Interior Decorating tip for September – Colour Splashes -

Expand your visual frame of reference by using colour.

Colour is the ultimate decorating tool that has the ability to create mood and atmosphere – to make us feel!

Colour is the single most powerful vehicle for creative expression – be it on the wall, as an artwork or single cushion.

Colour is pleasure – it conveys exuberance and warmth, spiritually and playfulness, the sheer joy of being alive!

Colour is food for the soul – from Mexico to Marocco, India to Africa. The sources of colour inspiration are truly global, from African stools carved in dark wedge wood to luminous Moorish tile work.


This article is brought to you with the complements of Heleen Coertze Interiors at De Brak Gallary in Great Brak River/ Mossel Bay.

For more information on De Brak Gallary and Heleen Coertze Interiors click here<

June 2009 Interior Design ideas from Helene Coertze

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
A strong design message- go wild or go home!

Bring in some cheek and fun by introducing some of the following trendy suggestions in your interior environment:

GENERAL:
* Black and white is taken a tenacious leap into the main spotlight… in everything from fabrics, rugs, wallpapers, bedlinen and flooring
* Gloss and sheen by using metallic threads, brilliantly interwoven into both natural and synthetic base fabric, for cushions, ottomans and head boards.
* Return of romance - creators of exquisite comfort – oversized chairs with names like The Orchid Sofa!

FLOORS:
* Pattern is the thing – from wall-to-wall carpeting and rugs through to parquet. In soft flooring, it’s anything from giant florals and fashionable stripes to weird and wonderful designs reminiscent of marbled paper.
* Any colour - from exquisitely jeweled brights, stimulating blues to seductive green to give the flooring palette a glamorous and powerful design message.

FURNITURE:
* A tendency to weird and futuristic designs (see Alien Coffee table and Nouvelle
Vague’s chair and Ottoman)
* Clean Scandinavian lines and designs from before World War Two by designs from Isamu Noguchi.
* A furniture piece can act as an art piece –An “off the hook” design has the dynamic ability to make a space interesting.

LIGHTING:
* From chandeliers made of baked mud to crystals – make your choice!!


Article supplied by Helene Coertze from De Brak Gallery & Heleen Coertze Interiors in Great Brak River / Mossel Bay.

WINTER WONDERS = SOURCE, COVER UP, LAYER AND COMBINE

SOURCE:

- One stunning timeless piece of furniture in each room!
- An oversized black and white photo on canvas in the lounge
- An Ellen Grey glass-top table
- A retro fifties chair from a second hand shop with a veneer bronze or gold finish can look surprisingly stylish .
- An unusual coffee or unpair bedside tables

COVER UP:
- Loose covers for couches - an old idea with a contemporary freshness
- Create a complete new look- loose cushions in now colours,
- Slipcovers - give your worn-out jerseys or denims a new purpose
- Cover your walls in darker shades – or at least introduce one seductive, deep luxurious wall-colouring in red or
aubergine.
- Use wallpaper abundantly – from headboards to screens

LAYER: - Layering textures and solids for a sophisticated impression
- Proudly introduce grandma’s crochet blanket with its subtle harmony of hues.
- Layer tones of russet, faded gold, instead of last seasons’s silver Burned marmelade and cocoa combined with
faded aqua are wow factors.
- Layer a colourful retro look with flamboyant colours and crazy shapes.
- The revival of patchwork, knitwear and crochet is making a homely comeback!
- Layer your bed linen - delicate appliques on bed linen, chic blankets, “fur” throws, hand crocheted lampshades to
Marcel Wanders crochet-inspired side tables!

COMBINE INTERIOR TRENDS TO GET AN UP-DATE LOOK!!!

Article supplied by Helene Coertze from De Brak Gallery & Heleen Coertze Interiors in Great Brak River / Mossel Bay.

THE MODERN COASTAL HOME

The modern coastal home differs in character and appearance from counterparts in any area of the country.

Not only tends the style to be far more relaxed and even stripped of any pretence, but the stunning environment of the Garden Route almost dictates what is needed on the architectural and thus interior side!

Décor trends are being influenced by social, political and environmental issues world wide. The challenges evolving from our sensitive environment are reflected in the eco orientated decor trends: Sisal carpets, cladding on walls and fireplaces and lamp stands of driftwood or cobblestones are just a few examples.

Due to the worldwide economical slow down, one is tempted to add an extra dash of bling during gloomy times. Silver don’t always mean glitz – Pewter platinum and pearly grey can be used to create a warm and welcoming look in the entrance hall by using the newest wallpaper available. A velour cushion cover in retro designs are also very popular!

A few important things though must be kept in mind:

START WITH A NEUTRAL SHELL
* Keep the “shell” areas neutral – soft putty colours with a grey undertone
* Go for natural fabrics – too heavy materials won’t help the damp problem that we
have to keep in mind at the coastal areas.
* Soft and breezy fabrics that let air flow freely.
* American Shutters and wooden blinds works perfect in a coastal home

THE WOW FACTOR
* Always add a wow factor in any area – either in a painting/artwork or the newest
trend - oversized photo’s
* Group objects together for extra impact
* Add bright, trendy and seasonal colours on small objects like cushions and accessories
* Traffic areas like entrance halls are ideal for adding trendy ideas for example wall
paper or painting one wall in a contrast colour
* Shabby –chic / the combination of old and new can be used very successfully in the coastal

environment


Article supplied by Helene Coertze from De Brak Gallery & Heleen Coertze Interiors in Great Brak River / Mossel Bay.