WHAT ABOUT COLOUR
Image: Colourful gallery wall from a Collected Family Home
Recently I was at the showroom of a furniture trade supplier. They were hosting a presentation of their new collection.
This was a pretty typical event – interior designers, decorators and stylists get treated to a sneak preview of furniture and a selection of pastries and caffeine offerings. It’s a great way for interiors designers to see, feel and sit on furniture!
After milling around the furniture while sipping on my bougie iced coffee, it was time for the formal presentation. Invited designers were dotted around the showroom, perched on various chairs and stools from the new collection (it’s a great way to test of something is comfortable after sitting there for 30 minutes!) This supplier is known for its contemporary furniture, interesting shapes and use of muted materials. After the presentation had finished, a designer put up her hand to ask a question.
‘But where’s the colour? There’s no colour! It’s all neutral.’
She sounded disappointed.
The presenters looked surprised and uncomfortable. You could hear a pin drop. They had presented a beautiful collection with interesting shapes and designs. But I tended to agree. There wasn’t a lot of colour.
One of the presenters bravely responded with an explanation of the intention and thought process behind the creation of the furniture. They were focused on neutrals, deep greens, rich maroons and beautiful stone and timbers. One of the presenters chimed in and mentioned that these pieces together created a calming and contemporary feel.
The invitee’s question (although direct) was a fair question. And it made me think about the process of decorating a home. Here’s my thoughts:
Design is different to everyone. For some this collection would have been perfect. For others (like the designer), it simply wasn’t colourful enough.
It’s good to be able to select items from a number of sources. Suppliers that have neutral and those that perhaps play with colours. That way you’ll get a more interesting look (and a less display home look).
A home should reflect your personality and feel like your home. For the presenter, she thought it was a calming palette, but for the designer attending, it was perhaps too boring.
It comes down to how you want your home to feel.
A colourful home
Colour can be used in different ways. For some clients, it’s about introducing colour subtly in a space. For others, it’s about using a favourite colour or even introducing a colour they didn't know they liked! For my project ‘Sun and the City’ my clients were very brave and confident with colour. Not many clients say they want a bright yellow sofa (especially in inner city Melbourne)! To check out this project and the use of colour, click below.
Need some colour?
Do you need some colour in your life? Do you want colour but don’t feel brave enough to use it? Or don’t know how to incorporate it in your home (that’s pretty common). Book in for a complimentary phone call to see how I can help. From an in house consultation, to a full transformation, let’s see how I can help you feel at home.
