If you’re too scared to paint your ceiling or don’t know where to begin with wallpaper, Tait Tolani is the decorator you need to have on speed dial. The personal stylist and interior decorator has had her colourful, curio-filled home showcased on multiple magazine covers and is passionate about helping clients turn their houses into homes that reflect their personalities.

Statement colours are a signature part of your design aesthetic. What are your go-to paint brands and shades that you use in multiple projects?

I have used eicó paint exclusively since my previous favourite, Farrow & Ball, is no longer available in Hong Kong. eicó is a great discovery because they can colour match or create any hue and their paint is water based – it is safe for children and pets. It hardly produces a scent when applied, and you can even sleep in the room the same night as application. I’m currently working on a project where we’ve developed a raspberry and a deep teal together and I am so looking forward to seeing the results. 

What are a few golden rules for colour combining at home?

You need to strike the right balance between contrast and harmony. In some spaces having a striking colour combo creates a welcome energetic moment, while in others your eye needs to be able to rest. Most of all, pick shades that make you feel something. 

What are some health-conscious home decor companies you can’t live without as an interior designer?

The most important room for health-conscious home decor is a nursery or child’s room. I try to keep these spaces as non-toxic as possible, from the furniture down to the mattress and bed linens. I look for green certifications and brands with wellness in their DNA. I find The Tot has a thoughtful curation for kids and they ship directly to Hong Kong which is key. Incorporating vintage pieces throughout a home is a sustainable option which I’m already drawn to. As they say, ‘they just don’t make them like they used to!’. 

Do you have any fail-safe decor tips for rentals when major renovations aren’t an option?

Paint is the easiest way to freshen a rental that lacks personality, and within a day! What looks like a basic box in white can come to life with a coat of colour. For smaller spaces like bedrooms, I often employ wallpaper as the main design element, and have everything else play off of it. My biggest tip is don’t forget the ceiling. Adding trim, paint, and hero chandeliers with medallions are some of my go-tos. 

Tell us about your work process from inspiration to creation?

Pinterest is an amazing tool for jump-starting the creative process. I find it helps clients show me ideas they love – many of them don’t have the vocabulary to explain what they want but they can easily describe their preferences using a visual aid. They pull favourites from my library of images (many of my pins are also saved from IG), which I then enhance and embellish into a mood board to guide us through the project. Images gathered from Pinterest also help me communicate with local Hong Kong craftsman when I don’t have the language and need to be super specific.

My concepts and picks are often inspired by my travels, and that includes sourcing pieces and vendors in other cities (NYC and London are favourites, as is Paris for the flea markets) and travelling for trade shows. This year I did both Salone del Mobile in Milan and Maison & Objet. Going to fairs helps me keep a finger on the pulse of design and refreshes my eyes.