House Homo: Richard O’Gorman’s Home Decor tips and tour

Few interior designers or artists utilise colour as boldly or creatively as Richard O'Gorman does, a UK-based interior designer and mural artist who has created a viral Instagram account called House Homo. He is well known for his bold home decor, artistic use of colour, dynamic murals, and use of bright colours. He has turned an ordinary, drab Victorian home into a joyful display of colourful interior design.

His late Victorian terrace home was built around 1900, so it already had an abundance of charm and character; however, it was through his imaginative approach and the global pandemic that his home evolved into one of the best examples of maximalist interior design in the UK.

From Lockdown to Creative Breakthrough

The worldwide pandemic forced many people to slow down, which created an opportunity for Richard. After being furloughed, he found himself with something many people did not have the luxury of having: limitless time. Instead of waiting, he picked up a paint brush and started playing with bold colour interiors, documenting his progress on Instagram under the name House Homo.

Initially, Richard imagined a minimal and chic home. however, as his Instagram account and followers grew, so did Richard's confidence. As his home began to acquire it's own identity, Richard began to embrace the bold walls, whimsical shapes, and unapologetic self-expression. Richard's home became a type of colour therapy for himself and a form of colour therapy for the numerous people who have discovered his work through Instagram.

Embracing Color Without Fear

Richard O'Gorman is known for his fearless use of colour in his designs. He uses colour not just on walls but also on ceilings. For example, an early standout moment was when he painted his bathroom ceiling bright yellow. When the sunlight hit the yellow ceiling, it lit up the hallway and upstairs rooms with warmth.

This unplanned decision showed Richard how painted ceiling ideas could alter the mood of a house. He believes colour adds life to a space and builds connections between rooms and their occupants, making the transition from room to room feel energising rather than neutral.

He compares his style of design to food with lots of variety, with bold flavours and a little bit of spice, like tapas.

The Bathroom That Changed Everything

Richard experienced an increase in popularity on Instagram after he posted before-and-after photos of a bathroom remodel. His followers shot up from 7000 to 10000 in just a few days. Immediately after, he was contacted by many large homeware brands for collaboration opportunities.
The bathroom had a significant impact because it was authentic. The design embodied House Homo, which is fun, colourful, and 100% unapologetically queer. This authenticity resonated with the audience, giving Richard confidence to continue pushing boundaries.

Not long after the successful bathroom reveal, Richard's dining room was featured in Architectural Digest Italia, cementing his place in the UK interior stylist industry.

Modern Mural Painting: Tips from Richard

Richard creates impressive murals that exude confidence, but he was not trained in fine art in a conventional manner as many artists are. Rather than going to art school, Richard learned how to paint through experimentation finding both balance and scale with the help of his prior visual merchandising experience.

Here are his best tips for modern mural painting at home:

Create your own design first by sketching it out on the walls.
Decorate and style your room before you start painting so that the mural fits seamlessly with the rest of your decor.
When outlining your mural, use a very small paintbrush; as you fill in the area using larger brushes.
Paint confidently, strong strokes create cleaner curves
Relax and enjoy the process (a glass of wine helps!)

These techniques make statement wall murals feel intentional rather than intimidating.

LED Neon Wall Art in Home Decor

Richard didn’t stop with just using paint. He created a custom LED neon wall art piece, featuring a man’s bust and an archway. The glowing art piece blends seamlessly with his colourful decor, while also providing a modern contrast to traditional architecture.

Richard likes to create neon home decor with textured backgrounds, such as brick walls. Creating a layered effect in a flat space is necessary to create depth and warmth through neon signs surrounded by plant life, art, and bolder colours.

For him, neon art for home interiors works best when it’s part of a larger visual story, not isolated on a plain wall.

Houseplants and Vibrant Living Spaces

While many people consider Richard a very talented gardener due to his beautiful plants, Richard himself does not consider himself an expert gardener. His simple advice on how to create vibrant living spaces with houseplants is to place them near a window, learn about the specific care requirements for each plant, mist regularly, and avoid overwatering.

He also believes in the importance of music, either by singing to your plants or listening to classical music while you work, as it creates a more positive atmosphere for both plants and people. Ultimately, creating a personalised home decor experience should create an environment that feels alive.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is House Homo?

House Homo is the creative home and Instagram platform of Richard O’Gorman, showcasing bold colours, murals, and artistic interior styling.

What design style does Richard O’Gorman follow?

His style blends maximalist interior design, bold colour choices, and playful mural art.

Can beginners try bold wall murals?

Yes. With planning and confidence, beginners can create impactful creative wall art ideas at home.

How do you style neon art at home?

Layer LED neon wall art with plants, textures, and color to enhance depth and atmosphere.

Conclusion

Richard O’Gorman’s House Homo proves that homes don’t need to be neutral to be beautiful. Through bold home decor, expressive murals, and vibrant neon accents, he has created a space that celebrates identity, creativity, and joy. His journey reminds us that the most memorable interiors are the ones that feel personal, fearless, and full of life.