8 Colourful Rooms to Cheer You Up on This Blue Monday

Okay, yes… there is some debate about whether or not Blue Monday (supposedly the saddest day of the year) is actually a thing. The term was originally coined in 2005 by a UK-based travel company as a marketing gimmick and there’s no scientific evidence to support it. But it certainly feels accurate. The holiday hype has officially died down and the cold weather has arrived, which is definitely impacting our moods.

So, what are we doing to raise our spirits? We’re looking at bright, bold and beautifully coloured homes. Hopefully these rooms will put a smile on your face, too.

Colour Story

The exterior of this circa 1930s home in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood was covered with pink and mint green asphalt shingles—so as an homage to the original structure, architect Marianne Amodio incorporated those tones into accent walls, doorways and the millwork in the kitchen. And no surprise, it’s stunning. See more of this beautifully renovated heritage home.

Eat Me

A home inspired by Alice in Wonderland? If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face, we don’t know what will! Designers Julie Lanctot and Paul Lavoie went all out in every room in this Calgary residence—including the kitchen, where they added a blue upholstered eating area. Not pictured: the equally colourful glossy blue cabinets. Go down the rabbit hole to the Wonderland House.

Dark and Stormy Soothing

Contrary to popular belief, colours don’t have to be bright to make you happy. Take this Brianna Hughes-designed office, for example. The dark teal walls (and ceiling!) and the warm wood tones are so deep and so rich that they make us feel cozy and calm rather than chilly and chaotic. Step inside this moody Edmonton home.

Flower Power

Properties in the Whytecliff Park area of Vancouver are usually designed to maximize views—and while this 8,200 square-foot home certainly does that, it also draws people in with its vibrant collection of artwork, custom furniture and textiles. Exhibit A: the combination living and dining room, which is backdropped by Andy Warhol’s Flowers. “They make that room so happy,” says designer Robert Bailey of the silkscreen prints. Check out the rest of this colourful and calm home.

Mix and Match

There are no brightly painted walls in this Burgers Architecture-designed home—but it still lifts our mood. Pale bamboo floors and rich charcoal millwork provide a neutral backdrop for the multi-coloured furniture, including the chartreuse Togo sofa and blue knoll chair in the living room, and the fuchsia Arper Saari bench seats in the dining room. Explore this modern home in Vancouver’s Mackenzie Heights.

Big, Bold and Beautiful

Before designer Paul Lavoie came in, this home was suffering from builder beige: “It was well constructed, but it was so boring,” he says. Not anymore! Pops of green, blue, magenta and orange can be found throughout—but the colour and pattern is laid on especially thick in the living room. Peek inside this whimsical Calgary abode.

Mellow Yellow

Was there a moment when WL Editor at Large Stacey McLachan regretted her decision to renovate her condo? Probably… but all of designer Ben Leavitt’s hard work paid off in the end! There are fun pops of colour throughout this entire Kitsilano condo, but we especially love the cheery yellow vanity in the bathroom—and how it’s accented with oversized confetti-print floor tiles. See more before and after photos.

Warm Welcome

The grasscloth wallpaper in this entryway may be blue—but it has us feeling anything but! Designer Louis Duncan-He injected this space with fun and vibrant elements that perfectly reflect the homeowner’s personality. “To me, if their friends and family come and they say, ‘oh my god, this space feels exactly like you,’ that’s when I know I’ve done my job.” Tour this bright, airy and playful Calgary home.