Founded in 2009, Bluebellgray began with just six cushions, hand painted by Fiona Douglas at her kitchen table. What started as a small, personal project has since grown into a comprehensive homeware collection, spanning bedding, fabric, wallpaper, rugs, and tableware.
At the heart of the brand is Fiona’s signature use of colour and expressive, hand painted watercolour style. Every design is still created in the brand’s studio in Scotland, remaining true to the original vision.
Corum’s conversation with Fiona reflects a shared belief in the power of homes to inspire emotion and individuality. Just as Corum is known for recognising the character and potential of a property, Bluebellgray brings depth, warmth, and personality to interior spaces, demonstrating how thoughtful design and considered styling can transform a house into a home.
“My own colour palette is definitely influenced by living in Scotland.”
“My own colour palette is definitely influenced by living in Scotland.”
Your work is known for its bold use of colour. Where does that love of colour come from?
I have always loved colour. I feel colour on a deep level, and I believe strongly in how powerful it can be. I also believe everyone has their own inbuilt colour palette that they are instinctively drawn to and love. It is just that some people are more tuned into what their own colour palette is and are confident enough to lean into that.
My own colour palette is definitely influenced by living in Scotland. Those west coast colours of the Highlands and Islands, especially the beaches, are the colours of my childhood and are forever my favourite colours. I also love the brighter colours of all the beautiful little fishing villages in Scotland, and the fishing boats that bob in the harbours.
Nature is a recurring theme in your collections. What else continues to inspire you?
Scotland is, and always has been, my biggest inspiration, and I appreciate the beauty of it more and more every day. The nature we have on our doorstep is so special, and I feel lucky to be surrounded by such a constant source of inspiration.
I know our weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, but I love the change of seasons, and each one brings fresh new inspiration as the year rolls on. I am also very inspired by vintage pieces. I collect blue and white pottery and love how timeless it is. I adore visiting old homes and seeing how people used to live, which I find incredibly inspiring.
The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore, the Auchindrain Township in Argyll, and the Black House in Arnol in Lewis are some of my favourite places to visit for inspiration. I also love a kitchen in an old Scottish castle.
“Colour can add a lot of fun to a home, and it also creates a welcoming environment.”
“Colour can add a lot of fun to a home, and it also creates a welcoming environment.”
What role do you want Bluebellgray to play in people’s homes?
More than anything, I want people to feel happy when they have Bluebellgray in their homes. I want it to bring them joy. I believe so strongly in the power of our homes to affect how we feel in a positive way. Our homes are our sanctuary, especially in times of turmoil or stress. So if Bluebellgray can help create a feeling of calm, happiness, and be uplifting to someone in their home, then it has done what it has been designed to do.
How do you see colour influencing the way people experience their homes?
Colour can add a lot of fun to a home, and it also creates a welcoming environment. It can help guests feel more relaxed. I also believe it can act as an antidote to the weather. If it is pouring outside and you come home to a space that has colour in it, it can counteract the grey weather.
For so long, the trend we have been told is that houses must be white and neutral to feel calm, but colour can also be calming. Colour does not have to be garish or overly bold. There are many different ways to use colour.
“I think the days of feeling the need to paint your whole home white and remove almost everything in order to sell are over…”
“I think the days of feeling the need to paint your whole home white and remove almost everything in order to sell are over…”
What role do textiles play in making a property feel like a home?
Naturally, textiles bring softness to a space, and in turn that creates a feeling of comfort and warmth. It is amazing the difference well chosen textiles can make to a home. They really can transform a property into a home, and they are also such an easy way to add personality. They are a great way to introduce colour too.
What interior trends do you see shaping homes in 2026?
I think millennial grey, which has been a semi permanent trend for a long time, has finally moved on. Interior trends are leaning towards curating and leaning into individual style, without strong minimalism or maximalism dominating. Less matching furniture, more collected pieces. I also believe there will be a shift away from huge open plan spaces back to appreciating individual rooms and the purpose each one serves.
What advice would you give to property owners preparing a home for sale or styling?
I think the days of feeling the need to paint your whole home white and remove almost everything in order to sell are over. When selling, it is far more important to make your home feel welcoming, organised, and real. Decluttering is always good, but not to the point of no interest.
Make buyers feel inspired rather than presenting them with a blank box. It is much easier to inspire people to buy through a genuinely thoughtful space where they can envisage themselves owning and living the lifestyle of that home.
