Colour your world

​Interior Advice with Avril Heard-Woollcombe Owner of Karibu Interior Design

Now that the warm summer days are well and truly behind us, owner of Karibu Interior Design, Avril Heard-Woollcombe says it is a good time to brighten up the home by bringing some of nature’s colour and tones into our interior and exterior spaces.

Think green

​Creative influence

Was there ever a better time to go green? Think of all the qualities it evokes, nature, freshness, and new growth. Green has made a huge comeback in both interiors and fashion. Green is particularly effective for giving a soothing, calming feeling in rooms where we seek comfort, such as bedrooms and living rooms.

Moody blue

​Look to the sea and sky for a limitless source of colour inspiration – from the pale, watery blue greens of a sun-soaked lagoon, to the vibrant aqua and turquoise blues of the islands and the moody grey-green and slate blue of a stormy coastline. Blues are a popular choice for a wall colour and works well as a tonal back drop to other colours,
such as greens, pinks, and ochre. Create a light and bright space with soft and gentle blue paint tones
or, for a little more impact, try a deep, intense
shade all over or up to picture rail height. Research shows that blue is the most favourite colour for both men and women worldwide.

Sunshine yellow

Yellow evokes so many feelings such as creativity, optimism, productivity, happiness, sunshine, energy, spring flowers, warmth, and sun flowers. A small amount of yellow – a cushion, a chair,
a front door – can have a dramatic effect and enliven a space without being overbearing. Yellow compliments green and blue, completing the nature theme.

If you are feeling stuck look around you for colour inspiration, at accessories, a piece of art, a duvet,
a favourite ornament – put it in pride of place and plan your palette to match. Colour can be introduced not only with paint and textiles but in pieces
of furniture, kitchen joinery and benchtops and splashbacks, appliances, tiles, and flooring. If you
are using an accent colour in small doses, be creative with placement, and have touches around the room to give balance.
Wallpapers, patterned, plain and textured can also
be a wonderful way to incorporate colour and impact
into your scheme.
Bold colour – use a neutral base colour to stop bold
shades being overpowering. Balance strong colour
with more restful materials and shades for a more
liveable space that will last beyond trends.
Beware of selecting colours directly from colour charts.
Like selecting a product off the internet these are not
always a true representation of the colour. Use sample
test pots or order a sample draw down card.

karibuinteriordesign.co.nz
@karibuinteriordesign

ABOVE: In this commercial space Karibu Interior Design’s, Avril Heard-Woollcombe created an informal, relaxing meeting space on the landing by adding pops of colour with coloured stools and walls of black and yellow.