2023 Colour Trends
It all begins with an idea.
As a painter, I'm always on the lookout for the latest trends and colours in interior house paint, and 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for paint lovers! Here are a few of my favourite trends:
First up, I'm seeing a lot of interest in warm, earthy tones. Think shades of rust, ochre, and terracotta. These colours add warmth and depth to a space, and they pair well with natural materials like wood and stone.
Another trend I'm loving is the use of bold, saturated colours. Think rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red. These colours add drama and personality to a space, and they're perfect for creating a statement wall or accent piece.
Finally, I'm seeing a lot of interest in muted, calming colours like pale greens, blues, and pinks. These colours create a soothing atmosphere and are perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces where relaxation is key.
No matter which trend you choose, the key to a successful paint job is quality materials and careful preparation. As a painter, I always use high-quality paints and brushes to ensure a professional finish. And before I start painting, I take the time to prep my surfaces and protect my clients' belongings.
If you're ready to refresh your home with a new coat of paint, let's talk! I'm excited to help you choose the perfect colours and create a space that you'll love.
A Painter Once Said
We make your project our priority from start to finish.
Painting and decorating! the most effective way to transform the look and feel of your home. As a painter with years of experience, I've seen first-hand the difference that a fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper can make in a room. In this blog post, I'd like to share some tips and insights about painting and decorating from a painter's point of view.
First and foremost, it's important to choose the right colours for your space. When it comes to choosing paint colours, I always recommend picking colours that you love and that reflect your personal style. If you're unsure about which colours to choose, try creating a mood board or collecting paint swatches to get a better sense of what you're drawn to. Don't be afraid to be bold and experiment with different colours - you can always repaint if you don't love the result.
Once you've chosen your colours, it's time to prep your space. This means covering floors and furniture with drop sheets or plastic sheeting, and taping off any areas that you don't want to be painted. It's also important to fill in any holes or cracks in your walls, and to sand down any rough patches. A smooth surface will ensure that your paint goes on evenly and looks professional.
When it comes to actually painting, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, always use high-quality paint, brushes or rollers. Cheap paint and tools may save you money upfront, but they'll likely result in a sub standard finish. It takes a little while to work out how much paint to load your roller or brush with. Don’t spread it too thinly as it can look scratched on. Too much, and you’ll have runs and dripping paint. But, I always say, don’t be afraid to use the paint! And allow each coat dry completely before applying another. This will ensure that your paint goes on evenly and looks smooth.
When it comes to decorating, there are countless options to choose from. Wallpaper, decals, and artwork are just a few of the ways that you can add personality and style to your space. As with paint colours, I recommend choosing pieces that reflect your personal style and that make you feel happy and comfortable in your home.
In conclusion, painting and decorating are two powerful tools for transforming your home. With a little planning and preparation, and some expert advice from a professional painter, you can create a space that's beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours. So grab a paintbrush and get started - your dream home is waiting!
The Grand Resurgence of Wallpaper: A Trend Reimagined in Australian Interior Design
It all begins with an idea.
Wallpaper, once considered a relic of the past, has experienced a remarkable revival in the realm of Australian interior design. What was once deemed old-fashioned and reminiscent of a bygone era is now enjoying a stylish comeback, captivating the imagination of interior designers and homeowners alike. In this blog post, we'll delve into the resurgence of wallpaper in Australian interior design and explore the reasons behind its newfound popularity.
A Brief History of Wallpaper
Wallpaper, in its various forms, has been adorning our walls for centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient China, where paper was first employed to craft decorative wall coverings. Over time, wallpaper evolved and became an integral element of interior design during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. However, as minimalist aesthetics gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century, wallpaper fell out of favour.
The Resurgence of Wallpaper
In recent years, the design world has witnessed a notable shift back to wallpaper as a favoured design choice. This resurgence can be attributed to several key factors:
Diverse Designs: Modern wallpaper offerings in Australia are a far cry from the floral and heavily patterned styles of the past. Today, you can discover an extensive array of designs, from contemporary and minimalistic to bold and vibrant patterns.
Personalisation: Australian homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to personalise their spaces. Wallpaper allows them to express their individuality and create unique, customised interiors.
Easy Application: Technological advancements have made wallpaper easier to install and remove. Many wallpapers now come with peel-and-stick options, making it a feasible DIY project for many Australians.
Texture and Dimension: Textured wallpapers, including those that mimic brick, wood, or metallic surfaces, add depth and character to a room. This tactile quality is a significant draw for many Australian designers and homeowners.
Accent Walls: The trend of creating accent walls has gained momentum, and wallpaper is a perfect choice for this purpose. A single wall adorned with a striking wallpaper design can transform a room's entire look.
Popular Wallpaper Trends
As wallpaper's popularity soars in Australia, several trends have emerged in interior design:
Botanical and Nature-inspired Patterns: Wallpaper featuring lush foliage, floral designs, and natural elements brings the outdoors inside, creating a calming and serene atmosphere.
Geometric Patterns: Clean lines and geometric shapes have become a contemporary choice, adding a touch of modernity to Australian interior spaces.
Vintage Revival: Nostalgia is a powerful force, and vintage-style wallpaper patterns, often with a modern twist, are making a comeback in Australian homes.
Mural Wallpaper: Large-scale murals that cover entire walls have become a focal point in many Australian homes, creating a captivating visual narrative.
Dark and Moody Tones: Deep, dark colours and rich, moody wallpaper patterns are in vogue in Australia, creating a sense of drama and intimacy in living spaces.
Metallic Accents: Metallic wallpapers, featuring silver, gold, or copper accents, introduce a touch of luxury and glamour to Australian interiors.
Closing Thoughts
The resurgence of wallpaper in Australian interior design showcases the dynamic nature of design trends. What was once considered outdated has been reborn into an essential element of modern Australian interiors. Whether it's used to create a stunning accent wall or to envelop an entire room in artistic flair, wallpaper has proven that it has an enduring place in Australian interior design. With its boundless possibilities, it's no wonder that Australian homeowners and designers alike are embracing this trend's grand return.
As you consider your next interior design project in Australia, don't forget to explore the world of wallpaper – it might just be the missing piece that brings your vision to life.
A Brush with History: The Transformation of Paint Finishes in Australian Interior Design
It all begins with an idea.
The history of paint finishes is an often-underappreciated narrative of artistic evolution and style in Australia. These finishes have left their unique marks on the aesthetic sensibilities of Australian design, embracing innovations, creative expression, and ever-changing tastes. In this blog post, we'll explore the captivating history of paint finishes, from the artistry of faux finishes to the tactile allure of textured surfaces, while shedding light on their adaptation to Australian buildings and interior designs.
Faux Finishes: Mastering the Art of Deception in Australia
Faux finishes, rooted in ancient civilizations, have a deep historical connection with Australian design. These techniques involve imitating the appearance of expensive or exotic materials, and their journey in Australia is a remarkable one:
Ancient Indigenous Techniques: Indigenous Australians were pioneers in using natural pigments and textures to create decorative art. They adapted the unique hues and textures of the Australian landscape, embedding them in rock art and cave paintings.
Colonial Era Faux Wood Graining: During the colonial period, European settlers used faux finishes to replicate the look of expensive timber on local, more affordable materials. Australian craftsmen excelled in the art of wood graining, imitating the rich textures of native timber.
Renaissance in Australian Interiors: The 19th century saw a resurgence of faux finishes in Australian interior design. Skilled artisans mimicked costly woods and marbles, making luxurious aesthetics more accessible to the masses.
Modern Australian Faux Finish Adaptations: Contemporary Australian interior designers continue to employ faux finishes. They apply advanced techniques and materials to imitate various surfaces, from coastal driftwood to outback red rocks, showcasing the diverse Australian landscape.
Textured Finishes: The Sensory Revolution Down Under
Textured finishes have left an indelible mark on Australian interior design by introducing depth and dimension to surfaces. Here's a glimpse of their history:
Ancient Indigenous Textures: Indigenous Australians incorporated tactile textures into their artistic traditions. The intricate dot paintings, created with natural pigments and unique textures, stand as iconic examples of textured art in Australia.
Colonial Era Stucco: Australian architecture during the colonial era often featured stucco and relief work. These textures were used not only for decorative purposes but also for practical protection against harsh climates.
Venetian Plaster in Modern Australian Homes: Venetian plaster, a textured finish with origins in Renaissance Italy, has been embraced in Australian interior design. It's utilised for its smooth yet visually textured appeal, enhancing the modern Australian living space.
Contemporary Australian Textured Innovations: Australian designers have witnessed an array of textured finishes in contemporary interior design, incorporating techniques such as sand finishes, trowel-applied textures, and decorative plaster. These approaches add a tactile and visual dimension to Australian walls and ceilings, mirroring the diversity of the Australian landscape.
Conclusion: A Transformation from Illusion to Sensation in Australian Design
The history of paint finishes in Australia is a testament to human creativity and the pursuit of beauty. Faux finishes have been imitating the extraordinary Australian landscape for centuries, while textured finishes have introduced a tactile dimension to the country's interiors.
Today, both faux and textured finishes continue to thrive in Australian interior design, offering a plethora of possibilities. Whether you seek the illusion of Australian native timber or the sensory allure of Venetian plaster echoing the beauty of the Australian coast, the history of paint finishes has played a vital role in shaping Australian living spaces into unique canvases of imagination and sensation. Explore these finishes and celebrate their remarkable journey as they continue to enrich Australian interiors.