When maximalist color meets fearless femininity, magic happens and nowhere is that more evident than in Unapologetically Femme, a vibrant South Austin condo reimagined by Hell Yes Interiors. Designed in close collaboration with creative powerhouse Paula Rogers, this two-story home is a masterclass in using paint to reclaim space, express identity and tell a story through design. 

From the moody powder room to the pastel-bright bathroom suite, paint doesn’t just play a supporting role in this home, it’s the star. Each hue was chosen with purpose, layered across rooms to create distinct vibes while building a bold, cohesive narrative that celebrates self-expression.

@mollyculverphotography

Reclaiming Space with Color 

Paula Rogers, a BAFTA-nominated video game writer, illustrator and creator of Blind Data, a webcomic where all the men are drawn as cats, originally purchased the condo with her now-ex. The pair had selected neutral paint colors and custom built-ins together. But after the breakup, Paula wanted to breathe new life into her space on her terms. 

“It was time for something new,” says Tricia, founder of Hell Yes Interiors. “We started by asking: What do you want your space to feel like now?” The answer became their guiding light: Unapologetically Feminine.

From there, the design mission was clear. Create a home that felt like Paula. Bold, witty, warm and layered. And the first tool in their design kit? Paint. 

Personality, in Every Brushstroke 

In the kitchen, Tricia’s advice was to embrace what couldn’t be changed. The gray cabinetry and builder’s blue tile backsplash weren’t going anywhere so they painted the cabinets Nairobi Blue, turning a once-drab space into a bright, tailored delight. Paula added her own hand-painted squiggle in Meet Cute above the backsplash, injecting a dose of personal whimsy that feels totally custom.

Upstairs, color tells a more serene story. The bedroom’s dusty mauve walls set a moody tone, balanced by the light pink Baby Soft in the bathroom (a clever way to add softness and light to a windowless space without defaulting to white). Even the trim was treated as a design moment. “Trim is the supporting character that elevates the story,” Tricia explains. 

And the toilet room? A total scene-stealer. Painted top to bottom in Baby Soft and adorned with quirky art (including a mounted moose), it’s been lovingly nicknamed a “Wes Anderson dream.” Small space, big personality.

The powder room, wrapped in dramatic wallpaper, is grounded with Goodnight Moon trim and a nearly black Victorian mirror. The result? Moody, sexy and perfectly imperfect. “This is how you create cohesion without over-matching,” Tricia says. 

Layers, Not Limits 

What keeps this maximalist home feeling intentional instead of chaotic is its layered color strategy. Shared tones (like Baby Soft) provide continuity, while unexpected pops (Nairobi Blue, Goodnight Moon) make each room sing on its own. “We all contain multitudes,” Tricia says. “Why shouldn’t our spaces?”

Tips for Embracing Bold Color 

• Lean into what exists: Match paint to permanent fixtures instead of fighting them. 
• Swatch, always: Light changes everything. Test colors in the room at different times of day. 
• Let each room have a mood: Think of your home like a boutique hotel, with distinct vibes throughout. 
• Don’t skip the toilet room: Even the smallest space can be a joyful design moment. 

As Paula puts it, “It’s really so very ME and fun!!! It feels like my own perfect dollhouse.” With the right paint and a fearless heart, your space can be a reflection of everything you are and everything you’re becoming.