This June, in celebration of the London Festival of Architecture, we are proud to launch a special 4-week editorial series spotlighting the architects shaping our built environment, and the colours that shape their vision.
We’ll be speaking with architectural practices we admire and collaborate with, exploring how colour influences the way we design, feel, and function in our spaces. From residential sanctuaries to public places, each interview will reveal how colour plays a vital role in human-centric design, emotional wellbeing, and creative identity.
Following our recent talk with Kevin Haley, Founder of Kevin Haley Studio, we're now excited to introduce you to Jolie Studio — a responsible, full-service design studio, designing offices, homes and commercial spaces with the senses and wellbeing in mind.
"Colour isn’t just an afterthought or decorative element; it’s foundational to shaping how a space feels and how people interact with it.", says Jolie Studio.
We believe colour isn’t just a surface choice, it’s a tool for storytelling, a reflection of values and a sustainable design decision. Through this series, we’ll highlight the powerful intersection of architecture, emotion and colour, and celebrate the studios leading this thoughtful design evolution.
1. How do you integrate colour into your design process?
Everything begins with establishing the emotional tone, atmosphere, and overall experience we want to evoke right from the very start of the design process. Colour isn’t just an afterthought or decorative element; it’s foundational to shaping how a space feels and how people interact with it.
We apply this mindset not only to the scheme as a whole, but also to each distinct zone or functional area within the space. Every corner or room can have its own unique emotional identity, so the colour palette is thoughtfully tailored to support these subtle differences while maintaining cohesion throughout.
Once the emotional goals are clear, we carefully identify which colours naturally evoke those moods and feelings—whether that’s calmness, warmth, energy, or introspection, and use these as our guiding palette. From there, we refine the choices further, selecting precise hues and pigments that carry the right depth, tone, and texture.
The application of colour is very deliberate. We often choose to use it sparingly in some areas to create moments of calm or visual relief, while in others we apply colour more boldly to create impact, highlight architectural features, or define activity zones. This balance helps prevent sensory overload and ensures that the space remains inviting and engaging, with key focal points that draw the eye and enrich the user’s journey.
2. Can you share how surface finishes and colour choices influence your designs?
The Nest is an excellent example of how colour and surface finishes can work together to shape a space’s emotional impact. In this project, the carefully selected palette of rich red, earthy green, and a soft buttery yellow ceiling each bring distinct psychological benefits that go beyond mere aesthetics.
The red introduces warmth and energy, creating a sense of vitality and engagement that encourages social interaction and emotional connection. The green offers a grounding, calming influence, promoting balance and restoration within the environment. Meanwhile, the buttery yellow ceiling adds an uplifting, optimistic quality, bringing lightness and a subtle sense of joy without overwhelming the senses.
These colours were deliberately chosen not just for their visual appeal, but because of how they influence mood and perception. Together, they create a layered, emotionally resonant atmosphere that supports the overall narrative of the space.
3. How do sustainability, colour depth and durability influence your paint selection?
We’re always drawn to paint brands that are attuned to colour in a sensory and experiential sense - those that offer beautiful, considered hues rather than trend-only palettes. Sustainability is a huge priority for us. We want to understand how the paint is manufactured and explore ways we can reduce waste during and after the decoration process.
Durability is key, especially in commercial spaces where longevity really matters. And of course, colour depth is vital - we look for rich, dimensional tones.
It’s also incredibly helpful when brands provide large-format sample sheets and thoughtful colour systems (like a dedicated Pantone set). These make it much easier for us to incorporate colour into mood boards and communicate ideas clearly.
4. How does colour affect how people feel and function within a space?
Colour is absolutely fundamental to shaping mood and guiding emotional responses in a space.
It acts as an anchor, drawing the eye to architectural features we want to highlight. When used confidently, colour can frame key areas and bring clarity to the design. We’re not afraid to work with both light and dark tones in the same space to create contrast and amplify both ends of the spectrum.
Without that variation, you risk creating a washed-out effect where the eye struggles to land on anything meaningful. When we’re intentional with colour, we can directly influence how people feel in a space, and that’s where colour really supports wellbeing.
5. What trends are you noticing in the use of colour in modern architecture?
Now, though, we’re seeing colour make a real comeback. It’s being used more thoughtfully, not just to brighten a space, but to define moments within it, highlight architectural features, and guide emotional journeys through different zones.
Architects and designers are becoming bolder and more confident with their colour choices. It’s an exciting shift; there’s a real return to emotional, intentional use of colour within even the most modern of schemes.
6. How can clients or developers embrace confident colour choices without hesitation?
Beyond aesthetics, bold colour choices support a more emotional, experience-led journey through a space. When users feel emotionally connected to an environment - when they sense it’s been designed with care, meaning, and personality - they’re far more likely to engage with it, enjoy it, and remember it. That emotional resonance is incredibly powerful from a commercial perspective and so it’s where the real return on investment lies.
A wash of white or beige can feel calm, yes - but it often lacks the emotional depth or storytelling quality that makes a space truly special. It rarely inspires, and it doesn’t compel people to share or talk about the experience.
If clients want their projects to stand out, generate buzz, and deliver long-term value, bold colour is a strategic design tool they shouldn’t ignore. That doesn’t mean drenching everything in bright hues or going to extremes. It’s about thoughtful application - framing key areas, zoning spaces, and creating contrast in a way that feels purposeful.
Used well, colour gives a space its soul. Without it, you risk ending up with a vast sea of neutrality and no real sense of identity.
JOLIE Studio | Image credit: Billy Bolton
We're honoured to feature Jolie Studio as part of our guest editorial series for the London Festival of Architecture. The team's insights remind us that colour is never just a finishing touch — it's a structural, emotional and cultural force in design.
At YesColours, we're passionate about elevating these conversations around colour and its role in creating spaces that feel as good as they look. Stay tuned for more perspectives from architects who are redefining the way we live with colour.