Image Credit: Wickes
Kimberley Walsh: ‘People underestimate how much colour can transform a space’
Kimberley Walsh might be best known for topping the charts, but these days it is colour charts she’s most excited about.
With the launch of her third exclusive paint shade, Blush Rose, in collaboration with Wickes, Kimberley is officially swapping the stage for the swatch card, taking a pause from music and delving deeper into the world of interiors and DIY, her other creative passion.
The Girls Aloud star’s latest hue is a soft, joyful pink that taps perfectly into the dopamine décor trend, joining her already popular shades, Blue Haze and Subtle Sage.
We caught up with Kimberley to talk all things colour, how she uses it in her own home, why mood matters just as much as style, and what’s next on her paintbrush.
What was the inspiration behind this particular shade?
I was so pleased with how much people loved my first and second shades, I couldn’t wait to launch another colour.
For my latest shade, I wanted to continue the calming atmosphere that we made with both Blue Haze and Subtle Sage but inject a little fun.
So, this time, we tapped into what we know homeowners are loving in other aspects of their interiors – pink!
I’ve always been obsessed with DIY, and love switching up my colour palette in my home and incorporating fun colours, so it was important to me to create a shade that will work in any room.
Pink is having a moment in interiors right now – what do you love about the colour?
It certainly is! Pink has been growing in popularity over the last few years, with #pinkdecor trending on TikTok.
However, I think there can be a nervousness about how to style it your home.
Blush Rose is a really gentle way to experiment with pink for those who might not be confident enough to go too bold and that’s what I really love about it.
How would you describe the colour in your own words – what feeling or atmosphere do you hope it evokes?
Blush Rose is a colour that lifts the mood instantly, bringing joy and a burst of energy to any space.
Right now, I’m all about dopamine décor – adding feel-good colours that boost happiness, especially in busy family areas.
With three kids running around, creating rooms that feel playful, energising, and full of life is a must!
Is this a shade you have used in your own home? If so, how has it transformed the space?
My home has a period style and it’s important that my colour scheme fits this.
Blush Rose not only goes well with the period look of my home, but it complements my current colour scheme, which of course has pops of Blue Haze and Subtle Sage!
It’s such a versatile colour, it really can be used in any space in the home.
I love to use it on panelling down the stairway and into the entrance space to inject some fun as soon as guests enter the home.
But it’s neutral enough to be used in bedrooms, living rooms or even in the kitchen.
How would you suggest styling this particular shade?
One of my favourite ways to use Blush Rose is in a hallway, adding stylish moulding or shiplap wood panelling to make it feel warm and welcoming. It’s such a simple update, but it really makes a big impact!
If you’re looking to get creative with your walls, pairing wallpaper with paint can give a unique and stylish feature.
One of my favourite tricks is using patterned wallpaper inside wall moulding to add texture and interest, then painting the rest of the wall in Blush Rose.
The soft pink complements both bold and subtle patterns, creating a feature wall that feels elegant yet playful.
How do you approach colour in your own interiors? Are you bold and brave, or more subtle and tonal?
I love to have a pop of colour in my home, but I do like to keep it tonal.
Colour drenching is also such a brilliant way to completely transform a space.
It means using the same colour across your walls, ceiling, and even woodwork to create a seamless, immersive look. Not only does it make smaller spaces feel bigger, but it also gives the room a stylish, designer finish.
I’m yet to try this in my own home, but it’s on my DIY list – it would be gorgeous in a bathroom to create a relaxing, spa-like vibe.
Blue Haze would be perfect for this technique, adding a sense of calm and tranquillity.
I’d pair it with soft stone tiles, gold wall light for warmth, and maybe a brass-framed mirror – so dreamy!
For someone who might be unsure about using colour in their home, what’s your top tips for bringing it into a space with confidence?
If you’re new to using colour, try a feature wall to start with as it’s a great way to inject colour into a space.
It can be difficult to choose a paint shade and have the confidence to experiment with something new or outside the neutral comfort zone.
Try introducing colour with softer shades to start with.
Adding brighter pops of colour with accessories is also a great way to introduce colour into the home adds a bit of fun to the space.
I think people really underestimate how much paint can totally transform a space and make it feel completely different.
What are the colour rules you swear by?
I wouldn’t say I have rules, if I like a colour, I often find a way to make it work in my home!
My top tip is to always try paint with a tester pot first, it helps give an idea of how paint will look in your home as it can sometimes vary depending on how light or dark a room is.
What other colours are you feeling drawn to right now? Any unexpected pairings you love?
I’m really drawn to butter yellow and mustard shades at the moment and this isn’t something I currently have in my home other than in soft furnishings – this could be next on my list!
What’s the most colourful part of your home?
I think my living room.
It’s predominantly Blue Haze, of course, but I have lots of accent colours in the cushions and other furnishings and it’s such a warm cosy space.
Have you ever made any colour mistakes in your home? If so, what happened and how did you rectify it/them?
I haven’t really.
I have sometimes painted less of the room in the colour I’m using and then loved it so much I’ve ended up painting more!
How has your taste in colour changed over the years?
I’ve been on a huge colour journey in my home.
When I first moved into my home there was too much to do all at once so I played safe and everything was pretty neutral.
But I’ve now gone round the house again and injected colour and fun into every room and I have totally fallen in love with my home again – I’m loving the journey.
Can you describe some colours you used not to be a fan of but now love?
I didn’t have any dark colours in my home the first time round but now I have some dark blues, green and in the spaces I’ve chosen to use them it’s a total game changer.
Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at Hurkle durkle interiors: 9 ways to get the cosycore look in your home or From doggy showers to statement pendants – the interior status symbols you want but don’t need
READ MORE: