Decorate

Six steps to a more mindful home

How to create a sense of calm every single day
Dulux Australia - Summer Trends 2019 | Stylist: Bree Leech | Photographer: Lisa Cohen

Kick back and enjoy a restful, fresh interior palette at home this summer, embracing the style of soft minimalism.

Summer is a perfect time to unwind, regroup and reflect. Decorating your home by choosing natural finishes and layering textures to create an atmosphere of tranquillity in your spaces can be a great foil to the busyness of daily life. Unwinding in living, dining and sleeping spaces decorated using colour palettes of gentle, nurturing tones can act as a subtle aid to boost your wellbeing.

Interior design for mindfulness
(Credit: Dulux Australia – Summer Trends 2019 | Stylist: Bree Leech | Photographer: Lisa Cohen)

With this in mind, one of the four palettes identified in the 2019 Dulux Colour Forecast is ‘Wholeself’. This soothing collection comprises muted shades of powdery pinks and warm neutrals, enlivened by accents of gentle citrus and a minty blue-green. It speaks of simplicity and understated luxury and pairs beautifully with this season’s mid-tone timbers, soft undulating lines and relaxed design detailing.

Decorating for mindfullness
(Credit: Dulux Australia – Summer Trends 2019 | Stylist: Bree Leech | Photographer: Lisa Cohen)

“The Wholeself palette is all about slowing down and tuning into the things that really matter,” says Dulux Colour and Communications Manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr. “Wellness has emerged as a major theme in the design world for 2019, with many of us looking to switch off our digital devices and focus on nurturing our tired bodies and spirit. The Wholeself palette brings this theme to life.”

Mindfulness home decor
(Credit: Dulux Australia – Summer Trends 2019 | Stylist: Bree Leech | Photographer: Lisa Cohen)

“This palette is a significant shift from the playful brights and rich, luxe tones of last year.”

Andrea Lucena-Orr, Colour and Communications Manager, Dulux
Mindfulness interior decorating
(Credit: Dulux Australia – Summer Trends 2019 | Stylist: Bree Leech | Photographer: Lisa Cohen)

It’s certainly an easy palette to live with and even easier to incorporate into your home – bringing new life to existing furnishing and finishes. “When choosing colours from this trend palette, think about how they’ll work with your existing furniture, flooring and soft furnishings,” says Andrea. “You should also factor in the room type and any colours in adjoining spaces. One area this palette works particularly well is the bedroom. In this space it can create a calm and restful feel.”

“If you want to include a smaller volume of these new colours in other rooms, you could use them on a single wall, a feature nook, a piece of furniture or a door.”

Andrea Lucena-Orr, Colour and Communications Manager, Dulux

Summer styling tips:

1. Edit out the unnecessary

Surround yourself with only those pieces you truly love and use.

2. Incorporate curves

Curves are key; choose furniture with rounded edges and soft, sumptuous cushioning.

3. Find a balance through surface choices

Balance out soft pastels with warm, mid-tone timbers.

4. Introduce contrasting natural materials

Try using stone, wool and linen in the form of side tables, accessories and cushions.

5. Add a pop of colour

Inject small doses of unexpected brights, such as citrus, mint and gold, through decorative accessories such as vases and tableware.

6. Upcycle your existing pieces

Give new life to an old piece of furniture, by painting it in a complimentary tone, or a contrasting accent colour.

You might also like:

The minimalist trend you’ve been waiting for

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

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

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