What’s The Story Behind Balamory-Inspired Interiors?

After 20 years, the beloved children’s series Balamory is finally returning to our screens, sparking a wave of nostalgic memories for parents and children alike. Once again charmed by all the different coloured houses sitting by the sea, how can you introduce this coastal whimsy into your own home, without turning too childish? We chat to the experts to find out how to get the look.

Bring Coastal Charm To Your Home With This Balamory Inspired Trend

Apollo Blinds

From the coastal Suffolk charm of Grandpa In My Pocket (equipped with all the Boden polka dots and florals you could ever need) to the whimsical colours of Balamory, children’s television shows in the early 2000s had us all yearning for a home by the sea.

Based on the pastel-hued town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, Balamory enchanted viewers with its rainbow palette and cheerful characters. From Archie the Inventor’s pink castle to Josie Jump’s buttercup yellow house, the design of this show perfectly encapsulated the ‘indoorphins’ trend long before its time. And with the rise of the ‘coastal grandmother’ obsession on social media (think nautical stripes, navy blues and generally coastal vibes), now’s the perfect time to put your own whimsical twist on the aesthetic.

Content creator Elise Dodds, whose home is a Balamory-worthy riot of bright and playful hues explains that ‘colour has an extraordinary ability to influence our mood and wellbeing’, adding, ‘I’ve always been drawn to bright, happy colours and the sense of fun and energy they bring to a space. Filling my home with vibrant shades creates an environment that feels joyful, welcoming, and full of life.’

Want to figure out how to get the look for yourself? Here’s the interiors experts with their top tips for a Balamory inspired home.

Colour, Colour Everywhere

From statement walls in Miss Hoolie green to kitchen accents in PC Plum blue, Hillary’s style and trend expert Victoria Robinson recommends starting with a hero colour to create the basis of your palette: ‘Start with one bold colour you love – like Balamory’s iconic blues, pinks or oranges – and use it as a base for a feature wall, door, or a statement furniture piece.’

Hillary’s

Once you’ve got your hero colour in place, don’t be afraid to mix and match. As Robinson explains, ‘Balamory’s charm is all about clashing colours that somehow work together. Try pairing unexpected shades for cushions, rugs or artworks.’ She especially recommends painting window shutters in bright, contrasting colours for that seaside feel. While the Balamory aesthetic is all about colour, it’s important not to go overboard on the coastal hues. Adding some neutral shades into the design, keeps the overall aesthetic feeling suitably mature. Robinson advises that you ‘balance bold colours with plenty of white or lighter shades to keep spaces feeling fresh and open’.

Textured Textiles

Interior design expert and creative director at Residence Supply, Steven Fernandez is particularly focused on keeping the aesthetic feeling more coastal than cartoon – a look he recommends achieving through balancing impactful colours with crisps white trims and plenty of natural texture. ‘Textiles carry the story further,’ he explains. ‘I like cotton or linen throws in wide rugby stripes, cushion covers with oversized gingham, and a simple jute rug that feels like boardwalk under bare feet. Keep patterns large and clear so each colour has room to breathe.’

Apollo Blinds

Accessorise With Fun

Bringing in playful, childlike touches such as colourful ceramics, quirky lamps or patterned throws will mirror Balamory’s joyful vibe. Anchor the coastal aesthetic further with nautical elements such as lighthouse images, fishy designs and sailing ropes. As Fernandez explains, ‘Hardware and small accents finish the look. Switch plates in brushed brass echo beach sand and clear glass cabinet pulls recall sea glass. If the room still needs a hint of play, mount a row of oar shaped coat hooks by the door. They nod to the harbour and introduce sculptural interest in one move.’ Whatever accessories you land on, Hillary’s Robinson adds that the most important thing is that you have fun with it: ‘Balamory’s homes reflect the personality of their characters – so let your own style and story come through.’

Playful Patterns

To create that breezy feeling of sun-drenched coastal calm, Matt Thomas from Apollo Blinds advises that you shouldn’t be afraid to mix pattern on pattern. Much like the hodge-podge world of Balamory, it’s the eclectic mix of design that keeps your eyes always interested: ‘Layering stripes, botanicals and block prints in similar tones brings a collected, lived-in charm that feels personal and authentic. Soft blue wood-panelled walls and palm-patterned curtains instantly evoke the breezy calm of a seafront cottage. It’s nautical minimalism, but with warmth and flair.’

Arighi Bianchi

Bring The Outside In

To really connect to the coast, you need to introduce some natural elements into your home. Interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi, Lucy Mather, explains that there’s a ‘charming playfulness to the Balamory-inspired trend that feels refreshingly nostalgic, but it’s the layering of coastal texture and tones that brings it firmly into grown-up territory.’ Mather recommends driftwood lamps to ‘introduce a beautifully tactile, organic element that mirrors natural materials you’d find on the shoreline, while still feeling considered and contemporary’.

Blending these pieces with modern furniture and time-worn antiques, she explains that the key is to anchor the space with texture and let the colour do the talking. Sun-washed elements like rattan light fittings, bleached white oak, and large potted palms leave you feeling like the sea is right on your doorstep.