5 interior designers proving colour and elegance aren’t mutually exclusive

Once upon a time, luxurious and sophisticated interiors were considered synonymous with neutral hues and pared-back decor. However, there’s a new wave of interior designers proving homes needn’t be devoid of colour to exude elegance. Whether it’s the emotionally evocative and materially rich use of tones and textures by YSG Studios or the pops of rich jewel tones within contemporary, Scandinavian-inspired interiors by Anna Carin Design Studio, colour can be used to delineate spaces and tie them together in equal measure.

Proving you don’t have to play it safe to create sophisticated spaces, these are the interior designers using colour in innovative ways.

Defined by textural diversity and daring colour palettes, you can easily pick out interiors designed by YSG Studio. Sydney-based principal designer and founder Yasmine Saleh Ghoniem creates livable spaces that speak for themselves while allowing new memories to be created. Wholeheartedly shunning the all-white approach to luxury interiors that has dominated much of the Australian design scene in years past, YSG Studio proves that unexpected textural pairings, organic shapes and abundant colour can combine to form eye-catching interiors that stand the test of time.

Read more about Yasmine's approach to interior design here.

Taking a timeless approach to interior design, Alexander &CO uses colour sparingly but thoughtfully, as a complement to a neutral base and natural material palette. Though neutral walls and marble and timber accents feature heavily in several Alexander &CO projects, colour is added through furniture, soft furnishings and artwork. Mismatched furniture serves to both inject colour into the space while lending an eclectic touch to otherwise conventionally timeless areas.

Helmed by dynamic duo Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke, Sydney-based design practice Arent&Pyke takes a unique approach to the decorative arts. Proposing the concept of decorative synergy – wherein the combination of the volume, texture, light and colour at play is greater than the sum of its parts – Arent&Pyke imbue each space with soul and feeling through colour, texture and the collision of old and new. Each room within an Arent&Pyke-designed space takes on a life of its own, with a new experience to be had at every turn.

Specialising in luxury residential and commercial design, Studio Gestalt recognises that vibrant hues needn’t be eschewed in the pursuit of elegance. Ensuring each space is connected and cohesive, Studio Gestalt designs take on an undeniably opulent feel, pairing luxurious textures and finishes with pops of colour in the form of decor accessories and statement furniture.

Taking a Scandinavian-inspired approach to high-end residential interiors, Anna Carin Design Studio seeks to connect the Scandinavian principles of simplicity, functionality and sustainability with Australian architecture and lifestyle. Scandinavian homes typically prioritise an abundance of natural light by employing a largely white or neutral base and injecting colour through furniture and accessories. Interiors by Anna Carin Design Studio take on a calm, serene vibe; respecting the heritage fabric of houses while increasing comfort and intimacy through hints of colour.

Looking to incorporate colour into your home? Here's how to add colour to minimalist homes.

Words by Tanisha Angel