COLOUR THERAPY

We react to colour both consciously and subconsciously, and most of us are quite clear about the colours we like – those that make us respond positively. But what about the colours we dislike? Do colours subconsciously influence our state-of-mind and our emotions or is it just a taste issue? Are the connotations and interpretations of colour deeply rooted in history and superstition?

Colour Therapy

Let’s take a look at some examples:

RED

Positive: Love, passion, daring, strong, aggressive, independent courageous, energetic and warm

Negative: Danger, insulting, blood-like, intensity, pressure.

Whatever you think about red, I’m sure you’ll agree this kitchen makes a really bold statement.


This bedroom is similarly striking but manages to present a warm and welcome impression.


YELLOW

Positive: Optimism, confidence, self-recognition, and creativity.

Negative: Frightening. Brings about depression, anxiety and despair.

A clever offset of strong yellow against this primary white really works.




GREEN

Positive: Symbolises health, balance, relaxation, and youthfulness. In certain cultures it symbolises peace, and for Muslim’s it is a sacred colour.

Negative: Jealousy and scheming.

Green is certainly a brave colour to use, especially dark green. The strong pattern somehow mutes the effect of the green on white.

For a more subtle use of green, take a look at this study. It has a far more subdued and relaxing feel to it.


BLUE

Positive: Intellect, confidence, peace, justice, devotion, thought and consistency.

Negative: Cold and uninviting; lacking in emotion and ambition. It can trigger feelings of depression and doubt.

Dark blue can help people to think more clearly, whilst light blue can be calming and help you to concentrate in peace.

This blue interior is complimented by fabrics and ornaments, and offset by the use of white, light browns and cream. Because the room is light and airy the bold blue really works.

WHITE

Positive: Pure, sterile, clean, perfect, honest, simple, good, and neutral.

Negative: Symbolises death because of the connotation of emptiness, ghosts, and shrouds.

I really like the clean, fresh feel of this room, with its minimal use of bold colours.


GREY

Positive: Wise, mature, unselfish, calm, and balanced.

Negative: Slow, old, weak, exhausted, and even dirty.

Greys are very in trend at the moment and can be used with a variety of colours to spark them off. This colour used wisely can look very classical.

BLACK

Positive: Memorable, elegant, charming, strong, majestic, humble.

Negative: Empty, sad, threatening, oppressive, despair, death.

Unlike reflective white, black absorbs all colours. With black, all the energy that comes will be absorbed.

Black has a certain atmosphere to it when it is worn - like a little black dress. Used wisely in an interior it will create the wow factor that you desire.

Colour Trends 2011

A little late showing the colour trends for 2011, but I’d like to share them with you if you don't know what’s in store for this year.

Purely Refined

Like an impeccably tailored suit, the Purely Refined palette is an elegant take on timeless hues in which every perceived imperfection serves a purpose. Pared down blues, lilacs, greens and grays interweave with understated neutrals to give this palette life.

This palette whispers upscale in an effortless manner and looks chic when paired with layers of chunky organic textiles and subtle details.



Bold Invention

The Bold Invention palette encourages taking a chance with the colors of the streets by looking to anything from graffiti art to 3D animation for inspiration.
Vivid greens and a range of intense turquoises and blues dominate the palette, while a pop of hot red and unexpected neutrals balance it out. Bright as the neon signs that light up city nightlife, this palette’s high-energy colors beckon an invitation into interior designs.

We might refer to this as our rebel palette because it is inspired by the creativity that comes from living on the edge. These colors are inspired by Latin America pop, prompted by the carnival spirit of Rio de Janeiro, host of the 2016 Summer Olympics.


Restless Nomad

Immersing itself in the cultures of the world is Restless Nomad, a palette that lets the wanderer bring an appetite for adventure into a space. A palette that snubs no one, colors wander from dusky darks, to hot vibrant pinks and reds to earthy food-influenced hues that evoke eggplant and cabbage. While inspired by all parts of the world, influences from Morocco and Turkey anchor this gypsy of a palette.

“The virtual world breaks down barriers to experiencing new cultures, and because of that, we see people embracing cultures they might not ever get to experience in person. Ethnic patterns, patchwork and tapestries now reach across the world and enter into our designs.


Gentle Medley

An eclectic mix of maps, vintage florals and butterfly, dragonfly and leaf motifs drives the Gentle Medley palette into a time of modern innocence. Earthy neutral tans combined with freshwater blue, mint green, copper and chartreuse pastels give a space an airy, yet grounded quality. These colors are accented with safari greens and browns for depth.

People are romantic about the simpler times of youth and its refreshing honesty. We are seeing a draw toward hues that are nostalgic, such as the colors of tinted photography and faded maps.

Amazing Greys

In this blog, I’d like to show you that grey is an extremely versatile and amazing colour when it comes to creating a fantastic looking interior space. It compliments just about any colour it is paired with...and it really isn’t dull.

There is such a range of greys that there’s something for everyone, from pale and silvery to bold, battleship grey.

I’ve picked out some of my favourite examples of the use of grey, from traditional living spaces to contemporary apartments, and from beautiful bedrooms to slightly whacky rooms...

I’ve picked out some of my favourite examples of the use of grey, from traditional living spaces to contemporary apartments, and from beautiful bedrooms to slightly whacky rooms.

This pale silver/grey interior has an amazing capacity to ‘transform’ with the light and blend with the room accessories. It looks simply fantastic.




If you are brave enough to go dark and dramatic you can create a really beautiful effect. I love this interior. It just oozes sophistication.





The next example uses a strong grey to compliment white, black and turquoise. Combined with incredible textures (I’ve talked about textures in a previous blog) it makes the space feel so inviting and warm.


Why not try soothing grey wallpapers? An array of wallpaper retailers will be able to satisfy your grey taste buds. For example, Jocelyn Warner offers wallpapers that have some of the widest range of shades of grey I've seen, combined with beautiful, complex patterns.





You can use grey to add interest and create depth and excitement to any interior. Look at these cool interiors below to see what I mean.












I think these examples demonstrate that, used cleverly, greys can really define a room or living space. They don’t have to be bland and boring you just need to use them imaginatively.

Greys are great!

Floor Show

When an interior is designed and put together, too many people pay too little attention to the floor. That’s my view, anyway. I’ve always felt that the flooring used can make or break a design and I’ve never underestimated its importance to the outcome of any design project.

And I’m not just talking about how it looks either. You really need to give careful consideration to what sort of flooring suits the space; taking into account things like usage and traffic.

I’m always on the lookout for new ideas and I work hard to source the latest products to use in Mood’s design projects. Check out the following interiors. I think you’ll agree that the floors steal the show.

I love everything about this room but, for me, the floor is the real stand out feature.

This floor is a work of art; definitely the star of this space.


Setting the trend with carpet
Patterned and ‘statement’ coloured carpets are all the rage these days, so don’t be afraid to be adventurous to transform a space with a loud look. Just make sure that the carpet and your furnishings compliment each other, or you might end up giving yourself a headache.

Dark purples, blues and black will help to create an opulent, decadent atmosphere, while more adventurous types might want to try bold colours like cerise and orange.





For those who prefer a simpler approach colours like grey, pale pink, beige and muted blues can work really well.

Ceramic and wood – not boring!
Ceramic and wooden floors are always a popular choice, but they don’t have to be staid and boring. There are some stunningly different options available to you, if you take the time to look.

Sometimes it’s our “imperfections” that make us worth knowing, and by the same token, these contemporary “cracked” tiles from Refin are worth a closer look. In the words of the manufacturer, this modern tile’s mark of distinction is the crack down the centre, which signifies “…the passing of time and the traces it leaves on its way.”

It’s a bit of a profound statement to makes about a tile but, nonetheless, I think it looks incredible.





This next flooring is designed by Cifial USA. It features a gorgeous tiled motif that makes its way up onto the walls and is echoed in the stained-glass window behind the toilet - a lovely touch that ties the elements of this slim and sleek space together.







This classic contemporary interior design by Pietro Carlo Pellegrini brings new life to an old attic. The light oak floors and an exposed-beam white-painted ceiling give the space a Nordic feel.



The next floors use a new ceramic tile collection by Italian designer Franco Pecchioli. They provide “…vivid oceanic shades of aquamarine speckled with black and white…and…incorporate organic materials like metals and mosaics for a raw yet refined look.” Stunning!





This deluxe duplex apartment in Tel-Aviv has been designed in very creative and personal way. The interior was designed to express the nature of the owner of the apartment and colourful paving, consisting of random tiles, provides a significant contribution to the design.





What about the rugs?
We can’t forget about rugs. They are an absolute must when it comes to highlighting and accenting particular areas. We all love a good rug to give our home that homely, finished look, don’t we?









This interior by Joey Ho Design is inspired by nature and incorporates its leafy surroundings into living spaces. The apartment is predominately white and an epoxy resin floor reveals reflections like a pond with a Green rug to reinforce the natural setting.


So that’s flooring for you. I hope you found it an interesting read.