Playroom Transformation: Expert Tips for Lighter, Brighter Spaces

This week, I’m sharing a project that’s close to my heart—and one that answers a question I get asked all the time: how do you make a dark, north-facing room feel lighter and brighter? Whether you’re working with a playroom, a living space, or even a bedroom, these tips can work wonders for any room in your home.

Before we start with the room transformation, I wanted to share what I loved at WOW!House. If you don’t know what WOW!House is, it’s a one-of-a-kind Showhouse at Chelsea Harbour that happens once a year. World-class interior designers design 22 full size rooms in collaboration with different brands. It’s stunning and full of so much inspiration.

Here are three themes I loved:

Oversized Artwork. You know I love this look, and WOW!House didn’t disappoint. Stunning.

Tonal colour palettes. I’m seeing lots of blues, browns, yellows and greens.

Painted woodwork

Peter Mikic’s room was by far my favourite. The thing I found so clever was it was just so bright. They had done a tonal scheme, so chosen a hero colour - yellow. They coloured-drenched the room and then layered different tones of yellow, and it weirdly didn’t feel overwhelming. It all sat together in perfect harmony. There was nothing fighting for attention, but it was so bright and had a wonderful energy to it. Check it out below.

Now let’s get back to Zac’s nursery…

The Challenge: A Dark, North-Facing Room

Originally, this space was our dining room and home office. But as our family grew and our needs changed, it evolved into Zac’s playroom. That’s the magic of homes—they adapt with us, reflecting the rhythms of our lives.

The room is north-facing, so it lacks natural light and can feel a bit gloomy. I know this is a common struggle for so many of my clients, and I wanted to show how a few thoughtful changes can make all the difference. My goal was to lighten it up, make it feel fresh, and create a space that’s both cosy and full of energy.

Here’s the before…

How I Approached the Transformation

I started by painting all the walls up to the picture rail and skirting in White 05, including covering up a wall that was originally black. This instantly brightened the space and gave it a fresh, airy feel. I wanted to keep things light and energetic, so I chose a blue for the picture rail and ceiling—Blue 08, which has warm, yellow undertones. It’s the perfect example of how blues don’t have to feel cold. The ceiling now feels fresh and warm, and it actually makes the room feel bigger.

For a playful splash of colour, I painted the window sill in Red 03. It’s a small detail, but it adds personality and charm. The original dark brown wood floor was replaced with a really light carpet, which not only lightened the room further but also added a cosy, soft underfoot feel. There was a large, brown unit that felt intrusive, so I painted it to blend in with the walls. Gone is the heaviness, and in its place is a sense of calm.

Here are the photos from the painting stage!

The Finishing Touches

When it came to styling, I really wanted one showstopping piece. Every room needs a statement, and here it’s a large art sculpture—a round donut mirror by Zieta Studio in Inox stainless steel. It’s bold, beautiful, and reflects light around the room, which is essential in a north-facing space.

To combat the lack of natural light, I layered in loads of lighting—shelf lighting, a warm overhead light, and a massive Zara lampshade that creates a gorgeous glow. The result is a room that feels warm and inviting, even on the darkest days.

This project is proof that with the right approach, even the darkest room can feel light, fresh, and full of energy. By choosing warm, light colours, adding reflective surfaces, and layering lighting, you can transform a north-facing space into a room you love.

Homes evolve with us, and so do our rooms. What was once a home office is now a warm, light-filled playroom that Zac (and we) adore. If you’re struggling with a dark room, remember: you don’t have to live with gloom. With a few thoughtful changes, you can create a space that feels bright, inviting, and truly yours.

Tash x

We’ve just launched our Room Service Insider content—and it’s packed with extra goodies! You’ll get exclusive webinars, behind-the-scenes inspiration, and direct access to me on WhatsApp for all your colour questions. It’s perfect if you’re planning a refresh or already knee-deep in decorating. And if you subscribe today, you’ll unlock a special bonus: the moodboard and plans from our brilliant interior designer, Joanna Landais. Trust me, it’s worth it!

If you are already a Room Service Insider, keep scrolling to download the content below.