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2011 Trend Watching – Part Two

2011 Trend Watching – Part Two

Jan 26

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By Marica

Yesterday we discussed some style trends we observed in 2011, highlighting our favourites. Today we’ll be looking at our favourite 2011 colour trends…

Colour Trends:

At the beginning of 2011 various berry colours did the rounds - luscious shades of purple, red and pink. Pantone’s colour of 2011, Honeysuckle Pink, probably had a large role to play in the berry-coloured trend. Since the trend is to draw our inspiration from nature in terms of colour, it comes as no surprise to find that the rich, warm and comforting colours of berries have unfolded onto the artist’s palette. The colour red hit the stage of fashion and design a number of years ago. And like most things that evolve, so too has the tones of red. This evolution has moved from being bold striking reds, to the more gentle tones of berry, cherry, pink, purple – and the most awesome part of it all, is that these same colours are boldly and effectively, being coupled with teal blue, deep aqua blue, chartreuse yellow, grey and black. Adding exciting and adventurous flavours that allows the man-in-the-street to dabble with colour in a manner not seen for a long time.

Another awesome colour trend was the use of sunny yellow. I’m instantly drawn to the warm, friendly colour. We observed a good few beautiful yellow interiors - most often paired with another trending colour - grey. The predominant trend is to use pops of yellow as accent colour and the contrasting grey as a neutral base. Splashes of yellow adds some instant sunshine and statement to an interior as the use of such a bright yellow is quite bold. The combo of warm (yellow) and cool (grey) really complements contemporary interiors.

A colour trend that is still going strong, is my much-loved shades of blue. Blues of all shades and hues has been trending this past year – strong cobalt, bright ultramarine, deep indigo, sea-foam, aqua, turquoise, robin’s egg. Jeez, thinking of all the beautiful inky blues is making me all excited, lyrical even! Rose also agrees that this blue trend was by far her favourite colour trend of 2011 – lets hope it sticks around for another year or ten…blue is timeless.

There is one of the past year’s colour trends that Rose and I really had to get used to – the all-white phenomenon. Hugely popular, we now see it in every other interior –  white walls, white floors, splashes of accent colours and textures. Our problem, you see, is that we view walls and floors as an integral part of “layering” – an interior with white walls and floors is therefore missing “layers”. Rose and I have however grown to love this fresh and open style of decorating (when somehow refined) – it must be the Scandinavian influence.

Towards the end of 2011 we saw gradual migration towards fresh spring colours - especially corals and salmons, usually paired with aqua and turquoise blues. I found the introduction of the coral and salmon hues quite surprising and unexpected. I can remember telling Rose “I will never like those – it’s just another name for shades of (dreadful) peach!“ Luckily, I soon changed my mind – I can honestly say that the coral-aqua combo is one of my favourite colour trends of 2011. This pastel-coloured trend is also said to be one of the strong colour trends of 2012.

Stick around for Part 3 of our 2011 Trends report where we discuss the past year’s pattern trends…

So, what colour trends did you notice in 2011? We would love to hear about your favourites colour!

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Posted in Colour Inspiration, Decor, Trends, Trends 2011

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Colours that don’t “do it” for me…

Colours that don’t “do it” for me…

Oct 12

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When considering colour in décor and design, I often wonder where the starting point of this specific topic is and where it end (if ever). There is just so much to say about colour – its intentions, its effects, the trends, the do’s and the don’ts and more. But over and above all that, one thing I am always conscious of is the fact that colour is “individual specific”. What works for me may not work for you.

Which brings me to the opinion I want to share with you today- the colours that just don’t do it for me any more and those that manage to grab my attention of late.

Terracotta walls and a dark stained vanity? Definitely does NOT do it for me!

This earthy African interior is bland, dark and heavy. Give me colour that pops!

Let’s start with the DON’T DO IT: Terracotta orange and clay colours, along with that dark stained finishes on wooden furniture and joinery items. For me the days of the dark kitchen cupboard doors and drawers, as well as dark coffee tables, dining chairs and tables are long gone tired, over and done with. That whole dark wenge and dark African mahogany wooden finish seemed to walk hand-in-hand with the deeper “earthy tones” of burnt orange and clay on a background of beige colours. Pretty much that “African” look.  We were subjected to such an over-exposure of it, that it became anathema to me – loathed when encountered. That is where the problem lies – total over-exposure. Could the possibility also exist that working with these dark finishes were somewhat limiting and stifling, leading to creative boredom?

It almost seems silly to be raising this style as a topic of discussion, particularly since there has been a natural progression from dark finishes to lighter natural wooden finishes with complimenting vibrant colours such as green, fresh oranges, soft browns and strong hues of blue. NOW THIS I CAN DO!  The operative word here is VIBRANT.

See how this pale blue compliments the terracotta! Beautiful and FRESH!

With the gradual advent and introduction of growing eco-awareness, the shift to natural was inevitable. Somehow, that shift to all things a-la-natural has evoked a surge of creative energy, making it very difficult to grow tired of this natural trend. It is the foundation for a much broader colour spectrum and really can be such fun to work with.

HOWEVER, having said all of that, I am not writing off the colour clay completely. In fact clay can be a fab complimentary colour (and burnt orange if it comes to that) when carefully paired up with another vibrant colour, such as a strong teal blue.

Now this is colour that POPS! The vibrant teal compliments the warmer terracotta perfectly! (This bright combination is not for the meek though)

Take this bathroom for instance.  The feature colour is teal, complimented by the clay bath, vanity unit and towels. When it is not the dominant colour, IT CAN DO IT FOR ME.

Images sourced from Houzz: here.

Posted in Colour Inspiration, Décor Diva, Decor, Interior Design, Opinions, Trends

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10 Bathroom Accessories Under R200

10 Bathroom Accessories Under R200

Oct 5

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By Marica

An economical way for your bathroom to remain beautiful and timeless is by keeping it a blank canvas. Investing in quality contemporary finishes in neutral colours will allow you to change the look of your bathroom regularly by just switching out a handful of décor items and colours. I have noticed in most homes that bathrooms are either cold and bare or, on the other end of the scale, uncoordinated and filled with unnecessary fiddly bits. Here is a little budget inspiration for your bathroom…

Towels - White & Purple

Buy good quality white towels as a basis, like this "10 Year Towels" from Weylandts (R199 each) and one or two less expensive towels in a colour of choice. The splashes of colour will serve as accent without dominating and since coloured/dyed towels wear and fade far quicker you don't have to spend piles of money on them. The striking purple towel is from Mr. Price Home (R69.99) and the aubergine towel from @Home (R80.00)

Recycled Paper Waste Basket

This beautiful waste basket is made out of recycled paper, available from Weylandts at R179.00. Select a non-translucent bathroom bin - nobody wants to so what you toss away...

Purple Glass Candle Holders

Add a couple of colourful tea candle holders - keep it simplistic (remember - no fiddly bits!). These beautiful glass holders can also serve as funky ear-bud containers. The ribbed tea light holder is R15.99 and the other one R5.99, both from Mr. Price Home

Interesting Soap Dishes

I find the average soap dish to be extremely boring. If you can't find something beautiful like this grey lace soap dish from The Pause Room (77.00) use interesting side-plates or butter dishes: The funky purple side plate is from Woolworths (R29.95) and the gorgeous silver leaf dish is from Farriers (R60.00)

Funky Laundry Basket

I love this funky fabric Laundry Bin, and it is collapse-able for easy storage when empty. R129.00 from @Home

Scented Candles Violet Lilac and Grey

Candles are a must! Make sure they are scented - a bathroom should always smell as beautiful as it looks! The candles above are R49.00 each, all from @Home.

Amethyst Tumbler and Silver Glass

Just like the soap dishes, I find toothbrush holders extremely drab! Rather opt for a beautiful glass tumbler or interesting container. The stained glass tumblers show above are perfect as they won't appear dirty too quickly. The amethyst glass is from Mr Price Home (R29.99) and the platinum mist tumbler is from @Home (R39.00)

Handmade Soaps

Don't forget some gentle handmade glycerine soaps! Always beautiful. These two tone soap bars are from The Pause Room (R30.00 each)

Beautiful Purple Bath Mat

This gorgeous bold purple bath mat immediately caught my attention. The pebbled surface aids to the water absorption and is seriously funky. Beautiful! Available from @Home for R119.00

Most people are afraid to put art work in their bathrooms, but if you have the wall space - go for it! I love these simplistic yet trendy geometric prints: Available through Etsy, it is by an US design company called Acquired Design. It works out to about R100.00 each (ex shipping) Not bad at all!)

Check out these products on the supplier’s various websites:

@Home – Mr. Price Home – Woolworths – The Pause Room – Farriers – Weylandts – Etsy 

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Posted in Best Buys, Budget Buys, Decor, Suppliers

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Colour-Coded Inspiration – Black & White

Colour-Coded Inspiration – Black & White

Sep 16

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By Marica

Today’s colour-coded inspiration contains two colours that separately have quite contradictory symbolisms and “feels”. Take black – it can be serious and conventional but it can also be elegant, sleek, and sophisticated (maybe even a bit sexy & mysterious). White is generally associated with purity, cleanliness, and innocence but it can also be stark and uninteresting.

White and black have the ability to compliment any colour (as they are neutral colours) and they are rarely used alone as the effect can be quite overpowering. Black can make an interior space appear to shrink in size and to much brilliant white can cause headaches.

Using black & white together creates a bold and sometimes an unwittingly masculine space. This colour duo can be loosely associated with a mid-century modern style of decorating (a style trend that is currently experiencing a revival) and also the more sleek and minimalist contemporary styles.

Feature Image via Emma’s Designblogg. From top left: Black Loofah Sphere Hanging Lamp – Weylandts / Jozi Shelf – Egg Designs / 3 x Scatter Cushions – Loads Of Living / Black & White Squares Scatter Cushion – @Home / Best Beaches Art – Quirky Me / Various Ceramic Vases with Rabbit, Bird & Protea Designs – Quirky Me / Circular Coffee Table – Tonic Design / Cow Hide Rug – Weylandts / Wingback Chair with Ottoman – Tom Dixon / Round Bamboo Placemat – @Home

Feature Image via Dear Lillie. From top left: Faux Fur Throw – @Home / White Ceramic Pot – Mr. Price Home / Black Doily Cushion – Weylandts / White Crochet Cushion – Woolworths / Black Ruffled Cushion – Weylandts / Black Spotted Cushion – Woolworths / Numbered Glass Bottles – Loads Of Living / Manuscript Rug – Nanimarquina / Lotus Candle Holder – Mr.Price Home / Velvet Ottoman – Weylandts / Ceramic Vessels – Woolworths / Chair – Chair Crazy / Plume Lamp – Spazio

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Posted in Black, Colour Inspiration, Decor, Furniture, White

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Ask Décor Diva: Dark vs Light Wood?

Ask Décor Diva: Dark vs Light Wood?

Aug 15

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Shaidah recently contacted The Design Tabloid to ask our resident Décor Diva some advice…

Shaidah asks:

“I am building and want to combine a kitchen with the lounge. The whole room is 2.5m x 3m. My plan is to have 1 wall fitted with the kitchen cabinets, stove and fridge and the other wall will play host to a wall mounted plasma and floating shelves. I want dark wood cabinets but I am afraid the whole place will look cramped and dark. Please help!”

Décor Diva says:

In terms of your plans for your lounge and kitchen – the area being small really needs to be kept of light as possible in order to create and maintain that feeling of space. I would venture to say that having all the cabinets in dark wood would be defeating that objective. I would recommend that you either consider a light wood finish or white or cream cabinets with the same colour on the drawers and door fronts.

White would be your better option, but if you are keen on a wooden finish, and then ask your kitchen supplier to show you a few samples along the lighter wood lines.

If you should go the white or cream route, a splash of colour can be added into your kitchen by having one or more of the drawer fronts in either a colour or wood finish. Alternatively there could be one or two doors in a contrasting finish or colour. There is no reason why you cannot mix in the colours and textures. In fact that is the trend in kitchens today and it works well.

All the best with your plans.

Love, Rose  x x x

Design Titbit:

Small dual function spaces like Shaidah’s might sound improbable but is actually quite common especially in Scandinavian or East Asian countries where properties are either very expensive or very limited because of overpopulation. It is essential to keep the space light, minimal and free of clutter. Invest in multi-functional furniture and clever storage solutions.

Image – xJavierx via Flickr: here

Posted in Ask Décor Diva, Décor Diva

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