It's all about colour

a marvellous quote from Bright Bazaar

I've never been a beige person except in very small doses, I don't really know why but I've always been drawn to colour and as everyone who knows me will attest I'm a huge fan of red, it's probably the colour that represents me.  Although after doing Shannon Fricke's brilliant Colour Workshop last weekend, I really need to rethink my use of red around the house!

The Little Cottage - this divine turquoise door had us in rapture.  Image via Shannon Fricke

Shannon relayed this wonderful story about her daughter's bedroom when it was painted raspberry red and how the colour affected her daughter's behaviour and mood and she was constantly switched on 'high'.  It's quite amazing how colour can affect our mood.  When Shannon changed the colour scheme and used muted tones of green and blue - voila - a much more contented and relaxed child - amazing! 

gorgeous muted tones of green in Shannon's Workshop.  image via Shannon Fricke

For many years it seems that the design and decorating world has been awash with....well beige.  While I can see it's attraction, safe, unassuming, blends with everything and it really can look beautiful and sophisticated, I felt a bit out of step because it just isn't me, it feels too conservative.  I can't help it, I love colour, always have always will. 

I caught up for a coffee earlier this week with two super talented and stylish friends, Judy from Verandah House and Australia's answer to Martha Stewart Sharnel Dollar and we all agree - ditch the dowdy and embrace colour!

I can't drool over Judy's collection enough - it's stunning.  via Verandah House

Sharnel's vintage bauble Christmas wreath, she adds new glass baubles each year.  A few weeks before Christmas last year, I arrived home one day and on my door step was my very own Christmas wreath Sharnel had made for me as a surprise.  I just burst out laughing because I used to say to her 'I want one of those' and ta-da there it was! image via My Life My Loves

I'm not sure if colour was ever 'out of fashion' but it's definitely at the top of the design tree this Christmas.  I love the little tag line of Bright Bazaar 'because beige is boring'.   I don't think we all need to rush out and throw colour around like a mad man (maybe just a little bit) but add a dash here and there and your spirits will be uplifted guaranteed.   Colour = Happiness.

how fun is this Chrismas corner?  via Bright Bazaar

Shannon's workshop was beyond amazing and I met some incredibly talented and wonderful ladies and we had oh so many laughs.  Not only is Shannon brilliant but she is such a genuinely warm, welcoming and lovely person, I felt like we had met years ago.  Her wonderful assistant Nicky is just as delightful and the lunch she served was divine.  Bangalow is truly a beautiful escape from the city, it also helps that The Little Cottage is a magical space encouraging magical creativity!

Keren
xx