3 joyful ways to use colour and pattern to bring a sense of fun into your home

With the dull and dark days of January firmly behind us (hurrah!), we’re looking forward to spring’s imminent arrival, when the increased sunlight delivers a serotonin hit to boost our mood and energy levels. And it’s not only our moods that are in need of a pick-me-up, we’re ready to give our homes an injection of new life with plenty of upbeat, lively energy. Get ready to combine those higher serotonin levels with a welcome dopamine hit by decorating with colours that promote a sense of joy, creativity, and wellbeing.

This fun-loving approach is sweeping through interiors this year, with Pinterest highlighting ‘Primary Play’ as one of the key trends to look out for in 2025. ‘Primary Play’ champions a creative approach to interiors that’s about creating a home full of joyful colour and hand-painted patterns. It’s the perfect antidote to the winter blues, and Habitat’s spring summer collection is exactly what you need to achieve it.

We asked interiors aficionado Jack D March for his top tips on how to use colour, pattern and playfulness to refresh our homes. ‘Spring is a playful time for interiors,’ says Jack. ‘People want that renewed energy, and a fresh look in their home. It’s about changing out your accessories, curtains, cushions, and bringing a new look to your space.’

1. Get creative with colour

You may think that playful colours have to be bright and bold, but that isn’t necessarily the case. ‘‘The colours that give a space a sense of playfulness are known to be bright, bold colours which I love,’ Jack says, ‘but you might want to go down the route of pastels or muted tones that suit your personality better.’ Think about the colours that make you smile – whether that’s a pop of vibrant sunshine yellow, or a softer, more buttery version of the same hue – and introduce them to your scheme.

Adding colour doesn’t mean having to go all-out with a fully colour-drenched room. Splashes of colour across a neutral space can feel just as uplifting. Look out for colourful trims on curtains or cushions, or dress plain shelves with statement accessories such as Habitat’s Globe or hand-painted stripe vases.

Don’t be afraid to play around and change things up when you want to give your room a quick makeover. Jack has used the Dawson chair because he fell in love with the deep and rich cobalt blue. Because this is a hardworking and versatile piece of furniture, it’ll work just as well in an office or bedroom when it’s time for a brand new look.

2. Blend patterns, forms and textures

Adding interest to your space is the key when it comes to elevating the design. ‘I love matching matching but if you do it too much the room becomes quite flat, ‘says Jack. ‘You sometimes need another print or pattern to complement it and also to just add a different layer.’ As well as print and pattern, mix and match texture by incorporating a variety of finishes and materials for a design-savvy way to add depth and visual interest to your room.

Another easy way to invigorate your space is through nature. Jack uses fresh flowers to layer in another element – ‘it brings movement and natural form,’ he says. We’re also big fans of introducing houseplants to breathe new life into any space. From an orchid’s pretty blooms, to the large, sculptural leaves of a monstera these enliven your interior.

3. Be confident and playful

Not feeling confident? Relax – there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, so start small and enjoy the process. If you let yourself have fun when decorating your home, you’ll be well on the way. ‘It’s all about building confidence,’ says Jack. There’s plenty of inspiration in Habitat’s spring summer collection, and you just need one vase or cushion to act as a starting point. Pick something that catches your eye, and you can build the rest of the scheme around it.

‘Buy that item, take it home and it will work out because it will be a reflection of you and your personality and that is what a home should be,’ continues Jack. ‘It should be a reflection of the person living there.’

Pack your home full of character, whether you’re feeling bold, playful or serene. Whatever your style or personality, now’s the moment to embrace colour and pattern with Habitat’s uplifting Spring Summer collection.