By Golly!

No wonder my kids love going to Grannys. It's all about fun, photos and fabulous food. 

• This shot illustrates a double split complementary colour scheme.
• The use of harmony through progression.
• And a lovely rhythm through pattern.

  Colour Wheel

With a starting off hue of green, this colour scheme sparks into life by incorporating blue, orange and a dash of red. Remember you can make your own recipe using a similar harmonious colour scheme. Decide on one hue to launch you, that will give you two choices of double split complementary colour schemes to decide on.

colour wheel link

Harmony Through Progression

When you look at the way these rooms flow it is easy to spot some similarities.

• Same treatment of skirting tiles and gold bar.
• Same colour on walls and flooring.
• Same style of furniture, photo frame shape and soft toys.

This gives the peaceful flow that comes from harmony through progression. The two spaces relate well to each other even though there are many differences. The chairs used in the blog picture are a similar style, the smaller chair is badly in need of repair but by covering with a throw it will continue to serve it's purpose well, till Granny can afford to reupholster it. 

"it's true - you can get the look too"

Victorian Chairs

chesterfield-suite            victorian chair            IDOChair            tartan               velvet

If you are trying to recreate a scene featuring period furniture it's always good to be a little flexible. There are some beaut buys in antique shops and tradme is fantastic. There are also some reproduction companys where they will upholster  your purchase in the fabric of your desire.

Rhythm of Pattern

personalised cushion                            scoti cushion                            crochet golliwog                             plaid teddy

A wonderful rhythm of pattern is established through the tartan theme that adorns the pillows, throw on the small chair and of course teddy himself. The varied rhythm, created through repetitive variety, gives depth to a design. 

Hint: When choosing between different white paints do not allow the samples to touch each other. You will not be able to clearly compare and analyse the colours as the colours affect each other if they are touching. Remember that different types of white have different psychological effects on you. A blue tint will make the space seem cooler. Creamier whites with a yellow base such as the one in the blog, will appear warmer and more inviting. At the moment the contemporary  trends in whites seems to be more to the brilliant cool blue whites, but for a more organic softer look a soft yellow white is best.

"I hate good taste. It's the worst thing that can happen to a creative person." 

- Helmut Newton

Outside In

What a pretty picture. This setting has burst out of it's walls and challenges you to do the same.

Outdoor living isn't always possible due to apartments, smaller sections and busy lives.

But, you can still get the feel of 'Outside In' through the use of impressive wallcovering solutions. 

But first let's start with the design.

Analogous Colour Scheme

In my opinion this is one of the easiest colour schemes to master. It is great for creating warmth or a cooling effect and is often seen in nature. A good example is the colours of Autumn. 

The Colour Wheel

There are many combinations of Analogous Colour Schemes they usually create a subtle, harmonious feeling.

colour wheel link

"it's true - you can get the look too"

Lights - Camera - Action

mural           pendants          pew

Step into another world a retreat, a sanctuary, a haven. 

Using a Photo Mural can be a really effective way of infusing character into your home.

The pendants shown can be easily made into a feature light by sourcing a reclaimed piece of timber and allowing your electrician to turn them into a bespock lighting fixture. The strong horizontal line that this creates works well against the vertically inspired background. The pew l have found has vertical lines unlike the blog pew. However the back of the pew is largely covered by the cushions in the design.

Choice Cushion Choices 

coastal design                         zazzle                               jilltuck

When you have a really high stud in your house horizontal lines can be a fantastic design tool for you to use. 

They shout 'this is the scene - that is the backdrop', they bring the focus down and widen the room so it changes the proportions. The horizontal line element has been repeated through the style of shelving. The shelf l found below could have extra shelves added and a paint job to create a similar look.

Shelving & Collectables

cat                          plane                       car                       teapot                      shelving

Another theme that is richly displayed in the blog is the use of harmony through variety. This is a fascinating way to show collections of similar items that are dear to you and they make great focal points and conversation starters. Note how even throughout the collectibles displayed, the choices are largely within the colour palette. 

Hint: If you look closely at the blog lighting, you will notice that we have used old paint cans as lamp shades. There are many different everyday objects that can be used in a similar way. Have a squize at the links below. It's great to let that kiwi ingenuity shine every now and then, take hold of your creative licence!

lightshadekits                   uniquelamp

The details are not the details, they make the design. - Charles Eames