Akilah On Assignment: our on-the-ground design sleuth asks how colour makes a house great

August 14th, 2025

Akilah Cohen’s first assignment for The Modern House was at the end of last year. We sent her to Cambridge to see what she’d make of a singular mid-century home in need of a new vision. It was the most fun day which is why we decided to make Akilah our on the ground design sleuth. Today, we’re launching the first in a series of short films in which she asks the simple question: what makes a house great?

Episode one focuses on colour. Armed with a notebook (and, inexplicably, a pair of maracas), Akilah goes on assignment to find out how colour should be used in the home, what effect its use has on a space and ultimately, how colour can help make a house great. Akilah and her cameraman (her work-life partner who is also a full-time A&E nurse, Desmond Boadi) visit three locations: a colour masterclass hosted by Etté; the beautifully bold home of erstwhile TMH clients, Tom and Julian (pictured above); and the only home ever to be inspired by a Disneyland rollercoaster, Mountain View (pictured below). As you’ll see, Akilah launches herself into each story before piecing her learnings together with Post-its and Sharpies to form a kaleidoscopic evidence board of inspiration. Buckle up. We hope you enjoy the ride.

Our next episode is all about living artfully alongside your stuff. If you have a design topic you think Akilah should investigate, we’d love to hear from you. DM us via Instagram or email info@themodernhouse.com.