Colours of nature can be inspiring

Where do we go for inspiration to decorate our homes? Is it a theme that we would like to create in our homes or a room or a mood? Are we brave enough to use bold patterns and textures or does our lifestyle lend itself to more subtle colours and textures because we need to relax and energise.

Our personalities are all different and the dynamics of a family are different from that of a couple.

I love to live in colour and surround myself with a variation of texture from the smooth finishes of natural timbers, white porcelain, stainless steel, high gloss painted surfaces to the warmth of velvets, plush cut pile wool carpets, fur, linens, cottons and textured walls. I have a mixture of pattern throughout the house but mainly in timber, rugs, and two walls in wallpaper and two rooms with floral Roman blinds. A good balance of pattern, texture and colour! My inspiration for my home has come mainly from nature, with the use of natural colours, textures and substrates. My home is not the neutral colours of nature but the natural colours. Deep aubergine plush pile carpet (shows every spec of fluff) grounding the rooms, a glorious mix of timbers throughout, oak furniture, rimu doors, matai ceilings and walls, rimu, mahogany and teak furniture. Burnt oranges and reds of autumn leaves, deep blue of the velvet night sky, the yellow of daisies and buttercups (memories of childhood) and long summer days teamed with the aqua from the amazing colour of our South Island rivers. Other colours are subtly thrown into the mix and a good balance of pure white worked through every room in the house.

My house is wrapped in green from soft grey greens, muddy brown green to vibrant lime of fresh new shoots. I am fortunate that my studio faces north and has a vista of my garden, the neighbours and the native bush around the stream that flows through Wanganui East.

The way the sun dances on the broad glossy leaves in the morning creates white against the strong green. There is very little other colour apart from a soft pink flowering bush, the hot pink tips of new shoots of another shrub, the lemons on my tree and a hint of a purple flower, a plant I tend to think of as a weed and our clear blue sky as the backdrop.

If I was at the beach the vista would change dramatically to the blue, grey or brown of the sea depending on the mood of the day, black or white sand depending on the coast, bleached out tree stumps, perhaps stony creek beds or soft muted tones of a muddy creek bed, soft hues of green and cream grasses, soft grey papa cliff faces and deeper colours where natural springs trickle.

Each scene will evoke emotion! Different textures, different colours, peace, tranquillity, fun and laughter can come from each of these scenes but you may prefer to live surrounded by one colour palette and textures than the other. And what I love to live in will most likely not suit you.

My work involves creating spaces for my clients to suit them and their lifestyles. Creating a haven to come home to after a busy day at work or recharging the batteries after a busy day with family. Our lives are so full of pressures both inside and outside the family unit that we need to have somewhere to relax with family and friends and enjoy the downtime. Texture and pattern is just as important as colour.

Some people love a more minimalist look for their home, smooth textures, glossy or matt, clean lines and no clutter where others will need more texture, a little bit more traditional and like familiar things around them, a little more of a cluttered space. Each demonstrates the different personalities and the feel we need in our homes. I have a very eclectic mix of furniture, each piece has a story just like our homes. Over the years especially for the older homes, family or individuals have come and gone, trends change and decorating styles change as individuals move from one house to another. We may not like what the previous owner had but hopefully we can see the potential where potential is.

Is the balance right for you and if it needs changing can you see where to go from here?

If you have any questions about issues discussed or product supply give me a call on 0276023298 or drop me a line on terry@terrylobb.com www.terrylobb.com (website under construction).