Interior Designer Jono Fleming on How to Inject Colour & Make Bold Moves in Your Home

A designer shares how to embrace the vibrant hues of the 2024 Dulux Colour Forecast Muse palette.

Jono Fleming (Photo Credit: Jacqui Turk)
Jono Fleming (Photo Credit: Jacqui Turk)

As an interior designer and stylist, Jono Fleming has an eye for bold, transformative designs.

In his recent collaboration with Dulux, he brought his expertise to the forefront, creating a vibrant, urban-inspired sanctuary in his own Sydney apartment.

“Any room works for bold colour choices — don’t limit yourself!” Jono shares. “In my recent design makeover, I transformed the master bedroom with vivid and bold colours, but I also love incorporating colour throughout living spaces, hallways, and even kitchens.”

“Any room works for bold colour choices — don't limit yourself!” Jono says. (Photo Credit: Jacqui Turk)
“Any room works for bold colour choices — don’t limit yourself!” Jono says. (Photo Credit: Jacqui Turk)

His approach often involves painting smaller spaces in bolder hues, using rich textures to elevate the room without making it feel cramped.

In this makeover, Jono embraced the Dulux Muse palette, a collection inspired by nostalgic textures and bold hues. “Brown shades are trending heavily through interiors and fashion right now.

Dulux Fantan, Tuscan Sunset, and Guitar are perfect for introducing warmth and sophistication,” he says.

Jono used Dulux Fantan on the walls, accentuating with Dulux Canyon Cloud on window edges, Dulux Passionate Blue on mirrors, and Dulux Fluorescent Fire on a side table —demonstrating that bold, unexpected combinations can create stunning visual interest.

Jono says bold, unexpected combinations can create stunning visual interest. (Photo Credit: Jacqui Turk)
Jono says bold, unexpected combinations can create stunning visual interest. (Photo Credit: Jacqui Turk)

When choosing bold colours for different rooms, Jono emphasises the importance of the emotional response to colour. “Think about how you use the space and how that reflects in your colour choice. Bold colour doesn’t have to be limited to walls; ceilings, architraves, and window trims can also create bold design moments.”

Jono cautions against common mistakes, such as overmatching decor to paint colours. “A pop of red in a cushion, rug, and vase can draw the eye to the wrong focus. Instead, go for complementary tones rather than being too matchy-matchy. Pops of colour can be tricky to get right.”

Jono advises taking your emotional temperature and seeing how you react to a colour. (Photo Credit: Jacqui Turk)
Jono advises taking your emotional temperature and seeing how you react to a colour. (Photo Credit: Jacqui Turk)

For harmonious bold colour combinations, Jono recommends starting small and looking to the Dulux colour trends. “They’ve done the heavy lifting, and it takes the risk out of decision-making. It doesn’t always have to be as permanent as paint on walls. Try adding curtains or large-scale pieces like artwork and rugs for big pops of colour without too much risk.”

To complement and enhance bold colour schemes, Jono advises layering in natural materials or metals. “This gives a bit of breathing room to the colour saturation and adds an additional layer of design detail.”

Play around with colour through art pieces and ornaments. (Photo Credit: Jacqui Turk)
Play around with colour through art pieces and ornaments. (Photo Credit: Jacqui Turk)

For those hesitant to dive into bold colours, Jono suggests starting with smaller decorative objects or mid-tone colours. “Add paint to smaller items or discover colour through stunning art pieces. Another great way to introduce colour is through curtains, allowing you to see a block of colour on an entire wall with the flexibility to change it.”

Integrating bold colours into an existing style without clashing involves scanning your space for existing colours and introducing complementary shades. “Apply paint to all four walls, create a feature wall, or add colour to doors and window frames. This helps create a cohesive and intentional look using colour.”

Jono Fleming’s expertise and the Dulux Muse palette come together to demonstrate that bold, beautiful colour can transform any space into a stylish, colourful retreat.

Now you know how to use bold colours in your space, why not keep the home improvements going? Check out our edit of the best occasional chairs, then look at our round-up of the best wooden bedframes. 

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