Archive - Lisa in Colour

Why does “sage” sound more attractive than “light green”?

A look at how colour names influence perception, from paint chips to nail polish.

Jun 13 •

May 2025

There are colours we can’t name in English (and why that matters)

Compared to other languages, English is pretty limited when it comes to specific words for specific colours.

May 31 •

Is maximalism just anxiety dressed up in colour?

I love the objects in my house, but lately I’ve been wanting to take a few things away.

May 24 •

I'm painting the exterior trim of my 100-year-old house and need your help deciding

Five trim colour options and one old house that’s ready for a refresh. Plus, some colourful home exteriors that I love.

May 18 •

We don’t go to each other’s houses anymore

Third spaces, like coffee shops, are more popular than ever. But what happened to cooking a meal together or knowing what’s in each other’s fridge?

May 11 •

Sunlight isn’t everything

Reminding myself, and maybe you, that a home with low natural light doesn't have to feel dark and drab.

May 2 •

April 2025

To all the bedrooms I've loved before

Five love letters to five of my most cherished childhood bedrooms.

Apr 25 •

Is there such thing as a bad colour combo?

How we perceive colour is shaped by individual brain wiring and context, so what looks wrong to one person might work for another. Plus, practical ways…

Apr 19 •

Colours we inherit: How memory shapes our colour taste

The colours you lived with as a kid show up in weird ways in adulthood; plus: colourful outdoor furniture that's caught my eye, a joyful coffee maker…

Apr 11 •

Is it ugly, or do you just not like it?

I bought a 4' tall paper mache parrot and it got me thinking about personal taste.

Apr 4 •

I'm thinking about painting my living room orange

Notes on the colour change, plus some current photos of my space alongside inspiration photos. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Apr 1 •

March 2025

Why the little things we keep feel the most like home

Exploring the 'endowment effect' and how it influences our spaces; '70s ceramic salt shakers; and a beaded swan clutch that looks like art.

Mar 28 •

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