Are feature walls still in? Will bold colours make a room look smaller? Should you paint every wall in a bold colour? What are the key trends for this year? Interior designer Shaynna Blaze, from Selling Houses Australia and The Block, answers all these questions and more and shares her advice in this inteview with Lauren Ellis.
Watch Lauren’s interview with Block host Scott Cam where he shares his renovating secrets.
By Bree Leech
It’s important to be adventurous with colours you love — don’t be afraid to use different combinations or contrasting colours together. Paint is so simple to use to customise your own space and can be changed seasonally. Below, we’ve kept key furniture pieces the same and given one room two completely different moods.
Both quintessentially winter trends derived from Dulux’s Wildland palette, each has its own feel. We’ve simply replaced some feature pieces in the room to tie into the new colour palette for each space; but the message is you can transform your room with paint, keep your main furniture items and choose accessories to suit your new colour scheme with items such as cushions and homewares.
Cool palette (seen above) winter tips:
Dark palette (seen above) winter tips:
— Bree Leech is Dulux’s creative consultant and stylist and the host of StyleLab at Life Instyle, Melbourne.
Photography by Mike Baker | Styling by Bree Leech and Heather Nette King for Dulux Colour Forecast 2015.
With summer well and truly over (please don’t leave us!) it’s now time to look to winter’s interiors trends, with Dulux having released their seasonal forecast.
Inspired by icy landscapes and deep dark forests, neutrals, inky blues and earthy grey beiges from Dulux’s Wildland palette will dominate interiors this season.
Dulux colour and communications manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr, says the Wildland palette is all about creating warmth through texture. “Homeowners might choose deeper shades in dark, earthy colours, such as Dulux Western Myall, with focal points in warmer hues and lighter tones to create a beautiful space. Integrating furnishings in natural timbers and soft fabrics such as fur and wool, juxtaposes the brooding colours, which adds that element of comfort to the space.”
A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest and most inexpensive way to add colour, personality and achieve a place where you feel comfortable, inspired and happy. “Colour is amazing! It can highlight items you want to focus on and can camouflage the elements you wish to hide,” explains Andrea. “It plays a pivotal role in the home as it helps define the feeling and mood of a space and it so simple to create with a simple painting project.”
Dulux colour experts study trends around the world to develop their forecast, attending trade fairs in Europe, studying product and design innovation, colour and finishes, and emerging global designers.
Tomorrow, Dulux’s creative consultant and stylist Bree Leech shares her style tips for using colour in your home this winter.
Photography by Mike Baker | Styling by Bree Leech and Heather Nette King
With her father an industrial chemist for paint brand Matisse, Lara Scolari grew up in a home that was abrim with the finest quality paint.
“Samples of luscious paints were always lying around our home,” explains Lara. “I was constantly encouraged and supported to explore and create without boundaries from my artistic parents. This upbringing, a love of expression and art, has informed my life.”
Leading her to many years of study, including the fine arts, arts administration, ceramics and a current Masters in cross disciplinary arts and design, Lara now works full-time as an artist; something, she has always dreamed of. “I love that I can now focus on my art full-time. I am also currently a director of the Hunters Hill Art Gallery and love supporting the arts and other artists by connecting opportunities with enthusiasm and expertise.”
With an abstract expressionism style, Lara focuses on the use of line, organic shape, layering and colour. Using a variety of mediums such as acrylic paint, spray paint, string (and other experimental techniques), pastel and oil, her art making practice relies heavily on impulse. “As with my personality, I like to explore and act on impulse. So in the studio when working, if I have an idea — even if it is crazy like I need the mesh from the oranges’ bag so I can spray paint through it — I just do it! Sometimes it works out and sometimes I just paint over it.”
[contextly_sidebar id=”kzmHfbrfuBqG3h3YshZQCnG30mJXIuK7″]Having held her debut Sydney exhibition last year, where she sold all 40+ artworks on display, Lara has now opened her follow-up exhibition, Tingle, at Sydney’s Art2Muse. “My latest body of work will be on exhibition at Art2Muse until 16 March, followed by Hunters Hill Art Gallery, Moree Art Gallery, Brisbane Modern Art and Tusk Gallery in Melbourne.”
While she may have just completed an impressive body of work, Lara has no plans to slow down. “In the next few years, I would like to expand and develop my own art making practice by exploring cross disciplinary forms. I have so much energy and so many ideas!”
The impact of colour can completely transform your home during a renovation, but with endless colour palettes, how do you begin to choose the right paint colour for your walls? We show you how!
What’s light got to do with it?
Ever walked into a room that was big, white and just too bright? Natural light is a must for beautiful interiors, but if it burns your retina it’s time you tone it down. Before you choose a wall colour, you need to make an assessment of the amount of natural light in your space. If it’s too bright, tone it down with neutral hues; shades of grey, and biscuit will compliment almost any decor and can work well with existing furniture. Small rooms on the other hand, call for light walls to make them feel larger, but choose wisely because not all whites are the same.
How to choose your whites
With over 180 shades of white paint available on the market, choosing the right shade can seem like a laborious task, but don’t fret. First you need to determine if your room calls for a warm white, or cool white. Cool whites have a blue or black base added to them and they are ideal for neutralising bright modern rooms. Warm whites have a yellow undertone that can make a room feel cosier, and work well with more classic interiors; but be cautious, because a white with a heavy yellow or pink base can turn somewhat peachy, and let’s be honest, no one wants to go back to 1992! Our favourite is Vivid White by Dulux.
Jazz up monochromatic interiors
Are you a fan of simple, monochromatic walls? Don’t let others question your colour audacity, because by adding various shades of one hue, you can add a playful depth to your colour scheme.
2015 colour trends
Bringing nature into interiors is expected to be huge this year and the colour spectrum is wide. Living green walls and indoor plants are on trend, and when it comes to paint colour, think rich pine greens, mustard yellows and mineral hues, which will seamlessly introduce a raw earthiness into your space.
If you like light and dark colours in combination, 2015 is the year to marry them up. Embrace charcoal hues with earthy cool whites. Use your darkest colour to accentuate a wall that features artwork, or intricate architecture like an ornate fireplace in a period home.
Craving colour? Vibrant ocean blues, with bright Miami beach pinks and yellows are guaranteed to add brightness and energy to your room. Team these colours with modern, understated, perhaps even more vintage or retro furniture pieces, and accessories such as patterned cushions and throws. Nautical blues featuring bold patterns such as chevron and stripes are also popular and the look can be easily applied outside on a balcony or patio.
For something more punchy and elegant, you can’t go past Marsala; the 2015 Pantone colour of the year. Its’ rich terra rossa colour resembles the soil of Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards so this one’s for the wine lovers. Use shades of Marsala as feature walls, or if it feels too pink, choose a lighter hue of the colour and carry it through with accessories.
And lastly, grey is the new black; and we love it because it is so versatile. Think dirty denim, comfort, softness, and easy living. Yes, grey can be all that!
Draw colour inspiration from accessories
When choosing a wall colour, draw inspiration from artwork, or other accessories such as throws, rugs or cushions, where you may discover both your main and accent colours. Snap photos, collect samples, or even bring the actual accessories along to the hardware store so you can match the colours. Even if you’re sure you have found your wall colour, it’s a good idea to spend a few dollars on getting sample pots first; then either paint large white cardboard swatches, or add a couple of brush strokes on the wall. Let the paint dry, and inspect in the next 24 hours throughout different times of the day to see how the colour changes with light.
Feature wall dos and don’ts
The days of the random feature wall are long gone, and today’s interiors demand you to be bold, so yes, go ahead and paint the entire room with the colour you love. If you must have a feature wall, ask yourself why you need it in the first place? Feature walls serve as accents, so if that’s what you’re looking for, make sure you are accentuating the right wall. A wall that features intricate architecture, a fireplace, or a hideaway nook, are more deserving of an accent colour, otherwise you might be drawing attention to the wall that hosts your alarm control panel or air conditioner; not much to admire there, is there?
Primed and ready
You’re ecstatic with your choice in wall colour and can’t wait to get started, but before you do, consider priming your walls with a coat or two if they are fairly dark or have a heavy yellow tinge. This is particularly important for bright colours, which need a pure white base so that they can reflect their true brilliance.
If your walls are chalky, give them a good wash before priming with sugar soap; chalky walls indicate that the existing paint has started to deteriorate, which is quite common in 1960s fixer-upper properties.
Now, let’s get painting shall we?
Wallpaper is an easy way to inject interest into your space. Dulux’s new Design Wallpaper Paintables range gives you the power to add textured dimension to your walls in your preferred colour scheme. It’s wallpaper meets paint! AND it’s removable.
Comeing in three textures – linen, concrete and pinstripe – this new product offers completely new possibilities for design from bold and striking walls, or used sparingly to create subtle visual interest.
Dulux Colour Trend Forecaster, Andrea Lucena-Orr, says combined with paint, this innovative design solution is simple and cost-effective. “The range not only beautifies walls but easily covers small imperfections, with no stripping, filling or sanding required for slightly damaged walls,” she says.
Gone are the days where the application and removal of wallpaper is an arduous task. Using the latest technology, Dulux Design Wallpaper Paintables can be easily applied and maneuvered for precise application; as well as effortlessly removed by peeling off where the glue does not damage or remain on the existing wall substrate.
“The range is incredibly easy to work with in regards to fixing on the wall and painting because the paper is so much thicker than standard thin wallpaper,” Lucena-Orr says.
There are many ways that wallpaper can be used to complement existing room features by adding an accent above a fireplace, hallways and inner wardrobe walls. “Paintable wallpaper adds texture to your walls that paint alone can’t achieve. Textured wallpaper takes your paint to the next level, allowing you to create a luxurious bespoke look,” Andrea adds.
“It offers homeowners, and even renters, the opportunity to have more control over the design of their living space where you just peel the wallpaper off the wall when it is time to redecorate or move.”
Dulux’s range of paintable wallpaper allows you to transform and hide slightly damaged walls, turning them into the ‘wow’ factor of your home without having to add more costly items such as tiles, stone or textile fabrics.
Available exclusively at Bunnings stores with an RRP of $34.95 per roll. Roll size 10.5m x 0.52m. For more information and project inspiration.
Everyone wants to make sure their home looks the best on the street. To ensure you give your home kerb appeal, there are some considerations to take into account before picking up a paintbrush.
When painting your exterior, you need to determine what the hero feature of your home is. This could be its architectural style, any unique structural features or even the materials your home is made from. You can then create a colour scheme which highlights or compliments your home’s best feature.
If your house has a modern architectural design with angular rooflines, choose a colour scheme that highlights these eye-catching features. Accentuate this detail by choosing a palette of light and shade. Use a mid-grey charcoal such as Taubmans Hi Ho Silver on the eaves and fascia of the roofline, and a lighter colour like Taubmans Metal Low on the exterior walls.
Similarly, this technique can be used for a period home such as a Victorian. Highlight the decorative latticework by painting it in Taubmans Snow Ballet contrasted with cream walls in Taubmans Torte.
The location of your home can have a significant impact on the style of your home and therefore your exterior colour scheme. For example, Queenslander type houses will have a very different exterior look than a sandstone home you might find in New South Wales.
The Queenslander is one of Australia’s most iconic architectural designs. Their wide expansive balconies are perfect for lounging during the warm summer days. The cool colour scheme in this image works as visual relief from the extreme heat and enhances the home’s natural surrounds. Contrasting the dark roof with lighter walls in Taubmans Sea Command, and even lighter trims in Taubmans Blue Strike, gives the exterior an airy feel.
If your home has no distinct architectural feature, use colour to add some personality. A bold colour on your front door creates an inviting entrance and is an easy way to change the look of your home with on trend colours. A deep purple such as Taubmans Magic Magenta or a bright red like Taubmans Poinciana Red on your door creates a focal point and will give your home a strong street presence.
Once you’ve decided on a colour scheme that best suits your home’s exterior it’s important to choose an exterior paint which will not only look good, but also gives your home UV protection like Taubmans Sunproof Exterior. This paint has been specially formulated to withstand the sun’s punishing UV rays.
—Shaynna Blaze is Taubmans’ brand ambassador and colour creative director, host of Selling Houses Australia and judge on The Block.
With the announcement of the 2015 Pantone Colour of the Year (the reddy-brown and much maligned Marsala) Annie Sloan’s legendary decorative paint range now includes a rich and warm Burgundy.
Annie says: “Burgundy, as the name suggests, is a rich, claret red which I was drawn to because of its classical French Napoleonic connections.”
The Chalk Paint range comprises 32 decorative and historic colours and the colours can easily be mixed together to provide an even larger colour palette. As Annie explains: “Burgundy is a timeless favourite, a regal colour that works well on its own, or with my own favourite pairing for this colour – Château Grey. Add some Primer Red and a little Old White and the colour takes on a more contemporary personality, becoming a delicious, raspberry pink like Marsala, the Pantone Colour of the Year, giving a little shocking jolt to a room!”
Chalk Paint can be applied straight on to furniture without the need to prime, sand, or even remove old wax, paint or varnish — the paint will adhere to wood, plastic, stone, brick, concrete and metal. Much more than just an indoor paint, it lets you instantly upcycle, revamp or redecorate your favourite outdoor piece without sanding or prepping.
The colours have been developed to mix beautifully together so you can either take a colour straight from the tin or create your own by mixing two together. The paint can also be used to achieve a variety of looks and finishes; apply it thickly to create a chippy look or dilute it with water to make a wash. You can even use it to paint and dye fabric! What’s more, it’s water based and eco-friendly, containing virtually no VOCs, and it is highly concentrated to produce extensive covering power.
The best part? The paint dries quickly with a beautifully velvety, matt finish and for most purposes, one coat is enough. So you can easily complete your project in a day and still have paint left over for more projects.
$59.95 RRP for 1 litre. Australian stockists.
In their annual colour forecast, Dulux have predicted soft pale pinks and muted mauves will dominate summer and the upcoming New Year.
Having studied design, colour and finishes from around the globe to develop the season’s predictions, Dulux’s summer palette celebrates tonal and pastel hues inspired by the soft glow of a sunset.
Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr says these delicate soft tones used with neutral whites are perfect for creating calm and sophisticated spaces. “Key colours for summer are likely to be Dulux Wild Phlox and Dulux Stately Frills with accents in Dulux colours such as Mud Berry and Ellen. Layered fabrics and soft linen accessories will assist in creating a space that is fresh and inviting.”
Homeowners looking to make an impact can try an accent wall using a combination of these colours in soft organic shapes. A touch of soft green with the addition of an indoor plant adds a living element, essential for well-being and a connection with nature. Those wanting a more subtle hint of colour in the home can try an overall room colour in Dulux Mud Berry offset with a soft white trim such as Dulux Lexicon Half; adding tonal pastel accessories to complete the look
Andrea’s tips for homeowners using colour this summer are: “Be bold and brave – don’t be afraid to use combination or contrasting colours together. With paint it’s so simple to customise your own space within the home and can be changed seasonally to complement the mood.”
For more colour and painting advice visit Dulux online.
I’m no art critic but wow, Alexander McKenzie’s work continues to amaze me. These paintings are just magical. Or mystical. Or both. Either way, they’re amazing. His new show, opening at Martin Browne Contemporary this week, reflects his continuing exploration of a narrative within the landscape.
“The title, Acarsaid, is Scottish Gallic, meaning anchorage, and denotes the themes of refuge, reclusiveness and harbouring that are predominant in the new paintings,” he says.
Arcasaid, from 9 October to 2 November 2014. Martin Brown Contemporary, 15 Hampden Street, Paddington, NSW 2021. Online catalogue.
By James Fisher
With the weather warming up and entertaining season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to give your living space a major refresh. So shake off your dusty paint brushes and get ready to incorporate these trending furniture and flooring finishes into your home.
Floor paint – white
The white painted floor is a popular choice this season. Stylised shots in particular look beautiful with this as a backdrop and can generate a minimalist look, rustic feel or a coastal vibe. White floor paint provides a calming base for your interior and can be dressed using top trends like muted colours and natural woodgrains. For this style we would suggest using floor paint without a glossy top coat and to dress the space with simple furnishings.
Semi-transparent floor finish – black
On the other end of the spectrum, we’re seeing renovators and DIY enthusiasts opting for a darker base. Silky smooth stain in black can look stunning in either matt or gloss. Complement a dark floor with crisp white skirtings, stair kickers or wall panelling. Balance the overall look with simple fauna additions to breathe life into the space.
Semi-transparent floor finish – liming white
A white based semi-transparent floor finish can introduce a soft, milky look to your space without yellowing over time. The soft undertone brings a sense of warmth to a living area and works well with a range of styles – from a neutral look to one with pops of colour.
We’re also seeing designers favour greys this season, using grey tones as a preferred neutral. This is perfect for creating a natural, serene and highly versatile aesthetic.
Experimenting with pattern
Try experimenting with a range of different colours for a truly unique look. Floor paint allows you to turn your floor into a standout feature by incorporating patterns or shapes. Simply mark up your desired pattern using painter’s tape, then apply floor paint to the marked up area. This look can also be used for furniture items and is a great idea for DIY and upcycling.
James Fisher is the brand manager for Feast Watson, a pioneer and innovator in wood finishing systems. For more information on how to achieve these looks and the products available, visit Feast Watson here.
Over on the Haymes Paint blog this week, I’m guest posting about the latest colour trends and pastels are right up there. I’m loving a subdued palette myself and having just moved into a new home, I’m going for cooler, more muted tones, which is really very unlike me! As for grey, I can’t get enough of it in all its shades!
Picking a colour to paint your home isn’t easy. In fact, for 70 percent of the nation it can be so daunting that they just choose white. Boring! But Taubmans want to change that so they’ve launched two new digital tools: the Paint Your Own Room tool and Shaynna Blaze’s 10 Commandments of Colour, in the hope that Australians will embrace adding that little splash of colour to their home.
The 10 Commandments of Colour were created to help give consumers the confidence to get started on their DIY projects this Spring. Written by Taubmans brand ambassador and colour creative director Shaynna Blaze, it features the 10 tips that debunk common colour myths and arm consumers with the knowledge they need to get painting with colour right, every time!
“It always surprises me how many homeowners resort to painting with white despite the catalogue of over 5,500 Taubmans paint shades available,” explains Shaynna. “It’s obvious that, despite Australia’s vibrant culture, people lack the confidence to use colour in their homes. It’s my mission to provide DIY novices with a better understanding of how colour can transform a space. By breaking down the paint selection process into simple steps, my 10 Commandments of Colour help people to tackle their fear of colour head-on and feel empowered to choose the perfect colour for their home.”
The visual guide (see below) provides quick and easy rules to follow when selecting a paint colour. Colour theory is broken down into bite-sized tips, including how to manipulate a space with colour, getting the colour proportions right and choosing the correct colour combinations for your home.
Once consumers have narrowed their selection using the 10 Commandments of Colour, they can head to the Taubmans website to virtually test out colours in their room using the Paint Your Own Room tool. This allows users to upload an image of the room that they plan to paint and digitally re-colour the walls with the hue of their choice.
Taubmans is also offering personal colour consulting services on the weekends of the 4 and 11 of October at 50 Bunnings stores. Visit their website to find the dates and locations or to download the 10 Commandments of Colour, try out the Paint Your Own Room tool and discover more expert decorating tips and tricks.
The future is pink and green! That’s the message according to Dulux, who will release their 2015 forecast later this week. after studying trends from around the world. They’ve shared these images of the Silentshift palette, styled by architects Edwards Moore, exclusively with us.
Dulux say pink hues partnered with pastels are set to dominate interiors. There will also be lots of colour on the horizon with bright, bold unexpected blends to more relaxed neutral combinations.
“We are going to see a lot more pink being used daringly as people become adventurous and have fun with colour,” Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr said. “You can use a bold pink to create maximum impact or in small quantities to soften a space. Soft mushroom pinks such as Dulux Salmon Grey create a subtle, neutral scheme while a vibrant pink such as Dulux Pink Papaya can really liven up a space.”
But the future isn’t all pink, as Australians look to nature to guide us. 2015 will also be raw and rustic with more earth- inspired influences. Greys will continue to be important going forward. “Natural landscapes, raw elements and minerals, fashion and the connection between digital and rediscovering our offline lives are the most influential factors for 2015,” Andrea said. “Natural colours such as greens and neutrals with green undertones will be pivotal. This includes earthy greens, such as Dulux Grape Leaf and mineral greens, such as Dulux Porpoise Place.”
Dulux colour experts study trends from around the world to develop their forecast, attending trade fairs in Europe, studying product and design innovation, colour and finishes and emerging global designers. They source information locally and from overseas, analysing influences such as fashion, media, world events, technology and science, social fundamentals, financial economics and politics.
Based on the trends research, The Dulux 2015 Colour Forecast, Connection, will release four palettes: Wildland, Silentshift, Earthwerks and Modhaus. They collaborated with Edwards Moore and textile designers Bonnie and Neil, under the creative direction of stylists Bree Leech and Heather Nette King, to showcase them.
Bed Edwards of Edwards Moore, said: “Before picking a colour it is important to decide what you are trying to achieve. Think about the overall ambience you want and do not think of colour as flat. In-between spaces such as corridors and circulation spaces between rooms are often overlooked. They act as transition spaces and can add delight, linking spaces in the home.”
Above all, homeowners should remember that a fresh coat of paint is a simple and inexpensive way to add colour, personality and create a place where they feel comfortable, inspired and happy. “Colour is amazing! It can highlight items you want to focus on and can camouflage the elements you wish to hide. Colour is so versatile and flexible and can empower a space or provoke a sense of tranquility,” Andrea added. “Colour plays a pivotal role in the home as it helps define the feeling and mood of a space and it so simple to create with a simple painting project.”
Q&A with Ben Edwards and Juliette Moore of Edwards Moore
Why is colour so important?
Colour touches all of us at a basic, even primal level. It creates ambience and mood. The use and skilful handling of colour can make a project. It can create an entirely new environment, either saturated or in small suggestive hits.
What are your sources of inspiration?
Our lives and the world around us. Artists such as Bridget Riley, Damien Hirst, Jackson Pollock and Wassily Kandinsky. Fashion designers such as Gareth Pugh, Victor and Rolf and Iris Van Herpen.
How has online or digital influenced design trends and colours? It has made work more widely accessible, allowing us to draw on influences not only from within our community but from across the globe. It has also enabled us to work more collaboratively.
How can colour be used to complement surrounding furnishings and accessories? Carefully considered colour used in the building fabric can create a dialogue and relationship between spaces, and can be used to support the overall architectural language.
What are the dos and don’ts when it comes to using colour? Do not use colour as a presiding design solution. Do use colour to support the overall conceptual approach to the space. Be adventurous and try unusual combinations.
How can colour change the mood of a room or how you feel? Colour can be extremely emotive. Not just in the better known psychological properties of colours, but also in evoking memories. Similar to sounds and smell, colour can be used to connect to a memory, place or event. The choice of colour therefore is a very personal process.
What do you think is going to the most influential colour in 2015?
Pink! Soft, gentle and delicate pink.
What inspires your creativity?
Our lives, the world around us and everything we see and feel.
How can home owners use these colours in the home?
Before picking a colour it is important to decide what you are trying to achieve. Think about the overall ambience you are trying to achieve and do not think of colour as flat.
What room in the home do you think is ideal for injecting colour? Any room. In between spaces such as corridors and circulation spaces between rooms are often overlooked. They act as transition spaces and can add delight linking spaces in the home.
What is your single favourite colour from the forecast? How would recommend using this colour in the home? Dulux Pink Marble. Use this colour with more neutral natural whites and soft tones to delicately shift ambience and create calm sophisticated spaces.
Find out more on the Dulux website.
The saying goes that a picture speaks a thousand words. But what if a painting, or more specifically the paint itself, could speak to every single one of your senses, enveloping you in an evocative experience of colour that took you to places that smelt, felt, and sounded exactly like the colour you could see?
That was, in sum, the vision behind the Australian paint company Haymes’ 2015 Colour Forecast. Fervently dreamt up and imaginatively executed, Haymes’ palette picks for 2015 take us on a journey through colour that seeks to reconnect us with every element of our surroundings and remind us to take the world in, through all of our senses.
Drawing inspiration from various trend-forecasting mediums (such as Maison & Objet Paris, Future Lab and the forecasting website Stylesight), Haymes has generated five colour themes for the New Year that all allude to the notion of ‘reconnecting with our roots. This is perhaps most obvious in the themes Raw and New Skin, which encompass a range of subdued yet dependable colours dominated by beautifully organic neutrals and greys; but also rustic blues – a nod to the familiarity and comfort that one gets from their favourite pair of jeans.
Rhythmic Palms and Exotic Botanic are far more vibrant selections of colour that demonstrate a distinct element of depth and juxtaposition. Both clearly echo the diversity of nature, with jungle vibes and earthly tones obvious through Haymes’ selection of lush greens and grungy metallics, featured in each category respectively.
Finally, and perhaps most strikingly, the Relaxed Replay palette is a smorgasbord of candy coloured hues that exude life and energy. With a distinctly bold feel, Relaxed Replay is a nod to a more retro era, and encourages exciting spontaneity and impulsive decisions – like painting your wall bright pink!
To say the least, the Haymes 2015 Colour Forecast provides a refreshing take on the on-trend colours and paints with which interior lovers should consider next splashing onto their walls. The choices behind each theme are so meticulously thought out, it’s easy to get lost in the five wonderful worlds they have created in conjunction with each. Yet this seems to be exactly their intention – after all, paint has such an impact on the feel of a home, and the home is, above all, an escape from reality and a sanctuary away from the hassles of everyday life.
Find out more on the Haymes Paint website.
Photography by Martina Gemmola and styling by Ruth Welsby, except for the second from last image, which was shot by Shannon McGrath and styled by the Haymes team.
Thanks to Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint, you can breathe new life into weathered and old metal furniture. It really does do what it says on the can!
Stopping rust and corrosion in its tracks, this easy to brush-on paint provides a strong coating that creates a finish that makes your pieces look as good as new. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use on metal items such as chairs, plant pots, lamps and fences, no primer or undercoat is needed.
Available in a smooth and hammered finish in a range of colours, the Direct to Rust Metal Paint (750ml) retails for $31.50.
By Shaynna Blaze
Earlier this year, Radiant Orchid was named as the 2014 Pantone Colour of the Year and it certainly ruffled some feathers with many (including Interiors Addict’s Jen!) questioning the bold choice of colour. Whether you love it, or are yet to be convinced, here are my tips for confidently incorporating the bold shades of purple into your interior colour scheme.
Purple has always been a colour of contention as some love it and others really don’t. I’ve heard a lot of talk of people fearing this new colour direction or being lost for how to make this work in their home. With any new trend it takes a while for people to embrace it, so in the spirit of embracing change, here are some of my suggestions for how to incorporate the purple jewel tones into your interior palette.
Recently, I have been talking a lot about using ‘grown up’ pastels in interior colour schemes and purple provides the depth of colour required for such a scheme, as it’s dramatic and rich, which adds punch.
There are two ways to incorporate such a bold colour into your home. You can either use it as an accent/feature colour in a room or be brave and use it on your walls as a bold statement. I’ll demonstrate this by looking at the same room but using the colour in two different ways:
As an accent colour:
The introduction of a new trend colour doesn’t mean you have to redecorate a room from scratch. You can alter the look of a room by adding accessories in various purple colours. As you can see in the picture, the bottles and accents on the cushions are a purple colour, beautifully accompanying Taubmans Endure Bald Mountain on the walls. This is an easy way of leaning gently into a new trend.
As a bold wall colour:
If you’re feeling bold you can paint your walls in Taubmans Balloon Pop. The use of neutral white, black and charcoal in the furnishings such as the couch, rug and mirrored tables allows you to be more adventurous with your wall colour and accessories. With this bold wall colour, you may choose to remove the bottles and instead have a small vase of flowers and replace the patterned cushions for textured ones in more neutral tones.
In order to embrace a bold colour, you need to know which colours it complements. There are two ways to approach it:
Select colours of a similar hue:
The first way is to select a colour that is in a similar tone to your starting colour, such as Taubmans Ellie May Rose, Taubmans Leaden Sky and Taubmans Spring Mauve. Using these colours in a lower intensity makes them blend together, creating a more harmonious look.
Choose a cool colour:
For a more dramatic look, you can choose a cool colour like Taubmans Grand Gusto and Taubmans Blueberry Bush with accents in Taubmans Crisp White. This colour palette creates a fresh and impactful colour scheme for your interior.
When using complementary colours, the key to creating the perfect look is to use the colours in different proportions, so one colour is dominant and the other is an accent. For example, you may decide to have your walls in Taubmans Leaden Sky and then introduce the trend colour through painting a chair in Taubmans Balloon Pop.
For those who love a crisp look, you can paint your walls in Taubmans Crisp White and accent the room with artwork and cushions in different shades of purple.
The most important thing to remember is that trend colours are supposed to be a starting point for inspiration to bring to life your perfect interior scheme, not to create colour stress. Embrace it!
For more tips for using colour in your home visit Taubmans. Interior designer Shaynna is a judge on The Block, host of Selling Houses Australia and creative director for Taubmans.
