Ju de Paula’s feelgood style, full of Brazilian colour and sunshine

Ju de Paula, featured on the BBC’s Interior Design Masters, has created a joyful home that’s an abundance of florals and resplendent colour

Originally from Brazil, Ju has cheerfully brought some of the South American sun to her British home. ‘When we first moved in the decor was very beige, very plain,’ she says. ‘Nothing wrong with being neutral, but it just isn’t me.’

With a pink staircase, yellow curtains in most rooms, thoughtful vintage touches and an abundance of upcycling, it’s no wonder she was chosen to be part of BBC2’s launch series of Interior Design Masters. Ju made it to the final four, and the show has not only brought in new clients for her online interior design courses but also taught her a lot about her own creativity.

The first thing you notice about Ju’s home are the flowers and plants. They adorn wallpaper and cushions, appear on vintage prints, on headboards and pop up in old glass vases – all giving the house a boost of freshness while bringing the outside in. She was quick to learn from working at Designers Guild, well known for their unapologetic use of bold colour and florals, and she’s used much of their paint and wallpaper in her home.

She describes her style as ‘feelgood’ and that’s exactly how her home is. ‘I don’t design for trends,’ she says. ‘I always think, “How do I want the space to feel?”’

While Ju’s home is a riot of colour, it’s also multilayered with plenty of personal touches and storied treasures. Mid-century items, old black and white prints, and vintage pieces with patina ground the interior, making it even more interesting.

‘I love mid-century,’ she says. ‘I think it’s because when I was a kid we had this soap opera in Brazil, set in the 1960s. I used to love watching it for the furniture – that was a big influence on me.’

On moving to this house, Ju has learnt to become more hands-on. ‘I had the vision but not the budget, so I had to do things myself,’ she reveals. ‘That’s how I got into upholstery – I taught myself from watching YouTube videos. I wanted to invest in expensive fabrics, but I didn’t have the money to pay someone to do everything for me.’

Now Ju’s an expert. She’s reupholstered a striking blue chair in her hallway, as well as upcycling a dresser in her office, repainting a desk in the living room and giving a dash of wow to the dining-room cabinet.

Ju’s sourcebook

Designers Guild – Interior furnishings store with wallpaper (used throughout Ju’s home) paint and fine fabrics.

Firle Vintage Fair – Annual three-day festival in Lewes, East Sussex, with French brocante, plus retro and vintage furniture and homeware.

Rust-Oleum – Offers a range of furniture paint for upcycling projects, and their website has ideas and inspiration too.