My 5 dos for downsizing

And more intel from a color-loving London designer.

There is no better thrill in my job than coming across new-to-me design talent. Most recently, I’ve been crushing on Natasha Landers, a designer, content creator, and art collector in London. Her house is a series of chromatic delights layered on top of classic Victorian bones. I mean, a reclaimed gym floor in her hallway?! It’s no wonder Natasha also rents her home as a shoot location and treats it as a living gallery for emerging Black artists. Today, she’s giving us the download on her love for “shocking blue” and a trend she’s ready to say goodbye to. Plus: Natasha’s tips for downsizing square footage without downsizing style. Enjoy! —Lindsey Mather, digital director

Current Mood

Photography by Richard Oxford

What I’m loving: My design style is always all about color. I have a sunshine yellow rubber floor in my kitchen, color blocks of greens and yellow in my living room (above left), and a color-drenched bedroom. Right now, I’m loving what I term “shocking blue” as an accent color. For me, that includes ultramarine, cobalt, and royal blue.

My elevator pitch: Shocking blue can feel both timeless and contemporary. It’s been used for centuries in ceramics and textiles, but is also featured a lot in modern design and fashion. You only need a touch of it to add something striking to a room. Most recently, I painted the door to my laundry cupboard Ultramarine Blue by Mylands and added a big red handle (above right). It’s given new life to the wall.

From left to right: Photography by Richard Oxford; Photography by Natasha Landers; Photography by Richard Oxford

How I’d bring the look home:

• I’m currently designing a mid-century modern space and adding different shades of bold colors through accent furniture, like a blue rattan chair next to a lighter blue side table.

• If you’re anxious, start small! Bring in soft furnishings like cushions, throws, and rugs. My favorite pillow, by Sophie Home, has a huge blue dot in the middle (above left). Pair your shocking blues with neutrals like white, cream, grey, or taupe for a fresh look.

• Art, be it paintings, pictures, or sculpture. I have a wonderful cobalt blue African bust candle from LitBodies (above center) that lives on my kitchen shelf and a huge painting from Margot in Margate of a woman with a royal blue afro (above right). Side note: I am never going to light the candle. It’s far too beautiful.

1. It doesn’t have to shout at you to be effective; I love the simplicity of this mirror.

2. This throw pillow has a neutral base, so it can be added to any sofa or cozy chair. I have two of them on my olive green velvet sofa and it’s the perfect contrast.