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In this special live recording from Formland, I speak with Sanna Wåhlin, interior architect and partner at Stockholm-based Note Design Studio, about colour as a tool for storytelling and self-expression.

Note Design Studio is known for its bold use of colour and materiality, creating interiors, furniture, and textiles that explore how colour transforms spaces and emotions. Since its founding in 2008, Note has become one of the most internationally admired names in Scandinavian design, collaborating with leading brands such as Tarkett, Camper, Sancal, Fritz Hansen, and Hermès, and receiving recognition including the Wallpaper* Design Awards.

From childhood fascinations to bold experiments at Note, Sanna shares how they search for the “vibration point” where colours push boundaries and transform spaces. We talk about their textile collection for Kvadrat Febrik, her practical advice for using colour with confidence, and why stepping beyond beige isn’t as scary as it seems.

This is an episode about colour as storytelling. About pushing palettes to their vibration point. And about discovering the freedom that comes when we dare to move beyond beige.

For more color inspiration follow @sarah__gottlieb and this episode's guest @notedesignstudio and the podcast musician @aloo_music

For updates on upcoming episodes follow @soundofcolour_podcast

This episode is sponsored by @formland_official and supported by The Danish Arts Foundation.

SHOWNOTES
- Want to see the whole Myr & Mylla textile collection? See it here
- The Podcast was recorded Live at Formland, if you haven’t been and don’t know what it is, check it out here
- Have a peak at Hella Jongerius book 'I Don't Have a Favourite Colour' that we discuss or maybe pray that your local library has it, here’s the price on Amazon
- Check out Note Design Studio's work at their website 

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The Sound of Colour is produced and hosted by Sarah Gottlieb, with music by Matt Motte and edit by Kræsten Kusk.

The host
Sarah Gottlieb is a Copenhagen-based designer and art director specialising in colour and spatial design. Known for transforming environments through innovative use of colour, she is dedicated to creating public spaces that inspire connection and a deeper appreciation for design.

To hear more from me

Follow me on Instagram

Sign up to my newsletter for monthly colour inspiration

For images and information from each episode go to the Podcast website

Send us a text

What happens when colours whisper rather than shout?

In this episode of The Sound of Colour, I meet Danish artist Marie Herwald Hermann, whose practice moves between quiet glazes and bursts of euphoric colour. For Marie, colour is never static - it swings like a pendulum between subtle whispers and joyful shouts, always in conversation with the colours around it.

Raised by architect parents in a home of white walls, and inspired by the rainbow rooms of Thorvaldsen’s Museum, Marie came to see that colour never exists alone: “It’s always a colour next to another colour - it’s the conversation between the two that I’m really interested in.” This philosophy runs through her practice, where variations in shade, texture, and finish create rich dialogues within seemingly simple forms.

In this episode we dive into how disappointment in the kiln can spark new ideas, how gloss and matte finishes shape the way spaces feel, and why the quietest, most ordinary objects sometimes have the most to say.

This is an episode about colour as energy. About finding beauty in what first appears uniform. And about why, sometimes, the quietest colours speak the loudest.

For more color inspiration follow @sarah__gottlieb and this episode's guest @m_t_hermann and the podcast musician @aloo_music

For updates on upcoming episodes follow @soundofcolour_podcast

This episode is supported by The Danish Arts Foundation.

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The Sound of Colour is produced and hosted by Sarah Gottlieb, with music by Matt Motte and edit by Kræsten Kusk.

The host
Sarah Gottlieb is a Copenhagen-based designer and art director specialising in colour and spatial design. Known for transforming environments through innovative use of colour, she is dedicated to creating public spaces that inspire connection and a deeper appreciation for design.

To hear more from me

Follow me on Instagram

Sign up to my newsletter for monthly colour inspiration

For images and information from each episode go to the Podcast website

Send us a text

What happens when you strip away the superficial bullshit in design?

In this episode of The Sound of Colour, I meet designer Fredrik Paulsen—known for his punk approach to design and an unapologetic love of bold, clashing colours. Rooted in subcultures, music, and the DIY ethos, Fredrik’s design language is raw and emotional. For him, design is something social—something that invites participation, conversation, and community.

His work has been exhibited internationally, he’s the founder of the furniture brand JOY Objects, and most recently, he’s stepped into the spotlight as the new host of Grand Designs on Swedish television.

In this episode, we talk about designing with emotion rather than perfection, how 90s rave culture shaped his palette, and why creating spaces for people to meet might just be the most important kind of design.

This is an episode about colour as attitude. About breaking away from good taste. And about finding freedom in the unexpected.

For more color inspiration follow @sarah__gottlieb and this episode's guest @fredrikpaulsen and the podcast musician @aloo_music

This episode is sponsored by Flügger and is supported by The Danish Arts Foundation.

SHOWNOTES
- Want to see Fredrik action painting the Nobel Price Pavilion? See it here
- Have a look into Martin Margiela’s all white shop
- Want to get a hold of one of Fredrik’s Chair one chairs? Get them here
- Check out Fredrik Paulsen's work at his website

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The Sound of Colour is produced and hosted by Sarah Gottlieb, with music by Matt Motte and edit by Kræsten Kusk.

The host
Sarah Gottlieb is a Copenhagen-based designer and art director specialising in colour and spatial design. Known for transforming environments through innovative use of colour, she is dedicated to creating public spaces that inspire connection and a deeper appreciation for design.

To hear more from me

Follow me on Instagram

Sign up to my newsletter for monthly colour inspiration

For images and information from each episode go to the Podcast website

Send us a text

Have you ever thought about how intuition — not theory — can be the most powerful tool in colour-driven design?

Join us as we explore the power of colour with multidisciplinary designer and artist Alex Proba, whose instinctive and joyful approach to design defies conventional rules and embraces colour as a tool for emotional connection.

From furniture and murals to immersive interiors and an 8,000-tile swimming pool in Miami, Alex Proba’s work is rooted in feeling, memory, and a desire to spark happiness. Her designs are vibrant, expressive, and often surprising—guided not by trends or moodboards, but by lived experience and natural observation.

In this episode, Alex shares how she cultivates an intuitive relationship with colour, why she avoids visual trends, and how even the colours she dislikes have an essential role to play. We also explore the deeper purpose behind her work: making people feel good.

And most importantly, she reminds us that design doesn’t have to follow rules to be powerful. Sometimes, it just has to feel right.

Wrapping up this episode with the musical experiment “The Sound of a Colour”, composed by our season’s musician-in-residence, Sofie Søe, the artist behind ALOO. This time, she creates the sound of Rosy Peach.

Alex is one of the most focused and uncompromising creatives I’ve spoken with—her clarity of vision and intuitive approach to colour make for a truly inspiring conversation. Happy listening!

For more color inspiration follow @sarah__gottlieb and this episode's guest @alexproba and the podcast musician @aloo_music

This episode is sponsored by Flügger and Montana Furniture and is supported by The Danish Arts Foundation.

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The Sound of Colour is produced and hosted by Sarah Gottlieb, with music by Matt Motte and edit by Kræsten Kusk.

The host
Sarah Gottlieb is a Copenhagen-based designer and art director specialising in colour and spatial design. Known for transforming environments through innovative use of colour, she is dedicated to creating public spaces that inspire connection and a deeper appreciation for design.

To hear more from me

Follow me on Instagram

Sign up to my newsletter for monthly colour inspiration

For images and information from each episode go to the Podcast website

Send us a text

Have you ever thought about how dyslexia can shape the way someone sees and works with colour?

Join us as we explore the world of colour with designer Nicholai Wiig-Hansen, co-founder of Raawii, whose unique way of perceiving colour has influenced his approach to design in fascinating ways.

In his work, Nicholai explores the interplay between shape and colour, creating timeless designs that range from ceramics and furniture to everyday objects, his work includes collaborations with brands like Normann Copenhagen, Lightyears, IKEA and of course Raawii. 

Designer Nicholai Wiig-Hansen grew up surrounded by art, shaping his deep and instinctive connection to colour. In this episode, he shares how his unique way of seeing the world—shaped by what he calls his “super dyslexia”—makes him perceive colour and form before words.

In this episode we dive into his creative process, from testing 20-30 colour variations for each product to designing with light in mind. Nicholai explains why nature is the ultimate colour inspiration, how colours create emotional journeys, and why good design considers how shades shift throughout the day.

And most importantly, he reminds us that colour is free—it’s all around us. We just need to practice seeing it.

Wrapping up this episode with the musical experiment “The Sound of a Colour”, this time composed by musician Sofie Søe, the artist behind ALOO, that creates the sound of the Raawii bowls.

Nicholai is one of the warmest and most engaging people I’ve met—you can’t help but be drawn in by his energy. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about perception, creativity, and the power of colour. Happy listening!

For more color inspiration follow @sarah__gottlieb and this episode's guest @nicholaiwiig @raawii.dk and the episode's musician @aloo_music

This episode is sponsored by Flügger and supported by The Danish Arts Foundation.

SHOWNOTES
- Want to buy your own ‘Strøm’ bowl to make music with? Find them here
- Read more about the artist Vilhelm Lundstrøm and his paintings that the ‘Strøm’ collection was inspired by here
- Check out Nicholai Wiig-Hansen’s work at his website
- Check out Raawii and their collection here 

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The Sound of Colour is produced and hosted by Sarah Gottlieb, with music by Matt Motte and edit by Kræsten Kusk.

The host
Sarah Gottlieb is a Copenhagen-based designer and art director specialising in colour and spatial design. Known for transforming environments through innovative use of colour, she is dedicated to creating public spaces that inspire connection and a deeper appreciation for design.

To hear more from me

Follow me on Instagram

Sign up to my newsletter for monthly colour inspiration

For images and information from each episode go to the Podcast website

Send us a text

Ever wondered how colour can influence your mood and creativity? 

Join us as we embark on a vibrant journey with multidisciplinary designer Clara von Zweigbergk, whose passion for colour has shaped her career and outlook on life.

Clara von Zweigbergk runs her own design studio with a focus on handcraft, paper, form and colour. Clara’s creative process is often shaped and influenced by experimentation and play and her design is characterised by simplicity, balance and of course colour.
She has worked with clients such as IKEA, Louis Poulsen, HAY and Nike. And has won multiple international design awards such as the Bruno Mathsson Award and Wallpaper Design Award.

Clara grew up surrounded by a kaleidoscope of hues, a childhood memory of colours that distinctly influenced her perception of space and mood. 
In this episode she shares her experiences of breaking through the monochrome trends of the 90s. Discover how she has witnessed the evolution of colour acceptance in design and how it has become a crucial part of contemporary creative practices. 
Clara talks about how her travels inspire her endless collection of coloured papers, and she shares her innovative approach to design, emphasising the tactile selection of colours that resonate on a deeper emotional level.

Wrapping up this episode with the musical experiment “The Sound of a Colour”, this time composed by musician Roxy Jules that creates the sound of Blue.

It was a very personal conversation, and I felt inspired by Clara’s tactile approach to colours. I hope you will enjoy it too. Happy listening.

For more color inspiration follow @sarah__gottlieb and this episode's guest @claravonzweigbergk and the episode's musician @roxy.jules

This episode is sponsored by Montana Furniture.

SHOWNOTES
- Read more about the art direction Clara did for HAY here
- Want to buy your own Kaleido Tray? Find them here
- Check out Clara von Zweigbergk’s work at her website

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The Sound of Colour is produced and hosted by Sarah Gottlieb, with music by Matt Motte and edit by Kræsten Kusk.

The host
Sarah Gottlieb is a Copenhagen-based designer and art director specialising in colour and spatial design. Known for transforming environments through innovative use of colour, she is dedicated to creating public spaces that inspire connection and a deeper appreciation for design.

To hear more from me

Follow me on Instagram

Sign up to my newsletter for monthly colour inspiration

For images and information from each episode go to the Podcast website

Send us a text

What if colours could transform your mood and even redefine your space? 

Join me as I explore the fascinating connection between colour and design with my brilliant guests, founding partner Emanuele Stamuli and architect Alessandro Bruzzone from Stamuli. 

Stamuli is an architect studio that designs high-end stores for international fashion brands, as well as residential projects and hip furniture. 
They are a collective of creatives who share a rationalistic approach to design, combined with a passion for geometry, textures and of course colour. 
They have worked with fashion labels such as Acne Studios, Alexander Wang, By Marlene Birger and Ganni.

You'll hear their take on how a splash of pink or yellow can alter the emotional atmosphere of a room, challenging the dominance of monochrome minimalism. Explore how the magic of colours can enrich brand identity, conveying powerful emotions and messages, while we discuss the complexities of colour perception influenced by light, texture, and context.

In this episode Stamuli share their trailblazing retail design work with Danish brand Ganni. Discover their innovative use of colours in the Tagadà collection and together, we ponder the sophistication of colourful design, challenging the misconception that it lacks depth. Their design philosophy underscores the balance between client needs and creative vision, illuminating how colours can weave stories and shape experiences in retail design.

Wrapping up this episode with the musical experiment “The Sound of a Colour”, this time composed by musician Andy Wiseman that creates the sound of Pink.

For more color inspiration follow @sarah__gottlieb and this episode's guest @stamuliab and the episode's musician @andywisemanmusic

This episode is sponsored by Montana Furniture.

SHOWNOTES
- Read more about the retail design that Stamuli for fashion brand Ganni over at Dezeen
- Want to buy something from the Tagadà collection, indulge in a shopping spree here
- If you’re not into colours and want to know more about the master of beige and neutrals tones, check out architect John Pawson and his minimalistic work
- For all synth nerds out there, here’s an introductory video to the Roland Juno-106
- Check out Stamuli’s work at their website 

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The Sound of Colour is produced and hosted by Sarah Gottlieb, with music by Matt Motte and edit by Kræsten Kusk.

The host
Sarah Gottlieb is a Copenhagen-based designer and art director specialising in colour and spatial design. Known for transforming environments through innovative use of colour, she is dedicated to creating public spaces that inspire connection and a deeper appreciation for design.

To hear more from me

Follow me on Instagram

Sign up to my newsletter for monthly colour inspiration

For images and information from each episode go to the Podcast website

Send us a text

In this episode of "The Sound of Colour”, you will be invited into the vivid world of designer Bethan Laura Wood, whose affinity for colour has profoundly shaped her creative journey. 

Bethan Laura Wood is a multidisciplinary designer based in London. 
In her work she explores unlikely combinations of colour and shape, developing unique timber veneers, material composites and textiles for her projects that ranges from furniture, lighting and objects to installations and accessories. 
Bethan has worked with international companies such as Tory Burch, Perrier Jouët, Hermés and Moroso amongst many others. Her work has been exhibited at Victoria and Albert Museum in London, MOMA in San Francisco, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo.

In this episode Bethan tells me how her lifelong passion for colour always has been a powerful means of self-expression from an early age. She shares her fascination with mass production versus unique design and how these can interlink, we discuss how colours evoke personal emotions and the delicate balancing act of weaving personal enjoyment with project demands. Discover how the cultural and historical significance of colour plays a big part in her creative process and design philosophy.

Wrapping up this episode with the musical experiment “The Sound of a Colour”, this time composed by musician Stephen Burns that creates the sound of Mint Latte Green.

Me and Bethan talked for hours, the conversation was very insightful and I was really blown away by Bethan’s vast historical knowledge. I hope you will enjoy it too. Happy listening.

For more color inspiration follow @sarah__gottlieb and this episode's guest @bethanlaurawood and the episode's audio oracle @beavensterns

This episode is sponsored by Montana Furniture.

SHOWNOTES
We talk about how Bethan’s tutors the Royal College of Art influenced her to pursue her passion for colours even more.

The Kaleidoscope-o-rama project was commissioned for the NGV Triennial 2023 at the National Gallery of Victoria

Learn more about the women’s educational movement The Blue Stocking Society

Check out more of Bethan Laura Wood’s work at her website 

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The Sound of Colour is produced and hosted by Sarah Gottlieb, with music by Matt Motte and edit by Kræsten Kusk.

The host
Sarah Gottlieb is a Copenhagen-based designer and art director specialising in colour and spatial design. Known for transforming environments through innovative use of colour, she is dedicated to creating public spaces that inspire connection and a deeper appreciation for design.

To hear more from me

Follow me on Instagram

Sign up to my newsletter for monthly colour inspiration

For images and information from each episode go to the Podcast website

Send us a text

The Playful Power of Colour in Life and Design

In this episode of "The Sound of Colour”, I chat to artist and designer John Booth. His work is permeated by a vivid colour palette with juxtaposition of tones and pigments, it is at the core of everything that he does. John Booth has a sense of childlike joy in looking and creating, and you can really feel this coming through in his work. He has worked with big brands such as Selfridges, Fendi, Hem and Paul Smith. And his iconic ceramic piece ‘The Head Vase’ broke the internet and started an instagram frenzy.

Artist and designer John Booth joins me in this episode to paint a vibrant picture of how colour has shaped his life and career. Growing up in the 80s with a twin sister and non-gender-conforming fashion choices, John developed a keen eye for bold and creative color combinations. Our conversation gleams with colourful anecdotes of his childhood memories and the evolution of his unique collage technique, offering you a glimpse into how personal history and a playful perspective can create a world of artistic joy.
We discuss the role of social media in shaping design trends and the creative process behind collaborating on colour palettes. We touch on the balance between popular aesthetics and personal taste, as John and I talk about how you design with colours for longevity. And we get to grips with his design process, as we delve into his design project, The Bronto Collection, a tableware collection for Swedish Hem.

Wrapping up this episode with the musical experiment “The Sound of a Colour”, this time composed by musician and sound designer Arbi Alexander that creates the sound of Shiny Yellow.

I could have chatted for hours with John, he is such a warm and generous person, the conversation was witty and insightful and I very much hope you will enjoy it too. Happy listening.

For more color inspiration follow @sarah__gottlieb and this episode's guest @john_booth and the episode's audio oracle www.arbialexander.com

This episode is sponsored by Montana Furniture.

SHOWNOTES
The Bronto collection by Supergroup from Hem.

Check out the magical stationary shop ‘Choosing and Keeping’ in London.

Supergroup, John's collaborative project with Ian McIntyre. 

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The Sound of Colour is produced and hosted by Sarah Gottlieb, with music by Matt Motte and edit by Kræsten Kusk.

The host
Sarah Gottlieb is a Copenhagen-based designer and art director specialising in colour and spatial design. Known for transforming environments through innovative use of colour, she is dedicated to creating public spaces that inspire connection and a deeper appreciation for design.

To hear more from me

Follow me on Instagram

Sign up to my newsletter for monthly colour inspiration

For images and information from each episode go to the Podcast website

Send us a text

What if the secret to unlocking your creative potential lies in the rich, natural hues of vegetables? 

Join me on a vibrant journey in this episode with Christoph Brach and Daniera ter Haar from Raw Color, the visionary Dutch design studio known for their pioneering work with colour. From their early experiments with beetroot juice to designing products that seamlessly blend graphic design, product design, and photography for big global brands like IKEA, Christoph and Daniera reveal how their unique approach to colour has shaped their studio’s identity and bridged diverse creative fields. Discover their thoughts on the emotional resonance of colour and the power of spontaneity in design.

In this episode we talk about the historical significance of colour and its emotional impact on our environments. Raw Color tells us about the importance of embracing the journey and discovering unexpected ideas along the way in a design process. Learn how playful design choices in your home can foster cozy, safe havens that resonate with personal expression. And last but not least Christoph and Daniera advocates for breaking free from the constraints of neutral tones to introduce individuality and creativity through colour.

Ever wondered how a colour can be translated into sound? 
The episode ends with the musical experiment “The Sound of a Colour”, this time by Los Angeles-born singer-songwriter Devon Williams, who captures the essence of ochre yellow in music. 

For more color inspiration follow @sarah__gottlieb and this episode's guest @raw_color_ and the episode's audio oracle @devonwilliamssongs

This episode is sponsored by Montana Furniture.

SHOWNOTES
/ Explore the IKEA Collection ‘Tesammans’ by Raw Color here
/ Constantin Brancusi - See more about the Romanian sculpture Christoph talks about here
/ Interesting Forbes article on why data isn’t always the truth
/ Daniera mentions Belgian fashion designer Dries van Noten, famous for his sense of colour. See

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The Sound of Colour is produced and hosted by Sarah Gottlieb, with music by Matt Motte and edit by Kræsten Kusk.

The host
Sarah Gottlieb is a Copenhagen-based designer and art director specialising in colour and spatial design. Known for transforming environments through innovative use of colour, she is dedicated to creating public spaces that inspire connection and a deeper appreciation for design.

To hear more from me

Follow me on Instagram

Sign up to my newsletter for monthly colour inspiration

For images and information from each episode go to the Podcast website