Mastering Colour: Insights from Dulux's Creative Director | Interior Design Podcast

In this vibrant episode of The Interior Design Podcast, host Hayley Roy sits down with Marianne Shillingford, the Creative Director of Dulux, to explore the transformative role of colour in interior design. Packed with professional insights, this conversation unveils the science, psychology, and practical applications of colour, offering tips and inspiration for both residential and commercial spaces.

Marianne provides an insider’s view of Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2025: True Joy, explaining how trends are influenced by environmental and societal shifts. From understanding warm and cool tones to designing for neurodivergence, this episode will elevate your colour knowledge and help you avoid common pitfalls in paint selection. Whether you’re a design professional or a colour enthusiast, you’ll leave inspired and informed.

Key Takeaways:

• The role of a Creative Director and how Dulux shapes its iconic colour palettes.
• Tips for choosing the right paint for aesthetics and longevity.
• Insights into colour theory, sustainability in paint formulation, and design trends for 2025.
• How colour can transform moods, behaviours, and spaces—with real-life examples.
• Designing for neurodiversity and exploring migraine-friendly palettes for well-being.
• Tools and resources from Dulux to support your design projects.

Full Chapter Breakdown:

00:00 - Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, Talks Colour 00:10 - Introduction to the Podcast 01:40 - Meet Marianne Shillingford from Dulux 02:00 - The Role of a Creative Director 03:32 - The Importance of Choosing the Right Paint 06:53 - Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2025: True Joy 11:59 - The Power of Colour in Design 13:04 - Exploring Colour Theory and Trends 28:38 - Warm vs. Cool Colours 31:02 - Transforming Spaces with Colour 35:07 - Sustainability in Paint Formulation 35:30 - Choosing the Right Paint for Longevity 36:25 - Commercial vs. Residential Paint Choices 39:16 - Impact of Social and Environmental Factors on Colour Trends 40:38 - The Science and Emotion of Colour 42:11 - Using Colour to Influence Mood and Behaviour 46:00 - Designing for Neurodiversity 50:00 - Real-Life Examples of Colour Impact 58:54 - Common Mistakes in Colour and Paint Selection 01:00:54 - Dulux Tools and Sustainability Initiatives 01:08:51 - Final Thoughts and Advice

Explore more, including migraine-friendly colour palettes, on Dulux’s website: here.

The Colour Story and more about Marianne can be found in the Harp Design Blog here.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about using colour as a design tool to create impactful, sustainable, and inclusive spaces.

The Art and Science of Stainless Steel: Designing Commercial Kitchens and Bars

Introducing Gratte Bros! Mark Kendall and Mark Hazell join Hayley on the sofa for a fantastically educational discussion about commercial kitchens and angry chefs!

We discuss the trend of Dekton tops and tile design for Kitchens. The challenges of working with stainless steel when walls in London are rarely straight!

We learn about carbon monoxide poisoning and if you're talking to a chef, what to advise them to look out for.

Other topics covered include - stainless steel, Southwell Racecourse combination ovens, combination microwaves, coffee shop design, innovative equipment, labour saving equipment for coffee shops, coffee machines, bean to cup coffee machines, coffee beans, coffee grinders with locks, eradicating human error, hot fridges, staff in kitchens, staff shortage of people in kitchens, dehydrating food, leaders of tomorrow, apprenticeships, Kir Starmer, sustainability, power saving equipment, AI, legislation, government, PIR, LED, hydrogen, Elon Musk, green steel, hospitality, front of house, kitchen, commercial kitchen, mental health, running a business, hotels, hospitality industry,

Gratte Brothers is a market-leading provider of foodservice solutions, which has being Serving up Quality and trusted by its customers since its launch in 1948. Inclusive of design, supply, installation and maintenance services. they deliver everything from one-off equipment replacements and refurbishments to full turnkey catering solutions, as well as 24/7 reactive and planned maintenance across a wide range of sectors. Find out more at www.gratte.com

Shout out to:

The Forge Kitchen in Ipswich - "Best Burgers in Ipswich" https://www.theforgekitchen.co.uk/ - Hi Grant!

Southwell Racecourse - https://www.southwell-racecourse.co.uk/ - Hi Dan and Mark!

Atal Kutcher - Michelin Star Chef - Hi Atal!

Green Steel Youtube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRWTZ0paU3Q

Dekton - Cosentino - https://www.cosentino.com/en-gb/dekton/

Rational Ovens - https://www.rational-online.com/en_gb/home/

Unox- https://www.unox.com/en_gb/ovens/

Pret a Manger, Starbucks,

Burnt Chef - Hi Chris - https://www.theburntchefproject.com

In this can't-miss episode, we're joined by Jo Burley from Solus Ceramics to uncover everything you need to know about tiles. Whether you're an interior design enthusiast or a professional, Jo's insights will inspire and inform your tile choices. We explore her fascinating journey in the tile industry, discuss the latest trends, and dig deep into practical tips for choosing the right tiles for any space.

🔑 What You'll Learn:

• Jo's Journey in the Tile Industry – From her start to where she is now.
• Tile Types & Uses – Discover the diverse range of tiles and their ideal applications.
• Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Tiles – How sustainable practices are shaping the future of tiles.
• Slip Ratings & Certifications – Legal requirements and safety standards you need to know.
• Trends & Design – The latest trends in tile design, including the rise of terrazzo.
• Practical Maintenance Tips – How to keep your tiles looking brand new.

🎙️ Guest: Jo Burley from Solus Ceramics 🌐 Website: www.solusceramics.com 📧 Email: joburley@solusceramics.com 📞 Phone: 07771 850058

Don't miss this insightful episode packed with practical advice and design inspiration!

👉 Listen now and subscribe for more expert insights from the world of interior design.

#InteriorDesign #Tiles #SustainableDesign #Podcasting #HomeDecor #TileTrends #DesignInspiration