7 Easy Ways Rixo's Creative Director Fills Her Home With Color

Simple, stress-free tips to brighten your home.

It’s only fitting that the co-founder of one of the UK’s most exciting clothing brands has a home equally as inspired. When Rixo’s Creative Director, Orlagh McCloskey welcomed us into her dazzling West London sanctuary, naturally, we were taking notes on how to recreate some of the standout elements that make her home shine.

Dripping with character, her styling sensibilities fly in the face of monochromatic minimalism. With considered touches throughout, Orlagh keeps every corner feeling fresh and proves that artistic vision and love for your home is what brings a space to life.

If, like us, you’re still dreaming about Orlagh’s vibrant abode, here’s how she ensures there’s a dash of color at every turn.

1. Embrace the unconventional

As you wander through Orlagh’s home, it quickly becomes clear to expect the unexpected. While you might anticipate splashes of color in predictable places like artwork, upholstery, lampshades, or rugs, Orlagh ensures your eye is drawn to more unconventional features. Take the stained glass windows in her living room, for instance – selected by her twin sister, who runs the design studio Cúpla.

For a home-crafted twist, consider finding second-hand options on Facebook Marketplace, or create your own with window film or paint as an alternative to stained glass. When introducing unique decorative elements like these, think about fun, simple ways you can create an impact with DIY methods. Whether it’s vibrant windows, playful candles, or distinctive glassware, the magic lies in the small, eye-catching details.

2. Let your books do the talking

Injecting color into your space while impressing guests with your impeccable taste and intellect? Yes, please. A floor-to-ceiling bookshelf instantly offers character and depth, creating a cozy, intimate feel. Get creative with the layout by arranging books in gradients, color-blocking each shelf, or curating an eclectic jumble of covers. Too short on space for a wall-to-wall library? Opt for corner bookcases, floating shelves, or modular units to make the most of smaller areas.

Take a leaf out of Orlagh’s book (pardon the pun) and infuse some personality into your living room with bold coffee table styling. Titles in her collection include Bed Thread’s The Makers and Assouline Amalfi Coast by Carlos Souza. Statement hardcovers not only add pops of color but also showcase your favorite artists, designers, and authors, making every inch of the home feel well-loved and intentional.

3. Go all-out with color

Sometimes, the simplest techniques are the most effective, and this is certainly the case for the “color drenching” trend. While there will always be a place for colored walls and a neutral roof, painting the ceiling the same shade as the walls unifies a space and enhances a sense of comfort. As Orlagh puts it, “It just feels more homely and more like a cocoon.” The approach is most striking in her bathroom, with the whole room enveloping guests in a tranquil blue glow. No matter which room of the house, the result is inviting, and harmonious.

4. Mix and match linens

If you have an all-time favorite shade of linen, it can be tempting to keep things uniform across your bedding, upholstery, and tableware choices. While a cohesive color scheme is always a nice touch, incorporating accents in different hues can elevate a room, allowing each shade to subtly stand out. Mixing and matching also offers a low-effort way to refresh your space—you can pair existing pieces with a few new items, rather than investing in a complete matching set.

Orlagh’s bedroom is an ideal example: she combines two serene tones with the Lagoon & Mint Bedding Bundle, while the reading nook across the room features the Sage & Olive Scalloped European Pillowcases for a complementary contrast. For inspiration, check out our guide to 20 of the most popular linen combinations, offering tried-and-true pairings that bring balance to any space.

5. Make a statement

For a shortcut to transforming your space, choose bold, expressive artworks. Whether you're looking for original pieces or prints, there's a perfect fit out there for every taste, color preference, and wall size.

If you have the time to put a little more effort in, you can take inspiration from Orlagh and make your own art to achieve the exact effect you're after. As German artist Joseph Beuys famously said, “Everyone is an artist.” Even the most left-brained among us have a creative spark waiting to ignite. Start by exploring the artists, colors, and materials that inspire you, and experiment with creating pieces in your own unique style.

For Orlagh, this meant painting directly onto raw linen to craft large-scale statement pieces: “I just cut out loads of pieces of paper and instead of actually sticking them on, which is kind of what Matisse did, I reversed it and used them as templates to paint around, and then pulled the templates off.” Not only will you flex your creative muscles, but you’ll also get to enjoy your handiwork every day (and earn plenty of compliments when guests admire your masterpiece).

6. Lean on organic elements

When in doubt, turn to nature for an instant refresh. There’s something uplifting about a home filled with fresh flowers – they bring calm, well-being, and finesse to any space. You don’t need extravagant bouquets. A few stems from the garden, wildflowers (responsibly!) picked during a walk, or a bunch from the local market can go a long way in adding vitality and color to your home. Beyond blooms, a bowl of fresh fruit not only makes a room feel alive and lived-in, but also highlights and complements the surrounding palette. Both flowers and fruit add a sense of seasonality, reflecting the changing tones and moods of the year in a natural and effortless way.

7. Embrace contrasting colors

As we can see in Orlagh's aesthetic choices, when done well, mismatched colors, patterns and textures provide a personal flourish to your space. Embracing an assortment of styles and eras allows you to experiment freely, have fun with your décor, and create a space that tells a unique story while adding depth and character. A great way to incorporate one-of-a-kind prints is by introducing vintage or second-hand pieces. Not only is it more fun to curate with pre-loved items, but they also carry a sense of history and personal connection – whether you picked it up on your travels or scoured the markets for the perfect piece. To make the look cohesive, layer elements gradually, select an anchor color to tie the space together, and most importantly, trust your intuition.