Colour Crush

I often admire a serene, neutral colour palette when done well with lots of delicious texture. I sometimes even contemplate trying it in my own home. Then I see something with gorgeous, rich colour and am instantly pulled back into my love affair with colour.

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Two of my favourite colours are blue in all it's beautiful hues, and green - lush emerald, jade, a touch of mint... Here, let me show you.

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Gorgeous colours always evoke strong emotions in me. How about you, are you drawn to particular colours, or are you a fan of the neutral palette? Neither is right or wrong, but I believe you should find those colours that move you, and surround yourself with them.

Stormy Seas

I spent many hours and days of my childhood playing in the surf at Wainui Beach. As I grew older I became a little intimidated by the ocean and it's strength, but I've never stopped admiring it's beauty. I am drawn to the colours - the glittering turquoise of a calm sea, and the emerald greens and deep teals of a stormy sea.

It's this rich, dark, and moody palette that I'm really loving right now. I love the drama and the sophistication it brings to a room. I would recommend using these colours in a room with plenty of natural light, because you get the most beautiful effect as the light moves and changes in the room. If the room lacks natural light the colour may just appear a bit flat.

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Despite the fact that my school uniform was green and blue, I still love this combination in an outfit. Choose shades with some depth for maximum impact.

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If you're not sure about using these deeper colours on your wall, start by introducing them in smaller doses. Whenever you're working with colour, whether it's in your home or your wardrobe, make sure it moves you (in a good way). What colours are you drawn to when you enter a shop? What pages stop you in your tracks in a magazine? These are the colours you should be surrounding yourself with.

Girl in Sea Print: Bibby + Brady | Deadly Ponies Handbag: Superette | Resin Bowl: Dinosaur Designs | Monmouth Tumbler: Mekka | Essie Nail Polish: Farmers | Ceramic Whale: Bibby + Brady | Burberry Prorsum Jacket: Sohelee Tahmina | Luxembourg Bar Trolley: Jardin | Blue Velvet Sofa: order via Bibby + Brady

My Colours for 2016

Happy New Year everyone, I hope 2016 is off to a cracker start for you. I spent a week or so over at our family lake house and I really enjoyed the lack of wifi, and just good ole fashion 'chilling out'. But I'm back home now and really excited about what this year will bring. I have exciting plans for my home and for the growth of my business, Bibby + Brady (with Dael Brady), and look forward to sharing it all with you.

In 2016 I continue to (and will always) love white interiors layered with colour, pattern and texture. Shibori, denim and a contemporary take on tartan are favourites of mine. Zhush up your occasional chair by reupholstering the back cushion only in a gorgeous fabric.

This year I will also be embracing lots of dark walls - think glamorous not gloomy. Layer on warm wood tones, peachy pinks, and shots of brass and copper. Blue is definitely the new black. We use it a lot with our clients and I hope to bring you some of our examples in the near future.

Texture will never go out of fashion and I love the use of panelling on walls to add subtle texture and interest. There are so many fabulous examples that I think I'll have to do a whole seperate blog post to showcase my faves.

Mexico, India and Morocco have the most influence on my style and they do colour so well.

In 1956 fashion editor Diana Vreeland declared that "pink is the navy of India". I absolutely adore hot pink teamed with their slightly muddier tones of cobalt and aqua. The patina of those walls is divine!

If you're not ready to embrace that kind of colour into your home, don't feel you have to go black, white or beige. Try soft grey, dusky pinks and lilacs, chalky whites and mustard.

What ever you do in 2016, make sure it's "you"! Forget fads and trends, it's all about creating the best possible home for you. Somewhere you will be happy, somewhere you look forward to returning to, a place you love.

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Decorating with colour in 2016

You've probably all seen the Pantone colours for 2016 - for the first time it's a blend of two shades, rose quartz and serenity. The soft tones are restful and calm, just what we need in our ever-increasing busy lives. Rose quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.

I love the idea of introducing these colours into your wardrobe for a feminine hit. Mix some darker tones in for a bit of depth, as you would if you were highlighting your hair. One overall tone could be a bit boring.

In your home layer the softer tones with warm wood, leather and copper, or a hit of black and white for a more Scandi look.

If you're not much of a pastel lover here are a few other colours I think would look incredible. Maybe 2016 is your year to be bold and step outside the box. I predict that blue will remain popular. Think the azure blues of Morocco and Greece, beautiful cobalt French blues, and the fresh combo of navy and white.

How about grey with a hint of purple for a really sophisticated feel. Look out for more panelling, which I love. It adds subtle texture and is super classy.

Emerald green brings the outside in and looks gorgeous with other jewel tones such as turquoise, sapphire and citrine.

Or why not be really brave and embrace a delicious golden yellow?! It adds so much warmth and energy.

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If you need any help with colour in your home, be it paint colours, fabric, or artwork, contact Dael or I. Colour is something we're passionate about and we have a number of tried and tested paint colours and favourite fabrics that we'd love to advise you on.

Blue & White at The Bach

I absolutely love the combination of blue and white - it's fresh, it's classic, and it's timeless. It's also a great colour choice for a bach, and if done right will give a chic, relaxed look. Team it with white panelled walls, warm wood and natural textures and materials.

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This home in Sweden is a great example of how to use blue and white to create an airy, comfortable and inviting space. My favourite spot is the back bedroom with bunk beds covered in classic checked linen, and a little curtain for privacy.

Another Swedish home, I absolutely love this one with it's shots of pink to warm up the blue and white. The use of old pieces of furniture, flea market finds, and fabrics picked up on travels tells a great story about this home.

If you have a holiday home, or you want this relaxed feel in your own home, try using blue and white ticking fabric, plaid and checks, paisley and ikats. Lots of white panelling, touches of wood and leather, and blue and white ceramics.

Inspired by Petra Bindel

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Swedish photographer, Petra Bindel, I have featured her work before on the blog, here and here. The interiors she photographs always inspire me with their unique style.

I love the dark walls and crisp white trim in this room (below) looking through to the gorgeous teal room beyond. The touches of teal and green in the foreground room provide a link to the room behind.

I'm particularly drawn to the dramatic moody colour palette of charcoal, teal and indigo blue at the moment. Soften with white and bring warmth with wood and metallics.

Also high on my list of current faves is a modern take on traditional plaids and checks. I love taking something old and giving it a new twist.

To see more of Petra's work check out her website, and also Cameralink, I'm sure you'll be as inspired as I am.