Reveal me rooms: How to design your home for self expression

Some interior spaces should be more than just functional; they should be opportunities for self expression, inviting you to experiment with colour, texture and form.

“When we design only for ourselves, we give ourselves permission to be braver and that often leads to the most interesting work,” says interior designer Alyssa Owens.

The most memorable interiors provide a sense of joy and surprise every time you enter.

Here are the “reveal me” spaces where you can be playful, daring and let your personal style truly shine.

The bedroom

Because the bedroom is the most private space in the home, it’s also one of the safest places to take design risks.

“Make one bold decision and let everything else support it, whether that’s a saturated ceiling colour or a dramatic window treatment,” says Owens.

Drama in the bedroom can be quiet, created through unexpected materials such as leather.

“Ruched leather headboards have a tactile, sculptural presence but still feel subtle,” she says. “Or pair plush and curvy, like a velvet headboard with a marble nightstand. That interplay between soft and hard, warm and cool, is what makes a space feel alive.”

Pair complementary colours, such as pistachio and blush or yellow and periwinkle, or combine jewel tones and warm neutrals for depth.

Lighting, she adds, should be a combination of sculptural and restful. “Oversized pendants or curvy lamps on dimmers, paired with lush floor-to-ceiling curtains, add height, softness and movement, making the room feel expansive.”

The dressing room

“So much personality comes through in the way we dress and that can be beautifully reflected in a dressing room,” says designer Shona McElroy from SMAC Studio. “Be inspired by your favourite fashion boutiques; it’s a space you should look forward to starting your day in.”

When planning your dressing room, start with functionality, then layer with personal effects and your favourite colours.

“Soft blushes, putty, or ivory feel luxurious, while deep, moody tones like espresso, oxblood, or midnight is beautiful for intimacy,” she says. “Just remember – the darker you go, the more light you need.”

A “reveal me” space doesn’t need big, bold statements to impress.

“A calm, tonal palette with fine detailing can be just as striking,” says McElroy.

Reflective finishes, such as lacquer, bounce light around a space, making the area feel brighter and larger. Warm timber floorboards or carpet add luxury, while a branching pendant, wall sconces, or integrated LED strips create a boutique feel.

The powder room

The powder room offers a special opportunity to express surprise and glamour.

“These spaces thrive on bold gestures – striking proportions, dramatic finishes and unexpected detailing,” says designer Miriam Fanning of Mim Design. “When amplified in the right way, they become unforgettable.”

Mirrors and dimmable lighting set the mood and double as sculptural features.

“Mirrors expand small spaces, reflect light and can define the room,” says Fanning.

Materials should strike a balance between practicality and luxury: dramatic stone and mirrors offer durability and timelessness, while wallpaper, lacquer, and sculptural vanities add texture and bespoke detail.

“This is a space where being bold is encouraged – deep hues like midnight blue, forest green, blush, purple and even reds bathe the room in character and warmth,” she says.

In her Darling Point project, however, subtle daring was key: pale oak, sea-foam quartzite and soft linens.

“It’s understated but rich in detail – a space where serenity becomes the statement and where every moment feels like returning home,” she says.