Colour Palette: Multi-Coloured Bedroom

It can be a lot of fun to embrace a rainbow of colours when decorating and the results can be stunning. While the rules that apply to creating a complementary scheme go out the window, it's still important to consider which of your chosen hues you apply to certain parts of the scheme. To create a final look that looks stylish and considered it's best to pick one hue that you will introduce throughout all the elements of the scheme. So, taking this bedroom as an example, we can see how turquoise has been introduced in the artwork, the bedding and on the side table. This gentle consistency brings visual cohesion between all the elements of the room, meaning the look comes together as one, rather than looking like a jumble sale of different colours. Now, could we please discuss how fun that turquoise cage lamp is? I love it!
// Mynd Interiors | via | Styling by Julia Green | Photography by Armelle Habib.

Three Ways To Add Colour With A Bookcase

Bookcases: whether big or small I'm sure we all have one in our home, right? This trusted storage staple is also an ideal element for bringing colour into a space, so I decided to pull together three ideas that do just that. Up first is 'exotic brights', a refreshing lime green scheme that utilises colour in a bookcase to visually pull two separate spaces together. This vibrant yet calming scheme is achieved by painting the recessed bookcase in the same hue as the stripes on the bathroom floor, resulting in a cohesive and spacious look. (If you're interested, I blogged the whole tour of this home last year.) Second on the Bookcase Billboard is 'lemon surprise' a high energy, palm springs inspired space that sees a colour block yellow bookcase take centre stage. By styling your bookcase with pieces from the same palette as the bookcase itself creates a striking colour-on-colour statement out of the piece, which brings stacks of vitality to the room. Finally, my favourite of the three looks, 'eclectic pastels'. Ideal for renters or crafty types, this look sees scraps of wallpaper or wrapping papered on the backs of random shelves from which complimentary colours are added through accessories making the bookcase look relaxed and effortless - and, crucially, not messy! Which of the three takes your vote, folks?
// 1. Alexandra Angle; photography by Lucas Allen | 2. Livingetc; photography by Chris Everard | 3. Pynt

Three Ways To A Colourful Window Treatment

Windows are an ideal place to bring a colourful statement into a scheme because they provide a 'readymade' zone in which to add in colour, pattern and texture. These three rooms show how three different types of window treatments - blinds, shutters and curtains - can each become the anchor point for a whole scheme. The first room looks at 'brilliant blinds' and shows how a pretty and detailed fabric can confidently be the key focal element of a scheme. By choosing a pattern with lots of detail and different shades, it gives the opportunity to reference this main statement across other parts of the scheme, such as the rug, sofa and throw cushions. The result is a cohesive and coordinated final look. The second space, 'statement shutters', is a fine example of how picking one accent hue and introducing it to an all-white space can create a colourful look that still feels sophisticated and fresh. Note how no pattern has been introduced to the room: it's this lack of pattern that makes the introduction of a single hue, in a single shade, so impactful. I love the European feel that shutters bring, especially in this beautiful Greek blue colourway. Finally, 'colourful curtains' shows how introducing curtains as a window treatment can soften a harder scheme, bringing warmth to a cooler colour palette like white and blue. If shutters had been used in this final scheme, there wouldn't be any softer elements in the scheme to balance the furniture, slab flooring and white walls; this is why curtains work perfectly in the space. Which of the three ways is your favourite, folks?
// 1. House To Home; Photograph by Simon Whitmore | 2. Styled by Pippa Jameson | 3. Homes & Gardens

How To Create A Colourful & Rustic Home Office

As I work from home, my office space is one of the most important rooms in the whole apartment. I need it to be colourful (OK, that was a given!), practical and energising for all those long hours in front of the laptop. So, when I happened upon this colourful and rustic home office, I knew I had to share it here on Bright.Bazaar. The scheme is an effortless mix of weathered, rustic materials like metal and bare wood. paired with brightly painted gloss pieces and rag-like textiles. It's these colourful additions that give this room it's heart and personality: the visual surprise of the two colourful chairs brings a new angle to what would otherwise be a generic, paint-by-numbers industrial meets rustic scheme. The two chairs also serve to soften the harder, rougher vibe that flows through the rest of the room. Laying the rag rug in the centre of the room makes good use of the free space to bright another hit of hue into the scheme. By opting for a rag-style rug, as opposed to a high pile wool rug, it means this key textile piece sits comfortably alongside the heavier industrial furniture. This is because it brings just enough comfort and tactile texture without being too much of a juxtaposition with the more rustic pieces; pushing this contrast further would compete with the statement already created between the gloss bright chairs and the metal and wooden desk.
// Hus&Hem | Photography by Carina Olander

Colour Palette: Rustic Kitchen Diner

If I ever need reminding of just how powerful colour can be in an interior space, then this would be the room to do it. Why? Well, take a moment to imagine this space without the weathered green factory pendant or the rustic blue stool and rug. Without them, I believe the space would be lifeless and seriously lacking in depth. The green pendant provides a visual break between the pale wooden dining furniture and the white cabinetry behind; this is important addition because it brings depth, while also drawing the eye down to the focal point of the room. Meanwhile, the texture and colour added through the blue Tolix stool and rug bring warmth to the milky white base palette. I love the subtle addition of purple through the blooms, too - green and purple are such a great combination! What do you like about this space?
// Skona Hem

Take Your Pick: Karla Pruitt Wallpaper

Let's add a little fun to Tuesday shall we, folks? I always love doing these Take Your Pick posts because it's so fun to read which colourway different readers like best and why. Today's choices come from surface designer and painter, Karla Pruitt, who works out of her Athens, Georgia based home studio, where she illustrates repeat patterns for both home and apparel. Karla's work is influenced by her surrounding neighbourhood in Athens, which is all about appreciating the old and embracing the new; her wallpapers are born from the idea of what happens when classic meets modern. I love how she has incorporated this approach into her new Biscayne Dot wallpaper, which updates the classic polka dot with hand drawn cross-hatching. I think the burgundy would be ideal for an entryway; the turquoise for a playroom; and the gold for a living room. Which colourway is your favourite?
// Hygge & West

10 Things I Learned & Loved This Weekend

1. A cheery pink front door is a quick fire way to brighten up a dark and damp Saturday morning walk through London.
2. I walked past Bonnie Gull and the interior looked as though it would be equally as charming as the exterior!
3. Enjoyed looking through these inspirational quote postcards that Fiona at Flourish kindly gave to me as a present.
4. These owl placemats from Hester and Cook would be lovely for a woodland themed Holiday table.
5. Habitat have a super fun and colourful display for their Christmas windows.
6. This green and white stripe awning is a true delight!
7. I love the packaging on this Hope and Greenwood sweetie packet.
8. Moa Hoff opened her online store and I instantly fell for her delightful circus poster.
9. Lindsay Sherbondy makes these rather lovely hand-lettered Holiday prints.
10. I think my wardrobe would like to date a polka dot jumper!

Sunday's Bright Links No. 98: A Winter Frost

Elsewhere

My mum shared her Laura Ashley favourites of past and present on their blog.

Behind the scenes of shooting a book cover.

Jeanette took these beautiful snaps of a winter frost.

A stunning wedding in Santorini.

Speaking of weddings, can you spot Mr. Bazaar in this wedding video?!

The perfect tomato bruschetta.

How make a mini marquee sign with lights.

Bright.Bazaar

10 Things I Learned & Loved Last Weekend.

Country Road's Colourful New Collection.

Three Ways To Add Colour To Your Living Room.

Market Picks: Hush Hush Brights.

A Sneak Peek At The New Look Bright.Bazaar!

A Look Back At Mr. Bazaar's Week.

// Photography by By Fryd

Colour Palette: A Stylish Teenage Bedroom

I've had several emails recently asking for advice on how to decorate a teenager's bedroom in a manner that balances both fun and function without loosing any style points. This bedroom is a fine example of how to do this as it strikes a balance between feeling youthful and sophisticated. The benefit of this approach is that once the bedroom is freed up you will be able to swap out a few smaller pieces such as the lamp and the textiles in order to make the room a perfect spare bedroom. In the meantime, the playful stripes are tempered by the chic grey painted panelling, which is anchored by a black bed frame and rug. Choosing a metal bed frame allows teenagers to twist fairy lights around the headboard for a relaxed, younger feel, which again can easily be taken out for a more grown up look. Finally, incorporate plenty of storage into the room to make it practical for storing away DVDs, sports kit and so on.
// Ideal Home

Using Colour To Soften An Industrial Kitchen Look

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

The fusion of industrial and country style has to be one of my favourite looks of the moment. I love the main colour combination of rich noir and racing green in this kitchen. Peppering primary blue and red accents throughout the space has helped to keep it feeling fresh and modern; a much needed hit of vibrancy to the industrial elements. The ticking stripe fabric that has been used to cover the front of the kitchen units adds a relaxed country charm, which in turn also softens the more robust elements of the scheme, such as the black walls and industrial-style metal stools. Sometimes I see a space that wholeheartedly encompasses my vision of Bright.Bazaar style, and this kitchen, with it's bold use of colour, is one of those spaces. Tell me, what are your favourite elements of this kitchen?

// Ideal Home | Photography by Simon Whitmore

Dulux Colour Trend: Home Factory

The Industrial look has been enjoying something of a resurgence in interior design across the past few years, with many brands keying into the rustic appeal of the trend. Dulux are the latest brand to do just that as they celebrate industrial chic with their latest paint collection, Home Factory. The autumn/winter trend-led paint collection includes 16 hues from petrol blues and delicate teals to heritage brights and chalky neutrals, all of which will help bring warmth and colour to a utilitarian scheme. Mr. Bazaar's highlights include the wonderfully named, Raven Plume, an enveloping shade of navy blue, Citrus Grove (the yellow stool pictured above) and the refreshing Sea Urchin. Which of Dulux's new paint colours are catching your eye, friends? Do you have a space in mind in your own home where you might use one of them?
// Dulux

Sunday's Bright Links No. 94: Colour Gradient

Elsewhere

Love the new By April and May site.

Autumn in Paris.

Rocket St George including Bright.Bazaar in The Hot List for October.

I can't get over the beauty of the Saraille wallpapers by Designers Guild.

Atmospheric shots of autumn in the countryside.

So stoked for my pal Tim for getting his place into the latest Style at Home.

A picnic next to the Seine in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Yeah, it's as good as it sounds!

If you love all things nautical (especially anchors!) then this free wrapping paper printable is for you.

Speaking of free printables, this Owl Library Card is rather adorable.

Bright.Bazaar

10 Things I Learned & Loved Last Weekend.

Store Tour: Folklore, London.

Mr. Bazaar Styles His Mum's Country Kitchen Dresser.

Colour Blocking Brights: Bryon Restaurant, London.

Tablescape 101: An Indian-Inspired Soiree.

A peek at the new retro inspired range by John Lewis.

// Designers Guild

Happy Weekend: Farmers' Market Colours

A week or so ago I was walking through Bath when I happened to pass by Jamie Oliver's first UK deli. The moment I saw the deli I stopped in my tracks as my Colour Inspiration alarm bells started to sound! Rain had been falling all morning but the skies had begun to clear and the farmer's market style display of fruit and vegetables outside looked so crisp and fresh. Vibrant yellow tomatoes and citrus bright lemons flirted with Mr. Bazaar's colour-loving lens (I mean, seriously, I was in heaven); the remnants of the morning rainfall gently rolled off the fruits. A chef from Jamie's nearby restaurant came to collect some produce and we ended up chatting for ten minutes, discussing the simple pleasures of fresh produce and the recipes each variety inspired us to make. It was one of those unexpected, lovely moments of shared enthusiasm with a complete stranger. After the chef went back to work, I moved inside, my imagination caught by the bold, typographic and colourful packaging that graced many of the products. I admired the synergy between inside and out, fresh and packaged, interior design and food - notice how the red stools tie in with the produce and the packaging. In all, I must have spent at least an hour soaking up the atmosphere of this tiny deli yet it felt like all of five minutes. I left feeling inspired by the two colour stories - the exotic and primary brights of the produce and packaging, and the comforting, calm hues of the rustic interior. I hope you find some colour inspiration this weekend, friends!
// Photography by Will Taylor

Date Night! Three Stylish Kitchen Couples

1. Via; Half-Dozen Egg Crate |  2. House and Home; Pure Waters Glass |  3. Better Homes & Gardens; Old Havana Dinner Plate

Thursday's arrival means it's blind date night, so kitchens and their perspective accessory dates are busy prepping themselves for another round of kitchen speed dating - and they're all vying to be a date to your dinner party! The question is: who will get your coveted invite? Couple number one are a multicoloured, ex-city dweller turned country bumpkin duo with a new found love for the simple things in life. The open shelves display their vintage finds curated from city flea markets of years gone by; brightly coloured fabric and accessories reflect their new, softer surroundings. This vibrant and dynamic duo are fizzing with enthusiasm and energy! Up next is kitchen couple number two, who are calmer than their multicoloured counterparts preferring to live a simpler, uncluttered lifestyle. Solid wooden pieces are teamed with retro finds reflecting the couple's comfortable and long lasting relationship. Your final choice is kitchen couple number three. These two are like peas in a pod, their mint hues bonding them from the moment they met. Safe, refreshing and fashionably 'on trend', they'll make for great guests. So, three very different, yet very stylish kitchen couples to choose from - your task is to choose who gets your invite?