Two Colourful Days Hosting The Bay’s Interior Design Clinic

I had the great pleasure of being selected by The Bay to host their Interior Design Clinic for the past couple of days as a special offering to their customers. And what fun it was! Customers came in thick and fast with design dilemmas relating to their renovation or decorating projects. After speaking to several customers a clear theme became apparent: people are terrified of choosing colours! I can understand the hesitation (or paralysis in some cases!).

Colour is one of the post powerful elements available to designers. No other single element (line, scale, form, rhythm to name a few) can so distinctively define the character and mood of a room like colour can. Colour is tricky but it is not rocket science. Here are some key questions to ask when contemplating a new colour scheme: Is it a calm or active space? How much time will be spent in this room (could you spend eight hours in a fuchsia room? No, but maybe a few minutes as you pass through)? What sort of activities will take place in this space? Will you be in there mostly in the morning or the evening? And most importantly, how do you want to feel while you are in this space (relaxed? energized? creative? social?). It is not strictly a formula, as personal preferences for certain colours will always play into it, but asking these types of questions just might help to unlock some of that paralysis. For keen DIYers and those interested in learning more, try Johannes Ittens book, The Elements of Colour. Thanks again to The Bay for making me a part of a fantastic event!