Hello!
In addition to our weekly specials, we have some great tips for using colour in your home from the very talented Christchurch based Designer, Alex Fulton.
 |
Alex Fulton is a busy woman – Product and Interior Designer, Stylist, Writer and Blogger (check out alexfultondesign.blogspot.com), she is also a self described Colour Nut. Her recent Peoples Award winning entry in the Dine by Design competition gives a clue to her talent. She is someone I find inspiring for her use of colour, and can definitely learn from. I met up with her to discover where she gets her inspiration and gather some tips for using colour at home.
And I have to say - her tips are great. She has that unusual gift of not only being able to innately do something brilliantly herself but be able to share it. Read on....
Alex won the People’s Award with this design at the Dine by Design Competition
|
How would you describe your home?
It’s very homely. It’s colourful and full of collections from travel and family. It’s easy to live in, and it’s an exact mirror of who I am, while being family oriented.
 |
Top right: Their casual open plan living space (Lightshade fabric from Bolt of Cloth!).
Top left: Eclectic mix of cushions in Alex’s home office.
Left: Entrance hall with coat rack (fabric on canvas by Marimekko)
You will be able to see more of Alex’s home in the August edition of Homestyle magazine, out soon.
|
What’s your favourite colour?
Anything in the spectrum between white and black.
What’s your current favourite colour combination?
Neon and beige.
What does colour mean to you?
I personally couldn't live without colour. Most important is how it makes me feel – whether that’s a surge of energy or a rush of emotion. My home really mirrors my feelings on colour.
Who or what inspires you and why?
¡ Johnathon Adler for his “Happy Chic”.
¡ Paul Smith because of his strong use of colour even if it just a detail – he doesn’t go overboard.
¡ Pilgrim Lee for her Retro/Pop/Colour explosions.
What do you read?
Magazines and Blogs. My favourite magazines are Living Etc and Home. For blogs I love nzdesignblog.com for all kinds of NZ based design,studiohomeonline and thedesignfiles.net for an Australasian view and lilmagoolie for kids crafts.
|
Alex’s Tips on Using Colour in Your Home:
1. There are No Rules.
There is no such thing as you can’t do that (e.g. mix those two fabrics). Yes you can! You should feel free to ignore the Colour Wheel and the Top 10 Paint Chart.
2. Push Your Boundaries – but choose what reflects you.
If its rust and chocolate brown that makes you tick, that’s ok. (Maybe you could add some hot pink – but only if you like it). Colours are emotive – listen to what you like and work with that.
3. When Choosing Colours for your home, think about what other colour choices you make.
What colours do you wear? What colours are in your ornaments or other small decor objects?
Think about the colours you gravitate towards and pull these out within your home.
4. You are the one who lives in your house.
It is your home, so do what pleases you. As a Designer, I can push you – but you have to love it.
5. You can have a little bit of colour.
Colour doesn’t mean you have to have a full on pink wall and a full on green wall. Colour could come from just a cushion. I’ve seen rooms that rock that are all white with colourful cushions and accessories.
6. Lots of people think my instincts are good with colour – but I think that could be true for lots of people as it is so emotive. Put something with something and see if you like it – your instincts are probably right.
7. Colour Breeds Colour
Once you have some colour, more colour goes with it – so add some and you will find it is actually easier rather than harder to add more.
8. Keep pictures that inspire you
Referring to these will give you a visual reminder of what you like. Here is what is on my inspiration wall at the moment:
|
