Colour of the Year Showdown 2021: Dulux vs Plascon

February 25, 2021 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

by Rose McClement

I know, I know – since it is very nearly the end of February, I’m a tad late with the whole writing about the Colour of the Year 2021 trends! The chances are that you are already familiar with it. Well, at least the Pantone colours for 2021, since those seem to have a greater public spread (it’s yellow and grey for those who missed it). Last week, while sharing a past interior project on Instagram and Facebook, we noticed – by happy accident – that we applied those very Pantone colours to the room we designed. Maybe that is why I am drawn to exploring all the other chosen colours for 2021.

As you know, I am a #ColourFreak – I love colour! Through all my many years of exploring it, delving deeply into its ability to transform interior spaces (as if by magic), I find I never tire of it. I might shift gears often from bright to calming colours, from that which speaks to passivity over to that which enfolds you in a surge of passion. Moods – yes, colours are moody as well. It’s a state that is not only reserved for the female gender.

Dulux Colour of The Year 2021: Brave Ground

This morning I landed on a site that highlighted the Dulux Colour of 2021 (and its colour combos) – in video format. I found myself totally relaxing into the video’s words, content, and colours. Phrases such as “a drop of Courage carries us forward”, “courage to embrace change“, “invigorating“, “self-belief” and “collective connection” – the words grabbed my attention.

I think the psychology behind Dulux’s selections is a perfect summary of what we will need for the year 2021. We need “Brave Ground”. We need to be able to give ourselves permission to throw on the Cloak of Courage. To step bravely into that place of transformation that is calling us – whatever that might look like for each one of us. I have no doubt that every person in this “Global Village” has felt the shifting vibes that this transformation evokes.

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A post shared by Dulux South Africa (@duluxsa)

And what about the colour itself? Brave Ground, which is a beigey neutral, seems to be stirring up a bit of controversy since it is so “sombre”. A lot of people question whether we need a colour so “depressing” at this time of the COVID PANDEMIC – wouldn’t the collective mood rather do with a pick-me-up colour?

Yes, there is truth in that thinking. YET, I also appreciate what the Dulux Colour Specialists are driving at. Hold that “Brave Ground” colour within the context of their bigger picture (as illustrated in their video) – a wider colour spectrum of which Brave Ground is more like a foundation.

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A post shared by Dulux South Africa (@duluxsa)

You know, I have a feeling that more and more we are being ushered away from the grey tones that have been forefront for many years – towards the many tones of brown. Maybe, towards a more grounded context for life? Just think about it – how many of us would have entertained the thought of darker grey feature walls in our homes, gunmetal grey kitchen cabinets, etc. a decade ago? Now it is so every day, that even in the ‘burbs there are houses the exterior of which are painted deep, dark grey. Who would have thunk?

Quite frankly, I’m interested to see how the brown colour palette will gain momentum to become the “go-to” interior colour choice, so to speak! Let’s watch this space to see whether my hunch is valid.

Plascon Favourite Hue of 2021: Golden Syrup

Well, for those who feel that Dulux missed the mark and that Brave Ground is anathema, Plascon has that pick-me-up colour for you! They have selected the bright and bold colour “Golden Syrup” as their “Favourite Hue of 2021“. Opposite of Dulux’s grounding colour, they have reached for the sun’s effects on us. What does the word and concept of Golden Syrup evoke within you? For me, I think of honeycomb and delicious desserts! Oh – and – childhood pantry raids! Yum!

To quote them (because they have said it so well and why reinvent the wheel):

“Plascon’s Favourite Hue of 2021 invites us to shake off the heaviness of the year gone by and dare to imagine a lighter, brighter future.”
“Let your optimism take over and use Golden Syrup to transform your interiors from hiding places to creative spaces. Better yet fully embrace the audacity of hope and let it reflect boldly on your exteriors too.”

How do you like the sound of “embrace the audacity of Hope”. Wow! I like this.

Plascon Favourite Hue of 2021: Golden Syrup

So, as I see it, these two colours balance each other. Put them on the scales and you have balance. You have the firm foundation of “Brave Ground” for stabilizing transformation while embracing the sweet and yummy glow of hope in “Golden Syrup”!

Thank you. I’ll take that.

I’d be interested to know which of these two colours intuitively grab your attention and why! Anyone???

Ciao for now wonderful Readers.

Decorating Dictionary - Define Bouclé | via designmonarchy.co.za

Decorating Dictionary: Bouclé

February 17, 2021 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

Bouclé is currently experiencing a trend revival. Here is the Saarinen Executive Chair upholstered in an off-white bouclé fabric. | source: Knoll via Instagram

This contemporary Bouclé fabric by Kirkby Design makes for an interesting, richly textured plain. | source: Kirkby Design via Facebook

What is the definition of Bouclé?

Have you ever heard someone mention the term “bouclé” or “bouclé fabric” and wondered what on earth it meant? Well, now you have to wonder no longer – we will define Bouclé for you! Here is the latest addition to our Decorating Dictionary…

Bouclé: (from the French meaning “looped” or “curled”) is a rough textured fabric woven from looped fibre yarn of the same name. It is the coiled nature of the yarn that gives the textile its irregular knobbly or “slubby” appearance. The fabric is generally made from wool and mohair, although cotton, linen, silk, and in recent years, synthetic mixes, can also be used to create its distinctive look and feel. Bouclé’s versatile qualities and its durable, soft, and tactile nature made it was a popular fabric choice for both furniture and fashion designers in the Mid-century era of design (Eero Saarinen and Coco Chanel but to mention a few).

[Image Sources: 1, 2, 3]

Decorating Quick Tip | Decorative Bottle Stoppers

Quick Tip #59: Decorative Bottle Stoppers

December 3, 2020 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

The creative folk at VISI Magazine used copper couplings to glamourise these bottle corks. | Source: VISI

Dani Barbe shared a lovely, not to mention easy, DIY project using rough quartz crystals to create these chic bottle stoppers. | Source: Dani Barbe

Last month Rose spotted a quirky little article on VISI website illustrating how one can repurpose interesting bottle shapes and reinvent the corks. VISI used copper pipe couplings and end-caps to create trendy bottle stoppers. We loved the idea of embellishing wine corks and bottle stoppers so much that we just had to turn it into a decorative quick tip!

#59 A thoughtfully curated and polished bar cart or drinks cabinet can add a considerable amount of character and style to your space. A quick and easy way to dress up your bar cart is to jazz up the wine and spirit bottle corks. While decorative bottle stoppers can be purchased, making your own will add a unique and personalised element. Attached geodes, crystals or glass cabinet knobs to the tops of the corks for a sense of glamour. Copper or steel pipe couplings can make for trendy and contemporary bottle stoppers.

Decorative Bottle Stoppers DIY Tutorials:

If you want to make your own decorative bottle stoppers this weekend, check out this helpful post by Crafts by Courtney which features step-by-step instructions and pictures to make your job a tad easier: HERE

In the mood for a bit of a challenge? Try this stunning and trendy-looking wooden bottle stopper DIY idea by A Beautiful Mess: HERE.

Feature Images Sources: 1 | 2

Decorating Dictionary - Define Neutral Colour | via designmonarchy.co.za

Decorating Dictionary: Neutral

September 18, 2020September 18, 2020 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

This lovely living space contains a selection of neutral colours. The walls are painted in a lovely off-white which serves as a bright backdrop, while the fireplace features both warm and cool neutrals. | source: Ashley Thurman via Instagram

The “Grounded” colour palette by Dulux features beautiful neutrals with muted contemporary colour undertones. | source: Dulux NZ

What is the definition of Neutral?

Have you ever heard someone mention the term “neutral“, “neutral colour“, or “neutral palette” and wondered what on earth it meant? Well, now you have to wonder no longer – we will define Neutral for you! Here is the latest addition to our Decorating Dictionary…

Neutral: In interiors, neutral colours serve as subtle background hues, which can easily be combined and layered with other bolder colours. While neutral tones are often mild and unoffensive, they are not necessarily devoid of colour. Most neutral colours have undertones of other colours in them. Traditional warm neutral shades include colours like taupe and beige while cooler neutrals have a slightly bluer undertone – these would be your greys and silvers. Neutrals can also vary from very light tones, such as white, to darker shades, such as charcoal.

[Image Sources: 1, 2, 3]

7 Home Decorating Items & Decisions We Regret

September 9, 2020 Design Monarchy2 Comments

by Marica Fick & Rose McClement

Earlier this week I read an article on Apartment Therapy that set the hamster wheel in my head spinning. The title grabbed me immediately: “3 Common Home Items I Wish I Never Bought”. In the post freelance writer, Sarah Lyon, shared that her past home decorating efforts has been accompanied by a fair dose of regret.

Sarah goes on to explain that while some treasured purchases have found a permanent place in her home, others left her with a bad taste in the mouth after a few short months. Her regrets include: cheesy, cliched wall art, cheap wine glasses, and pieces that are “too nice”.

While we did not entirely agree with all of her laments, it did spark an interesting office conversation. So here is Design Monarchy‘s list of home decorating items and decisions we regret…

Beautiful Vinyl Floor — We would opt for a beautiful good-quality vinyl floor above carpet in a heartbeat. | source: Godfrey Hirst via Instagram

Wall-to-Wall Carpet:

The first item on our home decorating regret list is one both Rose and I can’t wait to say “goodbye and good riddance” to. Wall-to-wall carpets. Until recently, opting for carpets throughout the home has been such an ingrain and default choice in home decorating.

We found that carpets take such an effort to clean and maintain in the long run. It just does not have the physical and aesthetic longevity that some other floor finishes have. No matter how regularly you vacuum and deep-clean your carpet, it still becomes a dirt and odour trap – especially if you have pets or little kiddos.

The carpets in my home are a real eye-sore. It was gorgeous when first installed but now it looks grubby no matter what we do. We have had it cleaned SO many times with no real improvement. And these were good quality, high traffic carpets!

Now, don’t get us wrong – we are not saying that you should immediately rip up the carpets in your home and get rid of them. We understand that there are some situations and areas where it remains the preferred application. Especially a bedroom – most people still prefer the added warmth and soft feel underfoot that carpets provide.

When it comes to general areas and living rooms we often recommend a good quality vinyl to our clients as an alternative floor covering. It is much easier to clean and maintain and adds a lovely visual warmth to any space. You can always opt for a loose rug that can be washed or changed as desired.

Currently Coveting: Kirsten Goss ABODE

July 10, 2020July 9, 2020 Design Monarchy1 Comment

by Marica Fick

I’ve gone and done it again… lost my heart.

I know, not too long ago I was pledging my undying love to something completely different. At that moment I was head-over heels and coveting the funky, contemporary, African-chic ZCafe Rope Chair designed by Egg Designs (and it is still gorgeous by the way).

What can I say, my heart is a bit fickle – but luckily – I have a BIG heart so there is room for far more beautiful things. I’m a sucker for a bit of local eye-candy.

What, you my ask, has got me drooling this time around? I’m currently coveting the beautifully chic ABODE collection by South African jewellery designer, Kirsten Goss. This elegant homeware addition to Kirsten’s established jewellery brand is both refreshing and unexpected.

Kirsten who opened her flagship jewellery store in London in 2005, has designed pieces for Kate Middleton and Prince William’s royal wedding and her jewellery designs have been worn by several A-list celebrities.

Kirsten’s “Lily Pad Ring” won the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa (MBOISA) at the Design Indaba Expo 2012. The ring’s contemporary design, intriguing organic lines and playful edge exemplifies Kirsten’s award-winning style aesthetic.