Waiting Room Bliss

Time flys when you're having fun.

Wouldn't it be great if all waiting rooms were this inviting. Sit on a comfy chair, play with a rubiks cube or delve into the cabinet of magazines and toys. This room shows a great balance of fun and formality.

The Colour Wheel

Our blissful waiting room was designed for mums, dads, kids, professionals, for everyone who gets nervous and bored waiting. Colour can be a real tonic and by choosing a tetradic colour scheme, this business has stimulated and sidetracked its clients well.

Lets have a look at what a tetradic colour scheme is made up of. 

colour wheel link

As you move the staples around the colour wheel, you can create a completely different tetradic look.  Often we emphasis one colour in this sort of colour scheme but in this case there is an effective balance.

Waiting Room Bliss Colour Palette

Stunning colours! I have chosen bright hues but don't be scared off. Explore the colour swatches at your favourite home renovation store and search through the shades and tints that will suit your scene.

Focus on design

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

Design Choices

So let's not muck about, I know you're inspired, it's time to shop!

1. wallpaper/Resene This wallpaper is high on character and down to earth.

2. candles/BedBath&Beyond The candles are such an easy way to bring and take away colour, the ambience they give                                     through scent is priceless.

3. lightingdirect I chose these red/orange table lamps because they had similar chrome stands that tie in well with the                     retro clock. Embellishments could easily be added to bring in the harmony of shape.

4. clock/MightyApe Here's an impact piece, this clock  has a fabulous punchy presence, it is the same as the blog picture.

5. chair/JohncochraneThe chairs in the blog picture are from Target, swivelchair they are really fun. The 'get the look'                                    chairs are also great and John Cochrane will upholster them in your desired fabric.

6. sidecabinet/EarlySettler  We all love to catch up on what's hot through perusing the magazines in waiting rooms. 

                         I found it difficult to source a similar bi-fold distressed cabinet but this one would work well too.

7. rug/Forlongs Add a shag rug to bring in some tactile therapy.

Lastly, with the help of your trusted colour palette, buy make or order in some striking, washable cushions that will balance your tetradic colour scheme beautifully. Happy clients means happy you!

        Colours are the smiles of nature             

    

    

Hint: The cabinet that we have showed in the blog picture is upcycled. Search through local 2nd hand dealers or dump shops for some real gems. Distressing an item of furniture can be a quick effective way of 

doing it up and hiding some of its imperfections. 

It's also loads of fun and the outcome is completely unique and great for the planet. 

Check out Mitre 10's helpful info on distressing your furniture. distressingfurniture

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. 

Design is knowing which ones to keep" - Scott Adams

Girls Only !!!

Complementary Colour Scheme

Who needs pink when you can you can have aqua blue and rich salmon? Lilly Layne's room is radiantly coloured and playful, she is delighted to hang out with her dollys and friends in here.

This Complementary Colour scheme is sharp and clean. The harmony of colour is evident through a narrow effortless colour palette and a striking vertical line wallpaper provides a fabulous backdrop for little Lilly's bed.

The detailed rhythm of design is shown through the careful choice and placement of wall art, cushion and throw.

The Colour Wheel

colour wheel link

 Opposites attract is the rule here. Choosing a complementary colour scheme can be very bold and brave, or by using shades and tints more muted but still super sassy. Both the blue/green and red/orange that l have chosen are tertiary colours. There is a marvelous array of Complementary Colour Choices.

Lilly Layne's Colour Palette

 I love how these hues springboard each other into life. 

 All things bright and beautiful

All creatures great and small

All things wise and wonderful

The Lord God made them all 

                                         Cecil Frances Alexander

Choices and Challenges

"Happiness is not the absence of problems; it's the ability to deal with them." Steve Maraboli

Ok Bloggers today l have given you a challenge; two choices.

On the right l have stuck with the original blog picture colour scheme.

But on the left l have mixed things up by picking the opposing colours.

Tweak things, change them up, use your palette like a jigsaw puzzle, adding and taking away till you are satisfied.

This exercise will help, when you are really sure of your colours, but not sure of how to spend your colour clout. 

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

          

The 'wow factor' - that's what this
wallpaper will give you. I have chosen to go with the alternative colour scheme from the left, I reckon Lilly Layne would love this option too. This paper really retains the wonderful vertical line design element from Lilly's room. The red/orange colour contrasting with the white gives a really similar feel to the  blog wallpaper.wallpaper

You'll note that this chair is armless, just like the blog bedside chair. I picture this as a super place for parents to read bedtime stories and encourage their children through life's hiccups and triumphs. bedside chair 

What a great throw, the colour is warm and works wonderfully in this complementary colour scheme. throw  


Cushions are a license to play, but be careful not to overdose on them and lose your rhythm of design. The flower cushion in the 'Girls Only' picture shows both a hue and a softer tint; you can get that cushion from bosinteriors . The blue/green cushion on the left here is from felt  and it would work well in the original scene as it matches the wallpaper hue perfectly. The red/orange cushion from freedomfurniture  adds texture to the setting through its knitted covering. The far right cushion tones in better with the throw pictured and l really like that it has girly flowers on it. Buy this from thewarehouse. 

Never forget who your client is!

When researching colours and products on the internet, be sure not to rule things out if they don't match your selected palette perfectly, until you have personally viewed them. Colours vary alot depending on what program and computer you are using. Here are the links that l sourced from the second option.

chair redthrow salmoncushion aquacushion butterflycushion wallpaper

 Now...which option do you prefer?

Wall Art

Wall art is prevalent at the moment, you can purchase all sorts of fabulous creations and sculptures to bring life and interest into your walls. Putting your child's name on the wall is a great way to affirm them and bring real individuality into 'their space.' There are many businesses that make personalized wall art; check out these guys wallart or MDF wallart.

Be inspired, use your favourite colour as a springboard! 

Ohhh La La

 Triadic Colour Scheme

The scene is set for action!  A striking primary triadic colour scheme. 

It is warm and pleasing to the eye to see the lavish use of red grounding the room. The intense adrenaline - rushing colour hues, give a charged rhythm to the setting. Radial balance clearly emits out from the red hanging pendant, giving a sense of intimacy. 

The Colour Wheel

colour wheel link  

Ohhh La La Colour Palette

  Red Yellow and Blue are my chosen triadic colour scheme. They create a strong authoritative colour statement. 

In this case tints and shades have been left in the dust and only the strong hues have been left to do the talking.

 l encourage you to purchase a colour wheel yourself from your local paint shop and boldly experiment with all the different triadic combinations.

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

Pendant Ambience

I really love this brightly coloured dramatic pendant and although it is quite a different shape from the original, 

l think it's worth considering.

ecc lighting link

 Table for Two

          Even with no table cloth this table is a winner. 

Another terrific thing about this table is that it comes in three different sizes.

blue table link

Rippa Red Chair

Have some fun choosing chairs, it's not that hard to find quite a variety of red chairs. This is one that really took my eye, it is a classy take on a simple red chair that you can find through ecc furniture ecc furniture link or, for the perfect blog match, go to Big Save Furniture  for the chairs pictured.

Romance in Red

 l think the roses would be a great talking point over dinner. This rug is a lot more vibrant than the blog rug which is more of a geometrical print. The colour is fantastic however and is really shouting out, l'm special.

Find this rose rug here.Harvey Norman Rug Link

 "To paraphrase a classic riddle, which weighs more: a pound of yellow feathers or a pound of red lead?"
The Swiss painter Paul Klee observed that colour can be, "neither weighed nor measured." 

Yellow Vase Project

 It's as simple as grabbing a ball of wool from the $2 shop. There probably isn't an easier do - it - yourself project than yarn wrapping. Find an object that you want to cover, it can be anything from a bicycle to cut out letters spelling your name. You can use modge podge or white glue, spread evenly over the surface, then wrap to your heart's content. A super winter's night project that can upcycle an old item and really enhance your designer look.

The yellow yarn vase infuses tactile texture into this romantic scene.

The secret of creating a knock out design is...

 getting started! 

BOY oh BOY !!!

 Double Complementary Colour Scheme

Here's a growing boy's room. 'I'm not a kid anymore,' Reece reminds his mum.

 And that's what we see here, Reece's toys are packed in his chest for a rainy day and a touch lamp and retro chair become grown up furniture choices with a really fun edge. 

 An informal balance is created here through asymmetrical design. A stimulating rhythm is translated through the use of constant color repetition.

The Colour Wheel

Colour Wheel link

This double complementary colour scheme provides a wonderful contrast. 

It is built around the green and green/yellow hues that are next to each other

 on the above colour wheel. We then move to the other side of the colour wheel 

and add the two opposing hues, that's a recipe for drama. 

 A bright stimulating environment has been given a sophisticated edge 

through well thought out colour choices. 

You'll be amazed at the funky outcomes that a 

Double Complementary colour scheme can offer you.

Boy oh Boy!!! Colour Palette

 Intense energetic red meets calm healthy green 

- this is not for the faint hearted decorator.

When adhering to a specific colour scheme you have loads of freedom to use 

shades and tints that extend from your selected hues. 

But, beware of stepping into the neighbouring hue! 

HINT: Print off several copies of your palette so you have one in your bag, one by the computer, one in the TV room then, when you see ideas you can quickly process whether they are an option for your room or not. 

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

 Do it yourself handyman projects, recycled shopping and brand new buys, 

this bedroom is a combination of them all.

Pin Board Project 

There are so many fantastic fabrics instore and online. 

If you're stumped check out online patchwork fabric sites.

I love the combination of these two fabrics. They make a good alternative to 

the blog picture, as a wonderful feature element in a boys room.

Paperclips Fabric link

Pooches Fabric link

 Sew contrasting fabric together and glue and staple to the rear of pinex softboard to create an instant feature wall. Easy individuality and cost efficient!

Perfect Chair

 I chose this chair because it is a modern retro look. It is also decidedly reasonably priced and a beaut colour to match in with the original pin board material. 

It is adjustable and simple, we don't want a prima donna chair.

Warehouse Stationery link

Just like the real one!

 Find this fabulous light here.

Lighting Plus link

add character cushions

Take the opportunity to have fun with your cushion choice, there is a plethora of variety these days to choose from, or even better, take the opportunity to make your own.

Harvey Furnishings link

Bolt of Cloth, bicycle cushion link

                                                                       Trade Aid link

The trunk

Resene link

I found this lovely old wooden trunk on Trademe. With a lick of paint it will be perfect for Reece's not so often used treasures.  
Painting it up in 'Resene X Factor' will bring this second hand find 
right into our 'double complimentary' color scheme.

 "Why do two colours, put one next to the other, sing? 

Can one really explain this?

 No. Just as one can never learn to paint." 

Pablo Picasso 

 Let's face it, shopping for duvets can be a nightmare. There are so many cool designs out there but finding something in our particular colour palette can be difficult.
 We often end up settling for something that's actually, not quite right. 
So grab your selected colour palette and choose a bed sheet.
 Next head to your local fabric shop and pick out some material 
that will help to achieve your overall desired look.
 Cut to size and sew inside out. 
This is a super easy project that will really set your bed off brilliantly, 
well worth the effort.

Ok it's up an atom, your time now to experiment... 

Fisherman's Hut

 Monochromatic / Asymmetrical Design

Our fearless fisherman is someone used to taking risks and it's thumbs up to the bold colours he has in his Fisherman's Hut. Frank needs a place to file his rod and drop his hat after a long day fishing and this is a great place to come home to. Because of the nature of the casual asymmetrical layout Frank doesn't feel like 

he's going to put anything in the wrong place, especially his favourite drop of ale.

The Colour Wheel
colour wheel link

A monochromatic colour scheme focuses on using a single colour. We then take that colour and explore the detailed tints and shades from one particular hue, then in turn pairing it up with black, white and other neutrals to create a really pleasing outcome. 

The Fisherman's Hut Colour Palette

What l love about these blue hues, is the freshness they bring and that you can pay more attention

 to the feel of the setting than being distracted by pops of colour jumping out for attention. 

This look is easy on the eye and wouldn't be too hard for your average kiwi bloke to live with.

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

 Head down to your local home decor store and have a play.

To really achieve a good monochromatic solution you need to show a little do - it - yourself 'self control.' 

Pick a colour from the colour wheel then find a suitable colour swatch. Now stick to it!

That way you will be working within the colour hues and shades that will really define the rhythm 

of this colour scheme. Remember the monochromatic colour scheme is very simplistic in principle.

Show restraint and allow the hues and shades to do the talking.

Check it out! 

The paint used in the Fisherman's hut looks great but how about trying a photomural for a point of difference. You can buy amazing wallpaper scenes like this at most home decorating shops. This would be a fantastic feature wall and the blues in the water would make a great backdrop for your collection of everyday fisherman 'knick-knacks'.

photomural link

Wallpaper can really change the feel of a scene. This dark navy shade of blue would be a different take on the look.

paperroom link

The different texture of the iron would bring a whole new dimension to your decorating experience. Make sure you repaint it if it is not in your palette. Consider which way you would run the iron as horizontal lines give the illusion of bringing the ceiling lower and widening the room.

Ok, so you've chosen great wallcoverings, now you need to dress the walls. This is a lovely picture but the hues in the water contain far too much green. Don't let your guard down, keep searching for the right picture.

painting link

This print is far more in keeping with our true blue palette.

freedom link

HINT: Try framing your own pictures, especially if you are finding it difficult to source a picture in just the right colours. If you're a wizz on the computer you can photoshop any unwanted colour out, or if not, try printing off a picture in black and white then grab out the paint box. 

Now you're totally in control and you can highlight colours just where you want to!

Great tall ornamental bottle with lovely colouring but may not be functional enough for this man pad.

freedom link

Perfect lamp for our snapshot. This is the sort of lamp shade you can embellish with strips of blue material or braiding to bring it right into your desired colour scheme.

freedom link

Wow this lamp really feeds into the nautical theme but rope lamps aren't to everyone's taste.

freedom link

Cool clock - spot on shade of blue, this would really add to your monochromatic theme.

clock link

Here's a catchy mug in a lovely true blue.

zazzle link

This looks like a very similar style of pot as in our original picture - you really can get the look.

bigpot link

This curtain material is fabulous, it is really pushing towards the light grey end of the pallet. It would 

subtly add a defining edge to the windows, instead of the plain white curtains pictured.

curtain link

What a fabulous industrial table, don't you love it! Extremely expensive and from California unfortunately.  

I feel the ladder tressel used in the original picture is much easier to source and a lot softer on the wallet.

california link

HINT: To try this out at home focus on a small area like an entrance way or nook.  This is a good way to build your confidence. Make it fun by not analyzing the project too much - focus on getting your colours right, then evaluate your effort. An asymmetrical design is quite easy as the constraints that come with symmetry aren't there. 

You will quickly get a feel for what's missing - height, more colour, fabric etc. 

A display like this if done economically can be changed seasonally or for parties and celebrations.

There's no time like the present...