Inside the creative sanctuary of singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama
She's sat in the studio with the likes of Elton John and performed her avant-garde shows across the globe. Still, earlier this year, the multi-hyphenate Rina Sawayama found time to catch up with Tash Bradley, our Lead Colour Specialist, to discuss her most colourful collaboration yet. A creative through-and-through she spent lockdown writing her second album and decorating her house.
A lover of all things colour, Rina was looking for a home that felt soft and peaceful whilst also adding character with her paint palette. "I love that Lick is very curated. With other companies, I feel like there's too much option, and it just stresses me out", Rina says (we know the feeling). It needed to be the perfect backdrop for her creative outputs. She wanted the rooms to feel large and spacious with a sense of flow between them and that cohesive colour scheme. Here's how we got the look.
Rina Sawayama’s musical “man cave” in Electric Poppies 02
This is where the magic happens, where Rina sits at her piano and writes her latest songs, so it needed to be an environment that inspires. "I wanted to create my own little den. I didn't have my own room until I was 15—and now I'm giving myself that space. I feel very safe here". Not only does Electric Poppies 02 act as a vibrant feature wall, but the texture from the wallpaper also helps to absorb the sound. Perfect then, for an in-house music studio.
Get inspired by these feature wall ideas to get the look.
Rina Sawayama’s cosy kitchen in Red 03 and green accents
Here the pink and green palette continues in the form of Red 03 cupboards and that enviable green terrazzo splashback. Not only is this an environmentally conscious choice (it's made from stone cut-offs, making it more eco-friendly), but it looks absolutely fantastic.
When contrasted with these rich green tones, Red 03 appears pink, giving the kitchen a warm and nurturing feel. It's the room that you just want to linger in with a cup of coffee.
"I'm so inspired by Pinterest", says Rina, and that's just where she got the idea for this incredible colour-block feature wall in her kitchen. "I love a lot of colours and lots of different shapes", and this curated collection of her favourite pieces is the perfect display of this.
Find out how you can liven up your space with colour blocking.
Rina Sawayama’s dark and cocooning study in Blue 07
Rina's second bedroom was quite small and didn't get much light, but we decided to use that to our advantage and turn it into a dark and cosy room with Blue 07, yet with a hint of green to keep it from feeling cold. "I always like to trust the experts, but with colour, it's gut instinct. If it makes me feel good, I go for it", says Rina. We couldn't agree more and this room is a total triumph in moody blue.
“I always like to trust the experts, but with colour, it's gut instinct. If it makes me feel good, I go for it.”
RINA
As it doubles as an office, it could be quite stimulating by day, but by the evening, once the light has gone, it's cosy and cocooning—the best of both worlds.
Rina Sawayama’s dreamlike bedroom in Pink 03
“I get a lot of inspiration from the hotels I stay in”, explains Rina. “Hotels have the most budget, so it’s great to take inspiration from really elevated designs”. Painted in Pink 03 her bedroom is just that. Ever so slightly on the bubblegum side, this pink has just enough grey to keep it muted and stop it looking too girlish.
Matching side lamps and that velvet upholstered headboard create a seriously glam look, whilst the pink walls keeps it warm and welcoming.
Get inspired by these DIY headboard ideas.
To conclude? "This house really grounds and centres me. It makes me feel grateful, even when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I feel so lucky. Without people listening to my music, none of this would be possible". What more could you ask for? A house that gives you space to do more of what you love whilst also acting as a daily reminder to feel grateful and grounded. Who wouldn't want more of that?