12 Colorful Homes That Will Make You Ditch White Walls
White walls are the default for many homeowners, but interior design trends suggest that bold colour often brings more character and personality to a living space. According to recent design features, the most striking homes frequently rely on lively hues rather than a monochromatic palette. [1]colorful homes often rely on lively hues rather than a monochromatic palette.
Stylist Kelly Thompson’s Colour-Rich, Happy Home
Interior stylist Kelly Thompson initially inspected a home in Heidelberg Heights and described it as ‘way too white and stark looking.’ Despite this first impression, she saw potential in the spacious block and the retained 1940s features. Over the past three years, Thompson has slowly chipped away at mostly DIY cosmetic updates to introduce gorgeous colour throughout the interiors.
Pieces by local artists and vintage furniture add character, creating a home that is distinctly her own. She collected many of the artworks while running an online design store, ensuring the space feels personal and lived-in rather than curated for a magazine shoot.
From Mouldy Ceilings to a Playful Personal Space
When Nina Siska came across a Parkville apartment, the condition was difficult to ignore. The listing described the art deco pad as a ‘renovators delight,’ a fair assessment given the mouldy ceilings, stained walls, and peeling paint she found. Nina saw the potential in the retro details and wooden floorboards that were hiding under the carpet.
With the help of Studio Co & Co, Nina has renewed the 90-square-metre apartment. The renovations include a bold peachy kitchen and eclectic interiors, styled with art and furniture from some of Melbourne’s best local creatives.
When a buyer first walks into a property that has been completely stripped back to its bones, the blank canvas can feel overwhelming. It is often tempting to fill every corner with furniture to mask the emptiness, but this approach can make a small space feel even smaller. Instead, focusing on the architectural bones and lighting can create a foundation that feels expansive and airy without needing a single piece of furniture to support it.
Early 2000s Apartment Becomes a ‘Piccolo Palazzo’
Eryca Green says buying her Carlton apartment was ‘never a case of love at first sight.’ With its all-white walls and grey carpet, the circa 2001 unit was a far cry from the established and eclectic homes she had previously lived in, but the price was right. Eryca had a vision for the space and the means to execute it.
Almost two years later, the apartment is unrecognisable. Working with Julia Cox of jcHQ, Eryca has designed a home that feels rich in history, featuring vintage furniture, coloured walls, and beloved art. She has created ‘a room of one’s own’ — an always warm, light-filled, and decorative sanctuary away from the busy world outside.
