Decorating with colour in 2016

You've probably all seen the Pantone colours for 2016 - for the first time it's a blend of two shades, rose quartz and serenity. The soft tones are restful and calm, just what we need in our ever-increasing busy lives. Rose quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.



I love the idea of introducing these colours into your wardrobe for a feminine hit. Mix some darker tones in for a bit of depth, as you would if you were highlighting your hair. One overall tone could be a bit boring.



In your home layer the softer tones with warm wood, leather and copper, or a hit of black and white for a more Scandi look.






If you're not much of a pastel lover here are a few other colours I think would look incredible. Maybe 2016 is your year to be bold and step outside the box. I predict that blue will remain popular. Think the azure blues of Morocco and Greece, beautiful cobalt French blues, and the fresh combo of navy and white.



How about grey with a hint of purple for a really sophisticated feel. Look out for more panelling, which I love. It adds subtle texture and is super classy.



Emerald green brings the outside in and looks gorgeous with other jewel tones such as turquoise, sapphire and citrine.



Or why not be really brave and embrace a delicious golden yellow?! It adds so much warmth and energy.

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If you need any help with colour in your home, be it paint colours, fabric, or artwork, contact Dael or I. Colour is something we're passionate about and we have a number of tried and tested paint colours and favourite fabrics that we'd love to advise you on.

Establishing Your Style

Last week I was contacted by the lovely Tina from Roomie. She was putting together an article for Stuff and asked if I could share one of our most commonly asked design questions. I was happy to help, and decided to focus on a question that I think is very important... how to establish an interior style...

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We often work with clients who want help defining their style. Some people were born knowing it, and for others it takes time. Your home should be an extension of you, it should reflect your likes and interests, tell a story, and celebrate the people that live there.

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Try looking to your wardrobe for inspiration. What colours, patterns and textures are you drawn to? What places make you feel happy - the beach, a certain cafe…? Try and translate that feeling into your home.

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Definitely the most favoured Bibby + Brady tool for establishing your style is Pinterest - a free website that enables you to ‘pin’ images from anywhere on the internet to your own pin boards. If you don’t already know your style, you will be surprised how quickly a pattern emerges once you start pinning.



Even if, and when, you find your style and know what you love, you still may want help pulling it all together. Maybe you don't know where to start looking for that perfect piece of furniture that is unique to you; or you're just so busy with the rest of your life that finding the time to design and decorate your home is tough... This is where Bibby + Brady can help. Dael and I specialise in creating amazing spaces that reflect their owners. Our job is to make things easier for you, and in the process of creating a home that you'll love, I'm pretty sure we'll also save your huge amount of time, and money (by avoiding costly mistakes). Come and visit us!

Introducing shoptrawl

I've got a brilliant new website to introduce you to... shoptrawl is a one-stop online shopping destination for Australian and New Zealand furniture, homeware and fashion design. All your favourite designers and stores in one place for your ease and convenience.


The website evolved when co-founders, Victoria Hamilton (Melbourne-based), Sally Langford (Sydney-based), and Anna Agnola (Brisbane-based) became frustrated at having to bookmark so many of their favourite sites. The idea evolved when they realised there wasn't a single online resource where you could simultaneously see, save, and share all the products you loved from your favourite shops and designers.




You start by creating a FREE 'my shoptrawl' account. By clicking on the heart shape in the product information it saves that product to your wishlist. You can click on the star to save a store or designer to your 'favourites', allowing you to easily search for products from your favourite places. You can share your finds with friends, either individual products or email your entire wishlist - perfect for sending the hubby before your birthday, or maybe even as your wedding register.




When the team at shoptrawl invited me to do a Guest Edit, I jumped at the chance. I love the concept, and they have an excellent selection of products and designers, like Bonnie and Neil, Homebase Collection, Jane DentonRachel Castle, Sass & Bide, and many more. I have chosen my top 12 products and saved them to my wishlist. It was really hard to stop at 12, I could easily have tripled that! Check out my picks here.




shoptrawl doesn't stock, sell or ship any of the products. When you're ready to purchase you are re-directed to the website of the original store or designer. I highly recommend you head over to shoptrawl right now, sign up and start shopping. I know you're going to love this site - you can thank me later ;)