €24.99, from a selection at TK Maxx

Next, consider your furniture. A single piece such as a sofa or bench in a vibrant, eye-catching colour can serve as the focal point of a room. Perhaps a punchy pink sofa, sunshine yellow bookcase or ruby red coffee table. This allows you to keep the rest of your colour scheme more neutral, balancing the boldness of colour.

Throw pillows, blankets, rugs, and curtains in bright, saturated colours will add warmth and character to a room. Mixing different patterns and textures creates a sense of depth and dimension, making your space feel more layered and lived-in.

Accessorising is where you can really get creative. Picture frames, vases, artwork and even books can all be used to introduce pops of eye-catching colour. While some consider it sacrilege, I highly recommend colour-coding books for a rainbow effect. These smaller details allow you to experiment with different hues and tones without the commitment of investing in larger, costly items.

HK Living hot pink slatted bench, €495, large, aprilandthebear.com

Lighting is another area where you can incorporate colours. Of course, we can’t forget about the power of nature. For a real eye-catching addition, consider plants with colourful foliage or flowers.

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a home that brings you joy. So whether you opt for a vibrant wall colour, a bold piece of furniture, colourful accessories or all the above, these all have the power to uplift your mood and transform your home into a place that makes you smile.