As we step into summer, the bright light always changes how we see our homes. For me, this season is the perfect time to explore how travel and culture can inspire colourful interiors that feel warm, uplifting, and personal. At Eva Sonaike, every collection I design tells a story of a place I've been to and an atmosphere I want to bring to life.
Whenever I travel, I am always looking for a specific feeling. I absorb the unique elements of a culture, the light, the energy, and the emotions I feel in that place, and bring those memories back to my London studio. If you want to use your own travel memories to bring more colour into your home this summer but aren't sure where to start, you can Join my newsletter to receive the Colour Guide and a 15% welcome offer for my own simple, expert advice.
Translating Travel Memories into Design
Travel brings a unique depth to interior design that you can't replicate artificially.
I don't pick colours just because they look nice; I use them to translate memories and celebrate culture. Whether it’s the tone and texture of a clay wall in Marrakesh or the deep, lush green of a Lagos Garden, these global influences naturally find their way into my collections, where colour is the heart of everything I create.
The Eyo Collection: Light, Shadow, and Texture
This approach is exactly how the Eyo Collection came to life. Designed bring a relaxed warmth to your homes, this collection focuses on the quiet interplay of light and shadow that we experience when exploring new places. It is inspired by peaceful travel moments: filtered light, calm layers, and the beautiful texture of pure linen.
The collection features calming beige, powder blue, botanical green, cool grey, sun-baked orange, clay pink, deep purple, and ocher yellow. It allows you to introduce colour into your space without it feeling overwhelming, giving you the room to build layers gradually and grow your confidence over time.
Mixing Patterns and Cultural Influences
People often ask me if you can mix patterns from different cultures without it looking messy. My answer is always yes - it’s actually how the most interesting spaces begin. The key is balance.
In my work, I love combining vibrant, patterned cushions inspired by West African culture with the quieter, earthier tones of my childhood in Germany. The deep greens and stillness of the Black Forest have always stayed with me. When you layer these two worlds together, you get a beautiful balance of bold geometry and calm, natural tones.
Because the Eyo Collection uses softer shades and linen textures, these pieces adapt beautifully to any space. Whether your style is minimal or rich and opulent, they complement your home rather than dominate it, making them perfect for layering into luxury soft furnishings.
Simple Ways to Bring Travel Home
If you are afraid of overdoing it with bold design, start small. Think of a place you love and focus on how it makes you feel. If you love the coast, start with a textured luxury wallpaper in a soft, sandy tone. Then, layer in deep blues or greens using designer cushions or throws.
If you prefer warmer destinations, tones like terracotta and copper pink work as brilliant "new neutrals" that add instant warmth. This step-by-step approach is a great way to explore colourful interiors without feeling overwhelmed.
A Home That Tells Your Journey
Our homes should tell the story of where we’ve been and how we want to live. Whether it's a specific textile design that reminds you of a global market or a statement cushion that adds a pop of summer colour, each piece adds to your home's narrative. This summer, I invite you to explore the Eyo Collection and start shaping a space that feels yours entirely.
If you want to dive deeper into using colour with confidence, you can Download my Colour Guide for expert advice
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