Step inside the North London home of Rosalind — better known to Instagram as @rainbowrosalind — and you’ll quickly realise she doesn’t just use colour, she commits to it wholeheartedly. From bold walls to the tiniest paintable plug socket, her space is a masterclass in joyful detail 🎨
We dropped by to capture her newly personalised fixtures and, while we were at it, picked her brain about how she brings such energy, creativity and personality into every room. Consider this your backstage pass into a renovation that refuses to play it safe — and a homeowner who gives every corner its own story 📚
Ros, your home is gloriously full of colour. What sparks your palette choices, and how do you keep everything feeling intentional rather than chaotic?
I’m forever drawn to pastels. They were my first colour love, and I always come back to pink, green and blue instinctively. And if I can possibly use mint green, I absolutely will!
I don’t really moodboard or plan far ahead; I tend to build a vision in my head as the space comes to life. I also use a lot of white and off-white as the base, with colour as the accents, which keeps everything feeling calm rather than overwhelming. I’m not consciously trying to make things feel intentional, but because I stick to those trusted colours, it all ends up tying together naturally.
You’ve personalised even the smallest details, like paintable plug sockets. What draws you to those micro-design moments most people overlook?
I really poured my whole self into this renovation, and after all those agonising decisions it feels like such a shame to let a plain white plastic socket spoil the vibe. Those tiny details are everywhere, so why shouldn’t they be part of the magic? I love a bit of classic unlacquered brass, but the colourful sockets just feel so me. They add a little unexpected fun and make the whole space feel more considered and personal.
What’s the boldest design risk you’ve taken in this house — and did it pay off?
I think the boldest design risk was having the frame of the glass roof made in mint green. It definitely wasn’t a cheap purchase, and I had no idea how it would turn out in real life, which made it feel extra risky. But the kitchen-diner is the room I spend the most time in, mint is my favourite colour, and it makes my home feel truly unique to my style. I absolutely love it, so it’s a risk that paid off in every way.
How does your home support your creative side? Any corners that feel especially energising or grounding?
The pastel rainbow bookcase sounds like it should be ‘a lot’, but it actually calms and grounds me at the end of every day. I only really sit in the living room in the evenings. I curl up in a chair with a blanket and a mint tea, and I just… look at it. It somehow energises me and settles me at the same time.
Books were such a big part of my childhood; my mum read to me constantly, and many of the ones on those shelves belonged to her or even my grandparents. I’ve always loved information and learning, and there’s so much possibility and so many stories held in those shelves. I find that really inspiring.
Renovating in North London has its quirks — what surprised you most about taking on this property?
I’ve lived in North London my whole life and I’m so proud to be a (north) Londoner, it honestly runs through my blood. One of the biggest surprises during the renovation was how involved the neighbours became, especially when I was trying to choose a colour for the exterior. I’m completely paralysed by decisions, so the debate went on for almost a year.
Eventually the neighbours started adding vote tallies in pencil on the wall swatches, and then someone even spray-painted a massive black tick next to the favourite colour. That gave me the push I needed to finally get it done and felt like a community project! I was happy to choose the colour that most people wanted to look at.
You share your projects online. Has documenting your home changed the way you design or decorate?
Honestly, I don’t think sharing my projects online has changed the way I design or decorate; I’ve always made decisions based on what I love rather than what will perform well. But sometimes my followers definitely give me the confidence to go for things that sound a bit out there. When I asked whether I should paint the rainbow stairs, the encouragement was overwhelming, and it gave me that little push to just do it. So while my style hasn’t changed, the community definitely cheers me on. I love to be enabled!
When you’re not knee-deep in DIY, what creative outlets help you reset?
I’ve never really thought of myself as a ‘creative person’ in the traditional sense. Sport was always my main hobby, my passion, and my way of switching off. Discovering DIY and interiors in my 40s has been such an unexpected joy, and it’s become my one real creative outlet. I love making things with my hands and seeing an idea turn into something real. It’s incredibly grounding and satisfying. Look up the effort-driven reward cycle if you want to read about the science behind it!”
You recently spoke about your profession outside of Instagram. Tell us about your day job.
I’m a pharmacist turned academic, and I now work in global health research, mostly on projects to improve antibiotic use and surveillance around the world. I work 100% remotely, so a lot of my day is spent on calls with partners globally, designing evaluations, and writing up research findings. After the school run I always try to grab a coffee and take a quick walk to Hampstead Heath to start the day. It kickstarts my brain and makes me feel alive before I sit down at the laptop. I’m not someone who sits still easily; I procrastinate, I get distracted by things around the house, and I basically need a hard deadline to focus.
Your home is anything but shy. What would you say to someone intimidated by colour?
I’d say only use colour if you genuinely love it. Start small; paint the skirting board in one room in a shade that makes your heart sing, and see how it feels. I promise you, that’s not where it will end! Once you realise how much joy a little pop of colour can bring, you’ll naturally get braver.
Finally — what’s next? Any new projects or big ideas simmering?
There’ve been some changes in my personal circumstances, so I don’t think I’ll be here forever. A move is definitely on the cards, even if I’m not sure of the timing or where I’ll end up. I’m thinking less about new projects here and more about what comes next. I know I’ll follow my instincts to create a space I love, something cosy and comforting, with colour that inspires me and brings joy, whatever the size or budget.
