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Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
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  1. Home
  2. Decorate

The modern muted colour palette – how to make it work in your home

Decorating with soft colours bring a tranquillity and serenity that says “welcome home” - by Diana Moore
  • 31 Aug 2018

With careful balance, a palette of pastel colours, pale timbers and gentle textures can create a considered interior decorating scheme that is as easy to live with as it is beautiful. Pastel tones may speak to a restful interior but keeping the look modern can be a challenge.

We spoke to Sydney based Catherine Heraghty - owner and Creative Director of The Stables, a boutique interior styling company that embodies this style of decorating. Her home is the epitome of simple elegance and her way with colours is informed by her passion for creating beautiful, timeless spaces that are above all, liveable.

the_stables_ View Profile
1,983 likes - View Post on Instagram
Before 2 In Twelve you only saw the parts I wanted you to see of my old house, the styled and pretty corners that were cropped really tight! You didn't see our house falling down around our ears or feel the cold drafts coming through the floors in winter! The single best thing (of which there are so many) is that the we have created a home that we all LOVE! We all adore our new family home, we are super proud and we are so damn happy! To hang out at our home and not feel like we have to leave to have a nice time is the BEST feeling ever and we really can't put a price on that! Big shout out to @mazdaaus and @realestatelifestyle for coming along the for this crazy ride with my family! It's been the maddest, craziest and funnest ride! #paidpromote

What are your must-haves for a modern muted palette?

"Instead of relying on strong pattern and bold colour to decorate your home, rely on other elements like texture and repetition to give your interior warmth and interest. When starting with your larger pieces, for example when purchasing your sofa and rug, go for neutrals and layer these with accessories that are soft and subtle in colour. You can still have colour, just make sure that it is desaturated. I tend to stick to my muted pastels and soft blues when doing my interiors, but there are some lovely warm rusty oranges and olive greens out there to give you a more earthy look. When adding colours, I always like to add them in my smaller styling pieces like cushions, throws, and decorative accessories. Artwork is also another great way to reinforce your colour palette."

The modern muted colour palette – how to make it work in your home | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
The Stables
The modern muted colour palette – how to make it work in your home | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
The Stables
The modern muted colour palette – how to make it work in your home | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
The Stables

Name a furniture item(s) you cannot live without!

"When I am styling my own home and my clients' homes, I place emphasis on styling for a purpose rather than styling for styling's sake! So I can’t pinpoint one particular piece that I can’t live without – for me it's about how all my selections work together well to create that special feeling! My interiors tend to feel calm and homely, clean and light. From my Alva occasional chair from Click On Furniture to my gorgeous Crop Bar Stool from Relm Furniture, all the furniture I have selected I adore and they all work together so seamlessly to make my home feel special to me."

The modern muted colour palette – how to make it work in your home | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
The Stables

How do you bring warmth to a minimal interior?

"I rely heavily on colour, natural materials and texture to bring warmth to a minimal interior. Selecting a warm engineered floor board for example, as opposed to a cool grey tile will instantly warm a space up.  Texture would be one main elements I rely on when designing any space in my home, whether it comes down to a textured wall panelling in the master bedroom or a textured tile in the bathroom – using something that has the physical and visual appearance of being tactile instantly warms an interior up. 

"I love to use textured rugs, cushions and window treatments to make my interiors feel cosy – not only are they beautiful to touch but they soften any harsh lines in the architecture."

Catherine Heraghty Owner and Creative Director
The modern muted colour palette – how to make it work in your home | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
The Stables

What artists/makers are peaking your interest at the moment?

"I am a strong supporter of Australian made and Australian design, the quality is far superior to anything else available on the market. I am a huge fan of Articolo Lighting, a Melbourne based lighting company that makes everything to order in Melbourne. Their range is absolutely stunning, all the glass is hand blown and the designs are so on trend yet so timeless! The perfect balance! I try and get some of their lighting into as many projects as I can!"

The modern muted colour palette – how to make it work in your home | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
The Stables

Your 3 tips for a 30-minute living room makeover

1. Rearrange your furniture layout, such a simple way to change the way a space feels and looks but it also changes the way you move through the space!

2. Remove all of your accessories, edit them and restyle them in the new ways!

3. Adding fresh flowers and plants to your space will instantly lift it and breathe new life into it.

Visit The Stables to see more of Catherine's beautiful work.

  

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Style Edit: 5 ways to add a touch of pastel to your home

Diana Moore
Diana Moore
Content expert, florist and interior decorator Diana Moore has been passionate about helping others make the perfect home ever since she moved into her own. From styling her local bar to feel like your best friend’s lounge room, to randomly restyling people’s bookshelves, Diana is a firm believer in making the best of what you have in front of you.

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