The colour of the moment?

Hey,

What a week! I’m still buzzing from visiting the  Ideal Home Show and talking at The Power of Colour Summit— talking colour and meeting so many of you at our stand.

Sadly, I got ill and had to cancel my talk at the Ideal Home Show, but I really hope to reschedule at some point. I will keep you posted. 

I did manage to meet so many of you at the summit and chat colour, which I absolutely loved. There’s nothing like seeing the lightbulb moments when someone realises a shade they’ve been nervous about is exactly what their home needs.

One woman told me she’d been staring at paint swatches for months, terrified to commit. By the end of our chat, she was clutching a burgundy sample like it was a long-lost friend. That’s the magic I live for.

Speaking of burgundy, my DMs have been flooded with questions since my recent Instagram post about this colour (missed it? You can see it here). 

It’s clear this colour has a hold on us, and I’m here for it. But let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t about "trends." If burgundy speaks to you, it’s because it means something to you. Maybe it’s that wine-stained tablecloth at your grandma’s house or the velvet couch you spotted in a Parisian café. Colour is memory. Colour is feeling.

The Science Behind Burgundy

Burgundy is really having a moment. It’s a powerful colour because it combines blue (calm, depth) with red (energy, passion). It’s a rare hue that managed to be both bold and comforting. It’s also incredibly rich and grounding, which is why you see it in luxe interiors and cosy libraries.. 

When I was creating Lick’s Purple 03, I wanted to create a rich burgundy. It was a colour that I developed for Soho House’s Dumbo House in New York. That space oozes sexiness and sophistication and is so luxurious. I wanted this burgundy to capture that.

The trick to creating burgundy is to slowly combine the red and blue pigments until you find the right tone. With Purple 03, I ended up adding yellow, a bit of brown and even a bit of black to give it the incredible richness I was after. 

And here’s a little bit of psychology behind the colour. Burgundy has a fascinating psychological impact. The deep red undertones evoke energy and warmth, subtly increasing heart rate, while the rich blue hues promote intellect and focus. This balance of stimulation and depth makes burgundy an excellent choice for a home office as it encourages both creativity and concentration. 

Burgundy, Unfiltered

This shade is like a warm hug for your walls—rich, sophisticated, and surprisingly versatile. But I get it: diving into these deep colours can feel daunting. 

But trust me, burgundy can be the perfect colour whether you want to create a rich, dramatic environment or a very intimate space. 

This colour can really transform a smaller room, like a snug or a downstairs bathroom. I would drench a small room using an eggshell finish. This finish is more reflective and looks incredible under artificial lights and candlelight because it has more of a sheen to it. Your light will almost glow at night and create such a stunning atmosphere. 

Here’s how to flirt with burgundy without losing your nerve:

• Paint a single wall (or just the ceiling!). It’s like a bold lipstick—instant drama, zero regret.

• Think textures. A burgundy throw or lacquered side table adds luxury without the commitment.

• Frame it. Art, bookcases, or even painted door frames can anchor the colour in small, powerful doses.

So many clients say, "I love burgundy but worry it’ll darken my space." Here’s the trick:

• Pair it with textures: A burgundy velvet cushion against a blue sofa? Chef’s kiss. The contrast keeps it airy.

• Use it as an accent: Swap one gallery wall frame for a burgundy matte—instant depth without overwhelming.

• Let it glow: In south-facing rooms, burgundy turns into a radiant, sunlit jewel. I really love burgundy used on kitchen cabinets in south-facing rooms. North-facing? Burgundy totally transforms these spaces into a cosy, intimate environment. Why not add a butter-yellow throw to warm it up?

If you do want to paint your home, sampling is non-negotiable. Burgundy shifts with light—moody at dusk, vibrant at noon. Test it in your space, and get your swatches out. 

And remember, don’t copy the burgundy in your inspiration image. Just because it looks beautiful in that person’s home or the hotel you are staying in, it doesn’t mean it will work in your setting. You need to find the shade that is right for you, your home and the feeling you are trying to create.

Colour Alchemy: Burgundy’s Best Friends

Now, when I’m coming to pair this colour, I look at burgundy’s characteristics for inspiration. 

Burgundy with pink or blue are two colour combinations that are just incredible. They’re both called analogous because they sit next to burgundy on the colour wheel. 

If you are decorating a bedroom, go for a dusky pink with burgundy accents. It will always work. Beautiful.

Or go the other way on the colour wheel and pair burgundy with blue.  I love light blue walls in a living room, with burgundy woodwork and textiles. This would create such a serene environment. Just amazing. 

So think of the colour wheel, and it's always going to work, whether dark pink, light pink, dark blue, or light blue.

Looking for something different? Burgundy does work well with so many different colours too. These are some of my favourite combinations at the moment. 

My Final Nudge

If you’re still hesitating, start with a burgundy candle holder. Or a vase. A cushion, perhaps? Or a striped lampshade. Colour is a conversation—you don’t have to shout all at once.

Or just pick up that paint brush (after sampling) and just go for it. Be bold. Be confident. 

If you need some further inspiration, check out my Pinterest Board here.

And to the woman at the Ideal Home Show: I hope your walls are now the exact shade of courage you needed.

Till next Sunday,

Tash

P.S. Hit reply or DM and tell me: What’s your burgundy memory? I read every one.

Please note: All lifestyle images are from Pinterest unless otherwise stated. If you know the credit, please let me know and I will update.