Fiona de Lys
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    • Colours of Arley
    • Atelier Elizabeth Rose
    • Deus ex Gardenia
    • Home styling
  • Sustainable paint
    • Argile
    • Bauwerk Colour
    • Earthborn
    • Edward Bulmer Natural Paint
    • Eico
    • Francesca’s Paints
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In the press

Here you’ll find mentions of my work or articles and tips on using colour that I’ve contributed to the UK’s leading interiors magazines and websites.

Benjamin Moore x Homes & Gardens

Benjamin Moore x Homes & Gardens

12 April 2024
Diving deep into colour consulting with Fiona De Lys

Diving deep into colour consulting with Fiona De Lys

13 March 2024
Colour consultant Fiona de Lys’ magical North London cottage

Colour consultant Fiona de Lys’ magical North London cottage

27 November 2023

fionadelys_colourconsultant

fionadelys_colourconsultant
Word from Thailand. My client is making progress, Word from Thailand. My client is making progress, sloooowly. I have worked as his #colourconsultant in an #interiordesign capacity for his #buildanddesign project for about a year now, entirely through zoom meetings, #architecturaldrawings and sheer visualisation, sometimes inspired by my favourite books at home on #tropicalarchitecture and #livinginbali @taschen - a time I once romanticised about escaping to a hotter, exotic place after I returned from Bali… His new home is situated amongst lush, verdant hills and the brief was to bring the #coloursofnature from the surrounding landscape into the scheme. With huge windows presenting picturesque views, of #greennature we wanted to avoid the obvious use of leafy greens indoors, leaving the views as #greenart . Besides, the brief for the #livingroomdesign was to create a #livingspace of energy for entertainment, whereas the bedrooms to be bold but #mutedcolours . In #consideringcolour and aspect, the #colourpalette varies from sludgy yellows and greens, to heavy neutrals and muddy browns, to warm reds and even a warm blue-green reflective of the ocean for the north facing guest en-suite. My client is brave. Wanting to #pushbeyondlimits of the traditional #whiteinteriors , we have #colourfulceilings and the #colourtheory , of course, is that of my methodology working with #hues in relation to #shadowandhighlight . Every aspect involving colour is run past me, from #bathroomtiles to #flooring , #kitchenworktop and #marble to #fittings . Slowly, his new home is pulling together with a cohesive #colourscheme that will make him and his guests feel as connected to the beautiful landscape indoors as out. International colour consultancies available @fionadelys_colourconsultant #interiordesignthailand #internationalcolors #interiorcolours #colourspecialist
#antiquesforhomedecoration Some of you might know #antiquesforhomedecoration Some of you might know that under my creative umbrella I am an #interiorstylist too, having worked on wonderful editorial features and videos and alongside brilliant teams and talent, not forgetting incredibly #beautifulhomes . Over the years my collection of #decorativeaccessories and #stylingprops acquired whilst I also had a little shop in #hampsteadvillage has very much been a sweet reminder and affirmation of these small milestones along the way. Now, with the turning of the season comes change - there is something usually very symbolic for us on a very primitive level to #releaseandletgo . With my eye on various #creativegoals over the next year, I have decided to make space physically and mentally for this transition and sell some that won’t be part of my next chapter so that I can focus on my new studio space I am renovating. Despite my appreciation of #objectsofdesire , this new space dedicated to the next phase of my work as a #colourconsultant needs to be #lightandairy . Over the coming weeks, I will be posting the items ready for a new home. These matching pair of two #antiquetextile single bedspreads featured in the November 2021 issue of #theenglishhomemagazine of the historic home #wivetonhall and can be used as valance or toppers to bed linen. They will come with a photograph I took from the shoot for keeps-sake (quite nice to frame if you have a holiday rental) and a signed copy from the shoot photographer, the brilliant @rachaelsmithphotographyltd of her book #victorianmodern co-produced with @joleevers Price £380 pair + postage Please DM enquires 🤎🍂
When we observe the movement of light in relations When we observe the movement of light in relationship with #interiorarchitecture there is perfect opportunity for #consideringcolour changes on different angles and for practising our ability to see #hues_and_shadows - it’s something I often talk about and encourage. As just one #colourtheory to the many others that can be assimilated as part of an #interiordesignproject , the creative use of #paintcolours can totally elevate a space and enhance architectural merits. And speaking of merits, this image @bolonflooringuk taken whilst on the #interiorsretreat @mad_about_the_house is a great example. See how the daylight and hallway lighting play tricks with hues. Do you see how the arches appear different greens? Imagine taking this #colourconcept and using it elsewhere in the home….where does your eye take you to try this? Where different walls meet in a corner? Hallway dilemmas? Woodwork fixtures? Perhaps ceilings or panelling? Where would like to add a subtle difference to break a block of colour? If you’d like to learn more about working with paint colour, why not join me for a bespoke #colourdemonstration at the stunning Italian villa belonging to #katewatsonsmyth and her husband Adam, and see for yourself the clever use of Kate’s new #paintpalette @graphenstonepaintsuk . #fortheloveofcolour #colourconsultant #interiorinspo
They say be careful what you wish for - and with a They say be careful what you wish for - and with age and focus my wishes come fast and furious! The 24 hours after my #colourscheme demonstration for #focus2024 reminded me what a small world we live in. The 7am return flight to Italy, from where I came especially to deliver my talk @designcentrech , began with making my lunar #affirmations to the glorious full, dawn moon. Once up, I became hypnotised by the #coloursofthesky , reflecting on how lucky I am to have my job, the people and #interiordecor brands I collaborate with, and the joy of the previous day, month and year. I gave those around me #gratitude for being part of the process and being in my life. This trip was to complete my summer break and #colourwork . My mind drifted to the previous talk I gave for the splendid #interiorsretreat at #madaboutthehouse and how much I fell in love with Turin and thinking I cannot wait to return… Thoughts drifted back to the present as we prepared for a windy landing and I began to video the colourful tankers lining the port of Genoa in pink, purple, rusty reds and greens, whilst keeping one eye on the stormy sea. A sudden full throttle of the engines and a steep ascent to escape the wind-sheers sent us soaring. The pilot circled around in what felt like a figure 8 until, eventually, a 2nd attempt to land except the harsh prevailing winds swayed us like a boat on the sea. Another descent and another full throttle sent us higher and higher and higher, and my destination became further and further away. We couldn’t land. Another circle in the sky and once again the colours of the clouds were all I could see…. Finally, a landing destination of…TURIN!! Still in disbelief to be back so soon, on the train to my destination I’m chatting to my new Italian flight-friend and conversation turns to work and our shared appreciation of #barefoot grounding. She tells me she recently painted her house with @francescaspaintsltd and about the work of her friend @robybaldaninteriors that I then discover my friend @rachaelsmithphotographyltd photographed for, and that’s when I realise I’m back on the ground in my colourful world. #fortheloveofcolour #interiors
I’m sure for those of you that attended yesterda I’m sure for those of you that attended yesterday’s #focus2024 your brains are totally buzzing with inspiration. For us, we had a great afternoon @casamance_official showroom x @argileuk - 2 design edits with aligned palettes making scheming simple and effortless. In my presentation, I united paint colour with #fabricdesign to demonstrate how I work with #colourschemes . As always, at the core of my practice is the importance of ‘bending’ colour to create hues inspired by the alchemy of colour in relationship with natural light. It is the difference between what I call ‘linear colour differentiation’ and ‘3D colour relativity’ . Demonstrating this difference with the enchanting colours of Argile paints made it easy to show how to navigate away from obvious and predictable colour schemes using my method. Appreciating colour in 3D opens up beautifully harmonious schemes that enables the adding and removing of colours easily over time, season, mood. I really enjoy putting together a combined result in these sort of demonstrations between #paint and #interiordecor or #interiorstyling as it creates a visual from a concept for guests and visitors to engage with. In the following images, you can see rows of beautiful Casamance #misiafabrics with colours either side. One side the predictable colour picked out from the fabric design, the other side a warm or cool shadow or highlight with smaller material swatches to complement. I really should have taken more and better photos - I am still not good at remembering the importance of this when in the moment. Thankfully @marymaldeinteriordesign attended and took a video so I will post snippets as and when. The colourful buffet even makes an appearance! What do I love most about #casamance ? The colours of the fabrics and wallpapers and how some of the presentation books such as Le Lin & Le Velours provide colour options in relative hues, rather than shades options. So helpful. What do I love most about #argile ? The beguiling hues and 12 finish options. Something for everyone.
In a playful expression of colour @mad_about_the_h In a playful expression of colour @mad_about_the_house , Kate has used the deeper shades in her new paint collection to accentuate architectural elements as seen in some of these photos I took. Kate and her husband Adam have created an oasis in Turin from which to run interior retreats that I am delighted to be involved with. In demonstrating how to read colour and hue followed by a hands-on exercise, guests are further taken on a private tour in Kate’s and Adam’s home to see for themselves how the gorgeous palette of 12 colours have been used from top to toe. A truly fun and adventurous retreat not to be missed! Contact Kate for further details of future retreats. I hope to see you on one! #interiorsretreat #madaboutthehouse #paintcolours #knowyourstyle #italianinteriors #colourconsultant #colouryourhome #fortheloveofcolour
Only few days left before another buzzing environm Only few days left before another buzzing environment of creativity, design, colour, pattern, discussion and so much more! #repost @designcentrech #focus2024 #speaker #colour #designerspotlight
The meeting of minds in the creative expression of The meeting of minds in the creative expression of individuals or brands can deliver such interesting outcomes and perspectives. When I was asked to present a talk and demonstration for Focus/24 in collaboration with @argileuk and @casamance_official it was an opportunity to demonstrate how these two prestigious, design manufacturers share a common palette making them a perfect duo for interior design projects. Both French in origin, Argile and Casamance pioneer the colours of nature within their retrospective paints, fabrics and textiles. Together, we bring a combined result of harmonious schemes inspired by the alchemy of light, colour and hue that effortlessly work together in creating sophisticated and naturally beautiful spaces. Date - 17/09/24 Place - Casamance showroom @designcentrech Time - 13:00 Free tickets via link in bio & @eventbriteuk #designtalk #focus24 #argilepeinture #casamance #colourconsultant #colourspecialist #fabricdesign #paint #sophisticatedinteriors #interiordesign #interiores #colourbynature #colourfulhome #fortheloveofcolour #textiles #colourandpattern #colourpalette
The last of my materials arrived today for the int The last of my materials arrived today for the interiors retreat @mad_about_the_house in Turin. Am all set and very excited to be hosting a colour session. Although a modest palette of 12 colours, Kate’s palette @graphenstonepaintsuk offers versatility from cool to warm, dark to light. I’ll be showing how to work these into colour schemes and how to think about colour in unexpected ways that stretch a scheme beyond the obvious. Looking forward to sharing the results! #colour #consideringcolour #colourpop #colourcourse #colourpalette #colouryourhome #contemporarydesign #styleinspiration #interior #interiorinspiration #interiordesignersofinsta #interiordesignideas #paint #internationalcolourconsultant #bespoketraining #privatetuition #colourconsultant
The count down begins! Only 8 days until I’m in The count down begins! Only 8 days until I’m in Turin delivering a fun, hands-on colour session @mad_about_the_house . You might have recently seen @theststyle the beautiful villa that Kate and her husband have lovingly restored and painted in Kate’s paint collection available @graphenstonepaintsuk . Well, I’m delighted to offer these 12 delicious colours into my consultancy service but right now, I’m finishing my bespoke preparation for 14 lucky attendees on Kate’s exciting interiors retreat in September. Kate has created a palette reminiscent of moments, experiences and colours of Italy and is opening up her Italian home to share and demonstrate how she and her husband have used the colours throughout their home. Head over to Kate’s bio to enquire about availability for her October retreat when I will be delivering another colour session exclusively for those who are mad about the colour @mad_about_the_house 🎨 #colour #colourmyhome #colouryourhome #ihavethisthingaboutcolour #consideringcolour #colourfulinteriors #italianstyle #colore #madewithlove #colourconsultant #colourexpert #bespokeinteriors #bespoketraining #colourcoach #madaboutthehouse
Head over to my story to see more images of ancien Head over to my story to see more images of ancient ways, original methods, architecture and natural colours. Another immersive experience of life from Neolithic up to the Roman Age replicated in great detail @butserancientfarm . #immersive #ancientlife #naturalcolours #architecture #interiorinspiration
It’s an honour to be asked to deliver a talk for It’s an honour to be asked to deliver a talk for FOCUS/24 @thebiid @designcentrech on September 17th @casamance_official in collaboration with @argileuk . I’ll be demonstrating with beautiful fabrics and paint colours, along with painted room examples. Join us at 1pm for nibbles and champagne, followed by a talk about how I work with chroma, hue and value and how I read colour to create colour combinations. The synergy of the palettes shared between Argile and Casamance makes them a natural duo so it’ll be a colourful afternoon full of inspiration and where you will be able to see the latest ranges available. Book your ticket @eventbriteuk and come and say hi! #colourtalk #colourbynature #ihavethisthingaboutcolour #textiledesign #fabricdesign #paint #colourandpattern #consideringcolour #colourpalette #colourmyhome #colouryourhome #biid #focus2024 #interiorstyling #interiordesign #interiordecorating #interiorcolour

Colour consultancy

Colour consultations
About Fiona

Projects

Colours of Arley
Atelier Elizabeth Rose
Deus ex Gardenia
Home styling

Sustainable paint

Argile
Bauwerk Colour
Earthborn
Edward Bulmer Natural Paint
Eico
Francesca’s Paints

Antique vessels

Vessels for sale
Vessels for hire

Contact me

+44 (0)7443 429 614
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