Colour is a specialist subject and in order to understand how to use colour you must first understand the basic colour principles.
COLOUR PRINCIPLES
There are 3 Primary Colours:
- Red
- Blue
- Yellow
These are known as pure colours or hues.
When you mix the pure colours together then you achieve the Secondary Colours:
- Red + Blue = Violet
- Red + Yellow = Orange
- Blue + Yellow = Green
If you then mix one of the primary clours with a secondary colour you will produce the Tertiary Colours:
- Red + Orange = Red/Orange
- Red + Violet = Red/Violet
- Blue + Green = Blue/Green
- Blue + Violet = Blue/Violet
- Yellow + Green = Yellow/Green
- Yellow + Orange = Yellow/Orange
Each season, colour experts mix the Primary Colours together, with Black and White, to produce a new and refreshing colour palette. For example, Dulux are showcasing this season's colours as:
- Red based = Ruby Startlet and Mulberry Burst
- Blue based = Lost Lake and Teal Tension
- Yellow based = Lemon Pie and Pale Citrus
When white is added to a colour it makes that colour lighter = Tone.
When black is added to a colour it makes that colour darker = Shade.
This is very useful to know when you start to plan the colour scheme for your property as it enables you to alter the perspectives and overall feel of a room.
A dark colour will make a wall advance towards you, making a room feel cosy and intimate, whereas a light colour will make a room appear larger and more spacious.
WARM & COOL COLOURS
In the UK there are certain colours that advance and warm up a room, and others that recede and cool down a room:
Warm Colours include:
- Red
- Violet
- Yellow
- Orange
- plus their associated tones and shades.
Cool Colours include:
- Blue
- Green
- plus their associated tones and shades.
Using warm and cool colours you can alter the perspectives and visual proportions of a room, ie: make a room appear wider or narrow than it physically is.
NON-COLOURS
Black, White and Grey (a mix of black and white) are considered to be non-colours. They provide a link or a contrast in a colour scheme.
MONOCHROMATIC COLOUR SCHEME
A monochromatic colour scheme is where one colour is used from the colour wheel, eg: Red. The design focuses on variations of the tones and shades of this one colour to add interest and appeal to the scheme.
Sometimes the single colour is limited to the accent pieces and the design is pulled together with a neutral backdrop. For example, a black and white room with highlights of red in the accessories.
HARMONIOUS COLOUR SCHEME
A harmonious colour scheme focuses on two colours next to each other on the colour wheel, eg: Yellow and Orange.
They create either a relaxed or a vibrant room scheme depending on the colours, tones and shades selected, eg: Relaxed = Blue + Violet, Vibrant = Green + Yellow.
CONTRASTING COLOUR SCHEME
A contrasting colour scheme is where colours are selected from opposite sides of the colour wheel, eg: Blue + Orange.
Generally one colour will be selected as the main colour with accents or highlights being provided by the opposite colour from the colour wheel.
Now that you know a little more, how do you chose the right colours in your room?
Firstly you need to decide how you want the room to feel, eg: cool and relaxing or perhaps warm and inviting? From this you may have preferences towards either the warm colours or the cool colours.
Secondly, you then need to identify which colour scheme will best suit the room. Do you want something plain and simmple (monochromatic), quite relaxing (harmonious) or very striking (contrast)?
Thirdly, you need to decide on the strength of colour required. Do you want an all over colour in the room or are you trying to create a more subtle design? This will help you decide where and how colour should be incorporated into the design, ie: make it bold and paint all of the walls in a sumptuous shade or highlight pockets of interest with artwork and cushions.
Once you've added all of these elements together you should have a fabulous room.
If you get stuck or find this all a little too challenging then it's easier for you to copy the colour scheme from a magazine picture that you like, or pick out colours from your favourite fabric or a special piece of artwork.
As always we're here to help you so just get in touch if you need a little expert advice:
GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER (RESIDENTIAL)
Tel: 07841 519802
gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
CHRISTINA GEORGALLA
CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER (COMMERCIAL)
Tel: 07950 401722
christina@ga-interiors.co.uk
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Oaklands College - Learning Week, w/c 17May09
Do you or your friends fancy a couple of hours respite from the daily drudge? Or maybe you’d like to find out how to spot the latest interior design trends and add a little to your home?
Why not join me for a seminar that I’m undertaking in collaboration with Oaklands College Learning next week:
MONDAY 18th May = Brookmans Park Primary School
(Bradmore Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, AL9 7QY)
TUESDAY 19thMay = The Sitting Room
(117 Hatfield Road, St Albans)
WEDNESDAY 20th May – Oaklands Borehamwood Campus
(Room C10, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 1JZ)
All of the seminars are FREE and run from 10:00 until 12:00 each day. Contact Branka Platten (branka.platten@oaklands.ac.uk) to register soon as places are limited.
Why not join me for a seminar that I’m undertaking in collaboration with Oaklands College Learning next week:
MONDAY 18th May = Brookmans Park Primary School
(Bradmore Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, AL9 7QY)
TUESDAY 19thMay = The Sitting Room
(117 Hatfield Road, St Albans)
WEDNESDAY 20th May – Oaklands Borehamwood Campus
(Room C10, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 1JZ)
All of the seminars are FREE and run from 10:00 until 12:00 each day. Contact Branka Platten (branka.platten@oaklands.ac.uk) to register soon as places are limited.
How To.....IDENTIFY THE LATEST INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS
One of the questions we're frequently asked is how to identify the current interior design trends.
Firstly you should know that interior design and fashion broadly follow each other in terms of colour and themes. You can generally identify elements of a fashion trend corresponding to elements of interior design on the shelves within the stores.
If you're still having trouble identifying what's current then just pick up the latest House Beautiful magazine where their front cover depicts one of the latest trends, log onto Beautiful Homes & Gardens (www.bhg.com) or just give us a call (contact details below).
The current fashion trends are:
• Colour
• English Eccentric
• 1980’s
• Artisan
• Global Influence – Russian & Tribal
• Boutique Chic
In interior design this corresponds as follows:
• COLOUR
Strong 'buy me' colours that shout from the shelves to be picked up and taken home, eg: Cobalt Blue, Vermilion Orange or Chartreuse/Lime Green. They're fantastic when used in small quantities as a highlight or accent colour and instantly give life and energy to a room scheme.
In the current economic downturn these colours shout from the shelves and encourage you to buy the items.
• ENGLISH ECCENTRIC
Look to the fabrics and textures of the moment. You should be seeing checks and plaids in your rugs and carpets, or florals used in a dis-proportionate size to the furniture (eg: large floral print fabric on small tub chair or small floral print on large sofa).
In the credit crunch the key is to use what you have already and create an eclectic mix between the old and the new. Not only does this give you an individual style but it also saves money.
• 1980’s
In the credit crunch we harp back to when times were good. Whe're reminded when times were less troubled and there was more happiness and joy. The 1980's related to strong form and power with structure shoulder pads and very angular styling.
In interior design you will notice more heavily structured, almost Origami, items where each piece of furniture or accessory is sleek, possibly modular, with a creative form, ie: it's not just a square box!
• ARTISAN
In a downturn economy we tend to make do and mend. Kniting, sewing and restoration of salvage furniture are just some of the ways in which we save money to makeover our property.
You may have seen 'Kirsty's Homemade Home' that's currently being shown on television. Kirsty Allsopp, of 'Location, Location' fame, has bought a property and is redesigning it using local crafts and sourcing items from antique markets. She's helped make bespoke cushion covers, a knitted door stop, hand blown glasses, a hand forged poker and a mosaic garden table.
As these one-off pieces are lovingly made you're also more likely to treasure the items. This is turn helps with recycling as you're less likely to just throw it away and will be encouraged to keep it for longer.
• GLOBAL INFLUENCE (RUSSIAN & TRIBAL)
As we travel around there's a greater richness to interior design as we mix and match our finds and global treasures into our English homes.
The main influences on the high street at the moment appear to be Russian and Tribal.
I'm sure you've seen the Russian dolls that all pop into each other so that as you open it up and take each doll out they get smaller and smaller until they form a neat row in descending order. Look out for the strong red and orange colour tones with beautiful Russian floral prints.
In contrast to this we have Tribal making a comeback. You'll find the usual animal prints in cushions and throws as well as artwork showcasing either the animals themselves or a more contemporary design showcasing the colour and texture of that land.
• BOUTIQUE CHIC
As the credit crunch hits home so interior design goes into full-on with Boutique chic. We create a space away from the daily drudge that's a haven of elegance and oppulence.
Lookout for crystal and glass in the shops. Go overboard with designer wallpaper and handmade silk curtains. The importance is to have a look that's totally unique and special to you and you alone.
When you're next out and about take a look in the stores for all of these styles. Let us know what you like and dislike about each style, or send us photos of what you've achieved.
If, however, you'd like a little help putting these designs together to make your home look fantastic, even in the credit crunch, then just get in touch:
GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER (RESIDENTIAL)
Tel: 07841 519802
gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
www.ga-interiors.co.uk
CHRISTINA GEORGALLA
CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER (COMMERCIAL)
Tel: 07950 401722
christina@ga-interiors.co.uk
www.ga-interiors.co.uk
Firstly you should know that interior design and fashion broadly follow each other in terms of colour and themes. You can generally identify elements of a fashion trend corresponding to elements of interior design on the shelves within the stores.
If you're still having trouble identifying what's current then just pick up the latest House Beautiful magazine where their front cover depicts one of the latest trends, log onto Beautiful Homes & Gardens (www.bhg.com) or just give us a call (contact details below).
The current fashion trends are:
• Colour
• English Eccentric
• 1980’s
• Artisan
• Global Influence – Russian & Tribal
• Boutique Chic
In interior design this corresponds as follows:
• COLOUR
Strong 'buy me' colours that shout from the shelves to be picked up and taken home, eg: Cobalt Blue, Vermilion Orange or Chartreuse/Lime Green. They're fantastic when used in small quantities as a highlight or accent colour and instantly give life and energy to a room scheme.
In the current economic downturn these colours shout from the shelves and encourage you to buy the items.
• ENGLISH ECCENTRIC
Look to the fabrics and textures of the moment. You should be seeing checks and plaids in your rugs and carpets, or florals used in a dis-proportionate size to the furniture (eg: large floral print fabric on small tub chair or small floral print on large sofa).
In the credit crunch the key is to use what you have already and create an eclectic mix between the old and the new. Not only does this give you an individual style but it also saves money.
• 1980’s
In the credit crunch we harp back to when times were good. Whe're reminded when times were less troubled and there was more happiness and joy. The 1980's related to strong form and power with structure shoulder pads and very angular styling.
In interior design you will notice more heavily structured, almost Origami, items where each piece of furniture or accessory is sleek, possibly modular, with a creative form, ie: it's not just a square box!
• ARTISAN
In a downturn economy we tend to make do and mend. Kniting, sewing and restoration of salvage furniture are just some of the ways in which we save money to makeover our property.
You may have seen 'Kirsty's Homemade Home' that's currently being shown on television. Kirsty Allsopp, of 'Location, Location' fame, has bought a property and is redesigning it using local crafts and sourcing items from antique markets. She's helped make bespoke cushion covers, a knitted door stop, hand blown glasses, a hand forged poker and a mosaic garden table.
As these one-off pieces are lovingly made you're also more likely to treasure the items. This is turn helps with recycling as you're less likely to just throw it away and will be encouraged to keep it for longer.
• GLOBAL INFLUENCE (RUSSIAN & TRIBAL)
As we travel around there's a greater richness to interior design as we mix and match our finds and global treasures into our English homes.
The main influences on the high street at the moment appear to be Russian and Tribal.
I'm sure you've seen the Russian dolls that all pop into each other so that as you open it up and take each doll out they get smaller and smaller until they form a neat row in descending order. Look out for the strong red and orange colour tones with beautiful Russian floral prints.
In contrast to this we have Tribal making a comeback. You'll find the usual animal prints in cushions and throws as well as artwork showcasing either the animals themselves or a more contemporary design showcasing the colour and texture of that land.
• BOUTIQUE CHIC
As the credit crunch hits home so interior design goes into full-on with Boutique chic. We create a space away from the daily drudge that's a haven of elegance and oppulence.
Lookout for crystal and glass in the shops. Go overboard with designer wallpaper and handmade silk curtains. The importance is to have a look that's totally unique and special to you and you alone.
When you're next out and about take a look in the stores for all of these styles. Let us know what you like and dislike about each style, or send us photos of what you've achieved.
If, however, you'd like a little help putting these designs together to make your home look fantastic, even in the credit crunch, then just get in touch:
GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER (RESIDENTIAL)
Tel: 07841 519802
gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
www.ga-interiors.co.uk
CHRISTINA GEORGALLA
CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER (COMMERCIAL)
Tel: 07950 401722
christina@ga-interiors.co.uk
www.ga-interiors.co.uk
Thursday, 14 May 2009
60mm - Scott Waldron
As I write this post I'm watching 60 minute makeover (ITV1) and their designer today is SCOTT WALDRON.
Scott is a fellow colleague on the Ann Maurice 'House Doctor' network (www.housedoctor.co.uk). Scott is a senior consultant on the network and rose to fame through winning 'Interior Rivalry' in 2006, of which Ann starred as the judge.
Now he has his own company Stagingspace (www.stagingspace.co.uk).
Today Scott has designed a home in Preston, Lancashire - my own stomping ground. Of course the home looks lovely after the makeover.
In the LOUNGE Scott has chosen a chocolate and cream colour scheme with a feature fireplace of American Walnut and fabulous Gold wallpaper. It has a neutral relaxed theme.
The DINING AREA picks up on the neutral colours of the lounge and features Colonial shutter blinds at the patio doors - practical as well as beutiful. The space now has a sense of purpose as well as looking glamorous.
In the MASTER BEDROOM the existing super-king bed has been incorporated into the design with a new headboard. To stop the bed ting the space Scott has repositioned it and then added in glass and crystal furniture and accessories to keep the space looking light and open. With a subtly patterned carpet, silk curtains and bedding the room is now a haven of to relax and unwind after a long day.
The CONSERVATORY colour scheme has a neutral cream base with accent colours of blue and red to compliment the stain glass floral design. Wicker furniture makes the room welcoming and inviting.
Well done Scott. An absolutely gorgeous design.
Scott is a fellow colleague on the Ann Maurice 'House Doctor' network (www.housedoctor.co.uk). Scott is a senior consultant on the network and rose to fame through winning 'Interior Rivalry' in 2006, of which Ann starred as the judge.
Now he has his own company Stagingspace (www.stagingspace.co.uk).
Today Scott has designed a home in Preston, Lancashire - my own stomping ground. Of course the home looks lovely after the makeover.
In the LOUNGE Scott has chosen a chocolate and cream colour scheme with a feature fireplace of American Walnut and fabulous Gold wallpaper. It has a neutral relaxed theme.
The DINING AREA picks up on the neutral colours of the lounge and features Colonial shutter blinds at the patio doors - practical as well as beutiful. The space now has a sense of purpose as well as looking glamorous.
In the MASTER BEDROOM the existing super-king bed has been incorporated into the design with a new headboard. To stop the bed ting the space Scott has repositioned it and then added in glass and crystal furniture and accessories to keep the space looking light and open. With a subtly patterned carpet, silk curtains and bedding the room is now a haven of to relax and unwind after a long day.
The CONSERVATORY colour scheme has a neutral cream base with accent colours of blue and red to compliment the stain glass floral design. Wicker furniture makes the room welcoming and inviting.
Well done Scott. An absolutely gorgeous design.
Know your competitors
Today I thought I'd let you into a secret - I've been studying my competition.
Recently I've noticed how many more people are professing to be interior designers and offering you a whole host of services to glam up your home in this recession. As their services can be confusing for many, I thought I'd clarify what each group has to offer you.
Firstly, there's the stores that have their own interior design service and yes, some do even train their staff in interior design principles! This is great for anyone who only wants to use products from the store concerned, however, they may not be sufficiently skilled to incorporate your existing possessions into their new design scheme.
Secondly, there's the soft furnishing expert who's absolutely fantastic at making you luxurious curtains, ornate cushions and buttoned headboards. She has knowledge on texture and colour, however, she won't be so slick with space optimisation, fantastic furniture layout and successful lighting schemes. These are many of the details that make the final design scheme work as a whole for you, your family and your home.
Thirdly, there's the lady from the DIY shop who mixes colours. Yes even she's jumping on the band wagon for makeovers. There's generally no doubt that her knowledge of colour will give you a pleasing design scheme and it has the potential to look good, however, many people don't realise that interior design is more than making a home look good.
Interior design is all about creating your dream and desires so that your home represents your personality and your lifestyle, it has the ultimate WOW factor to impress your firends and neighbours, and also maximises the space in your home so that it's easy to live in and works for your everyday life and basic needs.
It's a fine mix between all of the following:
- your tastes, both likes and dislikes
- your dreams and desires
- your aspirations and inspirations
- your lifestyle, both work and leisure
- any existing items, eg: granny's French Bureau or your Lladro collection
- your colour preferences
- furniture choices and room layouts
- lighting options
- flooring options
- window treatments
- wall treatments
- the age and style of your property
This is why we're trained professional interior designers. We want to provide you with a superior service that's tailored to your individual circumstances.
Our aim is to make your home practical (safe), workable(suit your lifestyle) as well as have the WOW factor (gorgeous and glamorous), without you having to concern yourself with all of the technical details.
One of our recent customers said,
"It's everything I wanted. Thank you so much for your advice."
Visit our website for further examples of our work (www.ga-interiors.co.uk) and to sign up to our free newsletter.
Or, contact us today for further help and advice:
Gwendoline - 07841 519802 - Creative Interior Designer (Residential)
Christina - 07950 401722 - Creative Interior Designer (Commercial)
Recently I've noticed how many more people are professing to be interior designers and offering you a whole host of services to glam up your home in this recession. As their services can be confusing for many, I thought I'd clarify what each group has to offer you.
Firstly, there's the stores that have their own interior design service and yes, some do even train their staff in interior design principles! This is great for anyone who only wants to use products from the store concerned, however, they may not be sufficiently skilled to incorporate your existing possessions into their new design scheme.
Secondly, there's the soft furnishing expert who's absolutely fantastic at making you luxurious curtains, ornate cushions and buttoned headboards. She has knowledge on texture and colour, however, she won't be so slick with space optimisation, fantastic furniture layout and successful lighting schemes. These are many of the details that make the final design scheme work as a whole for you, your family and your home.
Thirdly, there's the lady from the DIY shop who mixes colours. Yes even she's jumping on the band wagon for makeovers. There's generally no doubt that her knowledge of colour will give you a pleasing design scheme and it has the potential to look good, however, many people don't realise that interior design is more than making a home look good.
Interior design is all about creating your dream and desires so that your home represents your personality and your lifestyle, it has the ultimate WOW factor to impress your firends and neighbours, and also maximises the space in your home so that it's easy to live in and works for your everyday life and basic needs.
It's a fine mix between all of the following:
- your tastes, both likes and dislikes
- your dreams and desires
- your aspirations and inspirations
- your lifestyle, both work and leisure
- any existing items, eg: granny's French Bureau or your Lladro collection
- your colour preferences
- furniture choices and room layouts
- lighting options
- flooring options
- window treatments
- wall treatments
- the age and style of your property
This is why we're trained professional interior designers. We want to provide you with a superior service that's tailored to your individual circumstances.
Our aim is to make your home practical (safe), workable(suit your lifestyle) as well as have the WOW factor (gorgeous and glamorous), without you having to concern yourself with all of the technical details.
One of our recent customers said,
"It's everything I wanted. Thank you so much for your advice."
Visit our website for further examples of our work (www.ga-interiors.co.uk) and to sign up to our free newsletter.
Or, contact us today for further help and advice:
Gwendoline - 07841 519802 - Creative Interior Designer (Residential)
Christina - 07950 401722 - Creative Interior Designer (Commercial)
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
How To ..... GROW YOUR BUSINESS IN THE RECESSION
Today I went on a Business Link course (www.businesslink.gov.uk/east) entitled, "Creative ways to enable your business to grow in the current recession."
The speaker was Bea Markham, of Competitive Edge Marketing, who has over 30 years management, sales and marketing experience in Blue Chip and SME companies.
She started by saying that the two critical areas for success in any business are:
- Mindset
- Strategy
Mindset is all about keeping yourself driven and focused on your company goal. Bea stressed that as you begin to change your thinking then you immediately need to start changing your behaviour.
As John Maxwell said, "Begin to act the part of the person you would like to become."
A positive Mindset is supported with a positive Strategy to ensure you're targeting the right areas and groups of people. This is basic marketing principle of breaking down the population into a target audience.
- Who is your audience? Male or Female? Young or Old? Corporate or Residential?
- Where do they live?
- How do they think?
- What would they buy, plus any associated products?
- What needs do they have?
- What are their problems?
Once you know who your target audience is and where they reside in the world then you can tailor your product or service to meet their specific needs, wants and desires.
In the current economic downturn Bea recommends that any marketing should be value driven. This is focused marketing that reaches who it should be reaching in order to make the all important sale.
It should be at a 1-2-1 level that's more personal and interactive. Is this why social networking is in our faces at the moment? But, is it personal? Do we really have a personal connection with the other person that we twitter with or is it just a faceless interaction?
Bea had a rather interesting phrase,"How do you choose a brown cow in a field?". I love this saying as I've never heard it before. It's asking, how do you differentiate yourself from your competition?
Bea then focused on websites, blogs, social networking and e-mail marketing as additonal ways of highlighting to the world your differentiation. If you're not able to meet or physically talk to people face-to-face then these are a fantastic means of connecting with people around the globe.
Of the 25 or so delegates attending, I was the only one who has a blog set up!
The key message of the course was in summary:
- Mindset and focus enable you to succeed
- Identify your client and position your product and/or service
- Eliminate ineffective marketing programmes
- Improve web based strategies and measure everything
I'll let you know how I get on putting this into practice! Maybe you could keep me posted on your own efforts, tips and techniques for getting through the next couple of years.
Have fun.
The speaker was Bea Markham, of Competitive Edge Marketing, who has over 30 years management, sales and marketing experience in Blue Chip and SME companies.
She started by saying that the two critical areas for success in any business are:
- Mindset
- Strategy
Mindset is all about keeping yourself driven and focused on your company goal. Bea stressed that as you begin to change your thinking then you immediately need to start changing your behaviour.
As John Maxwell said, "Begin to act the part of the person you would like to become."
A positive Mindset is supported with a positive Strategy to ensure you're targeting the right areas and groups of people. This is basic marketing principle of breaking down the population into a target audience.
- Who is your audience? Male or Female? Young or Old? Corporate or Residential?
- Where do they live?
- How do they think?
- What would they buy, plus any associated products?
- What needs do they have?
- What are their problems?
Once you know who your target audience is and where they reside in the world then you can tailor your product or service to meet their specific needs, wants and desires.
In the current economic downturn Bea recommends that any marketing should be value driven. This is focused marketing that reaches who it should be reaching in order to make the all important sale.
It should be at a 1-2-1 level that's more personal and interactive. Is this why social networking is in our faces at the moment? But, is it personal? Do we really have a personal connection with the other person that we twitter with or is it just a faceless interaction?
Bea had a rather interesting phrase,"How do you choose a brown cow in a field?". I love this saying as I've never heard it before. It's asking, how do you differentiate yourself from your competition?
Bea then focused on websites, blogs, social networking and e-mail marketing as additonal ways of highlighting to the world your differentiation. If you're not able to meet or physically talk to people face-to-face then these are a fantastic means of connecting with people around the globe.
Of the 25 or so delegates attending, I was the only one who has a blog set up!
The key message of the course was in summary:
- Mindset and focus enable you to succeed
- Identify your client and position your product and/or service
- Eliminate ineffective marketing programmes
- Improve web based strategies and measure everything
I'll let you know how I get on putting this into practice! Maybe you could keep me posted on your own efforts, tips and techniques for getting through the next couple of years.
Have fun.
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