As one of Scotland’s leading experts in the transformative power of colour, Kelly Connelly has dedicated her career to helping homeowners create spaces that truly reflect their personal style and enhance their daily lives. In this conversation, Kelly opens up about what first sparked her passion for interior design and how an intuitive understanding of colour has become the foundation of her acclaimed approach.

She debunks common misconceptions about working with a colour specialist, revealing the personal, client-focused process that allows her to uncover the hidden potential in every home. Most importantly, she highlights the profound emotional impact that thoughtful colour choices can have on how we experience our living spaces and how this can translate to increased value and saleability.

Whether you are embarking on a full-scale renovation or simply looking to refresh a tired room, this interview is an essential read for anyone seeking to create an interior that is as beautiful as it is truly reflective of their unique lifestyle and personality.

What first drew you to interior design, and how did colour become such a central part of your work?

I’ve always loved being at home, and I’ve always been fascinated by other people’s homes too. Seeing how they live, how a space works for them and the things they choose to surround themselves with. I notice everything. The colours people use, the objects they keep, the little details that reveal their personality. Home is such a personal place, and I love helping people feel proud of it and making sure it really works for them. I’m particularly drawn to homes with character… spaces that already have a story to them.

Colour plays a huge role in how a home feels. It shapes the mood of a room the moment you walk in. Some spaces need to feel calm and restful so you can properly unwind, while others might need more energy and focus. I often say colour is the main character in the story your home tells… everything else is the supporting cast.

What misconceptions do clients often have about working with a colour consultant?

People sometimes think I’m going to arrive with a paint chart and simply tell them what to choose. It’s much more personal than that. I spend most of my time asking questions. How do you want the room to feel? What colours are you naturally drawn to?

There are always visual clues everywhere in the things people choose to surround themselves with. Often, my role is simply to notice those clues and refine what’s already there. It’s not about imposing my taste. It’s about helping people see their own more clearly and giving them the confidence to build on it.

When you begin a colour consultation, what is the first thing you assess in a home?

Light and how the people living there want the space to feel.

Light in Scotland has a personality of its own, and it changes everything. A colour that looks gorgeous online will behave very differently. But just as important is understanding the client. A colour scheme should support how someone wants to live and feel in their space.

How do light, architecture and surroundings influence your colour recommendations?

They influence every decision. Scottish light can be soft and cool, so undertones really matter. Colours that feel warm elsewhere can look dull if they’re not chosen carefully.

I also pay close attention to woodwork. Skirting, doors and frames don’t always need to be white. Sometimes using a softer tone, or even carrying the same colour across walls and woodwork, makes a space feel much more put together.

I notice what’s happening outside too. Soft greenery, traditional stone or the quality of the light can influence what will feel right inside. Architecture totally plays its part… period homes often suit deeper, richer tones beautifully. Newer builds usually benefit from warmth layered in so they don’t feel stark.

How do you balance timeless design with current colour trends?

Honestly, I don’t design around trends.

Trends can be fun to look at, but repainting every few years isn’t realistic or necessary. I focus on how a colour feels in a space and if it genuinely reflects the people living there. Your home shouldn’t look like a copy of the house next door. It should feel like you.

How does colour affect the way we feel in our homes?

Massively. Colour can make a space feel calm and cocooning, warm and welcoming, or bright and energising. When it’s right, you feel it straight away.

People are often nervous about colour, which I completely understand. It can feel unfamiliar at first, but once they’ve lived with it for a little while, they usually can’t imagine it any other way. Colour doesn’t always mean bold walls. If someone prefers a quieter backdrop, warmth and depth can come through rugs, artwork, texture and greenery. Even plants alone can completely lift a space. It’s about layering rather than overwhelming.

Can thoughtful colour choices increase perceived value or saleability?

Absolutely. Buyers respond emotionally before they think logically. A home that feels cared for and genuinely loved will always make a stronger impression. Even when selling, I don’t believe in stripping a home back until it loses all personality. It’s about balance… creating something that feels loved, not anonymous.

What’s one simple colour tip every homeowner should know?

Use larger peel and stick samples or paint generous pieces of card and move them around the room. Look at them on different walls, next to furniture and artwork, and leave them up for a few days. Colours shift constantly depending on the light; what looks perfect on a bright morning can feel completely different on a grey afternoon.

And one thing I always say… please don’t colour match. It seems like a clever shortcut, but it very rarely behaves the same on the wall.

If you’d rather skip the guesswork, that’s where I come in.