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5 tips to add colour to your home

Expert advice to brighten up your interiors - by Holly Byrne
  • 12 Mar 2019
5 tips to add colour to your home
Cath Muscat

For Home Beautiful, our April issue (on sale now) is all about being brave with colour – but embracing the rainbow can be quite a daunting thought, especially for masters of monochrome and those of us who prefer to play it safe when it comes to our interiors. Embracing new hues don't necessarily mean feature walls and statement tiles though. Artist, furniture and textile designer and Studio Onethirty creative director Sarah Kalidis gives us her top tips on adding a splash of colour with ease.

Artist Sarah Kalidis of Studio Onethirty
Cath Muscat

1. Find a starting point

"First, you should establish whether your existing interior has more of a cool or a warm tone as this will drive the direction of your palette," says Sarah. "Think about using colours that make you happy; don’t simply follow trends without considering how the choices make you feel."

2. Throw in a cushion

Throw cushions are a decorator's best friend. "They are my go-to for adding colour and texture that won’t break the budget," says Sarah. Mix and match colours and patterns that complement one another. "If you already have any art in the space, select one or two of the colours and use these to choose your the cushions," advises Sarah.

studioonethirty View Profile
100 likes - View Post on Instagram
**LAUNCHING** 'Beneath the Blooms' shoot | Image 2 🌿 Ahhh this is just everything!!! I was a bit ga-ga during the shoot, had to pick my jaw up off the ground several times watching the magic unfold. The biggest thank you to @gf.interiorstylist & @armellehabib for taking my pieces and delivering the most exceptional result!!!!! - - - 'Spring Proteas' painting, 'Florence' wallpaper, Demi pendant light, 'Gumnut Folk' Ltd Edition Print, Alpha Terrazzo Round Coffee Table & Side Table, assorted cushions- by @studioonethirty - - Captured by @armellehabib Styled by @gf.interiorstylist Style assist @mimifitzgerald Studio @thebank_studio Rug by @designerrugs Ceramics by @batch_ceramics & @peta_marie_ Sofa by @anacastudio Far back side table @idlehandsdesign #interiors #photoshoot #styling #beneaththeblooms #australianmade #sydneyartist #botanicals #textiles #cushionlove #terrazzo #mycollection #handcrafted #proudaspunch #livingroom #interiordesign

3. Layer up

"I just love adding layers to an interior using ceramics and collectables I have acquired along the way," admits Sarah. Putting your favourite pieces on display and creating curated vignettes not only introduce colour, but add a new layer of depth to your decorating. "Consider your purchase and source something vintage or handmade - it’s always more special when your pieces have a story or history behind them," Sarah suggests.

"I've always loved natural flora with seasonal change providing inspiration for playing with different colourways. We have a family property in Berry and I always enjoy the change of scenery in the country."

Sarah Kalidis Creative Director & Owner

4. Be art smart

Make art the hero of the room and invest in an original piece. "Give some thought to the scale of the wall," Sarah says. "Art should speak to your heart so make sure you connect with the piece, whether it is the subject matter or simply a love of the colours." If your budget is limited, try sourcing art prints, or even painting something yourself. 

studioonethirty View Profile
45 likes - View Post on Instagram
I have always loved colour, and was dubbed "Colour Queen" by my 6th grade teacher. It's something that has stuck with me all these years later. I am quite a shy person, and when I use colour or wear colour, i turn into my alter-ego; this force within radiates through and I feel confident and powerful. Many people I have met feel the same way; they feel safe with black and grey, and deep inside would love to burst out and be this superpower who can carry colour like a boss. So I say just do it! pick something that makes you smile and go for it ✌🏼 Happy Sunday peeps Bringing plenty of colour to you today at the Makers Market at @oneoffstudio 8am-12pm. See you there! #colourradiatessunshine #sydneyartist #textiles #cushions #art #colourmehappy #likeaboss #happysunday

5. Go green

"Nature's colours are my favourite," Sarah confesses. "The most feel-good way to brighten a space is by introducing fresh flowers or foliage – this can instantly create substance and balance to an interior," she adds. Don’t have the budget for replacing fresh flowers? Use natives and dry them out at the end of their life so they last the distance.

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  • Decorate
  • Lifestyle
Holly Byrne
Holly Byrne
A country girl at heart, Holly swapped rural radio and race days for the Sydney city life, exploring her new hometown one cocktail party at a time. When she’s not in the kitchen recreating our HB recipes, Holly is writing up the latest in colour trends and designer profiles – Instagramming it all along the way.

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