Fiona de Lys
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Thank you

Rachael Smith, Natalie Dinham and Kasia Bobula for photography.
Treasure Hampstead for my vintage Murano necklace.
Antique Textiles Company for the antique patchwork bedspread.

fionadelys_colourconsultant

Founder: The Colour Academy & Delysian Colour System
1:1 | Workshops | Mentorship |Consultancy
@englishhomemag @houseandgardenuk
BIID partner
Four years ago, in August 2022, a photograph of a Four years ago, in August 2022, a photograph of a colour combination I put together at home won Colour of the Month in Homes & Gardens for @edwardbulmerpaint . The inspiration for the colours felt intuitively right. I knew I wanted the warmth of Ligurian buildings in this north facing room, but I also felt conflicted about the building being a Georgian cottage so I figured something between a Suffolk pink and Liguria would work. This confusion was prompted by a lack of clarity about my aesthetic narrative. However, what is relevant about this image is not the story but the combination of colours. The following three years involved much soul searching, analysis of my natural colour biases and gaining clarity about where my strengths were rooted. And when you begin to open that door, a whole world of colour unfolds before your eyes, in your heart, and in your logic. This unfolded into something I never envisaged at the time — my own method of working colour. Two years ago, I began redecorating my entire home to align with my signature style; a layered process that brings together observation, narrative, light, architecture and form, intention and aspiration. A bias of preference… …the why and how of poetic living through colour, and how it could serve me for healing, growth and joy. Last year, I opened up my home to teach the 2 parts of my method, the Delysian Colour System, to those wanting to explore their own Aesthetic Narrative and for understanding Colour Perspectives. This year, I have begun seeing some beautiful direction of work being posted on Instagram from attendees, whether that’s harnessing their own narrative at home, implementing colour ideas for client projects and even combination inspiration. 🎨 October workshops 3rd & 4th. Link in bio. Original image @rachaelsmithphotographyltd #colourconsultant #colourconfidence #colourscheme #interiordesigngoals #colourworkshop
My own aesthetic narrative began in Liguria, long My own aesthetic narrative began in Liguria, long before I had words for it. Painted façades of trompe l’oeil shadows and highlights taught me to question the idea of 'seeing the unseen', and what that means from an introspective perspective. What is hiding in our shadow? What is it we aspire to in our highlight? It made me think how the experiences born from heritage, connection and intention are in-fact the foundations for personal storytelling, and that a wall can paint a story, for moulding place and meaning into something totally unique. Beyond the storytelling, my personal aesthetic narrative completely changed the way I work with colour, making paint decisions easier and more confidently. It is where I learned to see colour as belonging to a place and a person, a version of me lost and regained. Not to a trend. This is the heart of the Aesthetic Narrative course: uncovering your story, or your client’s, and letting it shape a space that feels true. For some, this could take the shape of escape, tranquility or creativity. For others, this might be cocooning, protection or sensuality. I know this because these are just some of the exact sentiments that students have revealed about themselves during the Aesthetic Narrative course. It's empowering, progressive stuff. Everyone has a narrative. Most have simply never been shown how to read it or translate it. LAST COURSE DATE 2026 - Saturday 3rd October, link in comments. #AestheticNarrative #Heritage #InteriorDesign #ColourConsultant #DesignStory I
Cottage cucina. It’s small but ample, with traces Cottage cucina. It’s small but ample, with traces of Italian and English charm interwoven with sensory layers: Texture Aroma Flavour And a warming palette that just glides the eye across hues of brown, green and reds. Dried herbs from the garden hang above the basket of olive oils, and antique walnut jugs take up all the space of what could be a useful surface; but their enjoyment to touch and look at means so much more. Nothing is fitted, with exception to a worktop, because what is more important here is the idea of romantic, unconventional, rustic living. The wall colour? That was an easy after-thought once the aesthetic and narrative took root — a deep copper glow, to emulate the film of light on a shaded white wall cast from copper pots hanging in a recess beside the credenza. Photography: @rachaelsmithphotographyltd #painterly #kitchenstyling #interiorstyling #naturalpalette #colourscheme
Form, colour, mood; where does that take you today Form, colour, mood; where does that take you today? Soft Sensual Mysterious What are your three words? #colourinspiration #moodmagic #pinkandpurple #interiordesign #interiorstylingideas
A small archive of harmony. Slightly worn postcar A small archive of harmony. Slightly worn postcards. A swatch of velvet, the colour of faded forget-me-not. An old suitcase cognac brown and orange. A poetry book open on a page aged to the cream of an old letter. None of it meant to match, but to relate to in the way the subject feels it should be experienced: Gentle Wise Contemplative Restful Shaded Perfect matches remain stagnant. These almost-hues have movement; here, a little subdued but the movement is there. The paint colours, weaved into the layers, reveal after the sentiment is felt. Try it with what’s near you — four or five objects, none picked for their colour. All picked for resonance in how they make you feel. Lay them close. See what they already agree on but feel with your heart what colours you reach for without judgment. #moodandcharacter #conceptdevelopment #colourscheme #designinspiration colourspecialist
Narrating a scheme to live with is setting your in Narrating a scheme to live with is setting your intentions in motion. #narrativetherapy #livewithpurpose #aestheticnarrative #homeswithpurpose #gardeninspo

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The Colour Academy

All courses
Aesthetic Narrative course
Colour Perspective course
Aesthetic Narrative + Colour Perspective course (bundle)
Aesthetic Narrative + Colour Perspective course (full-day)

©2026 Fiona de Lys Ltd. ‘Aesthetic Narratives’ and ‘Delysian Colour System’ are registered trade marks.
Designed by Gibson. Photographic & prop credits.