colourswatch

I decided it might be nice to share the things I see around on my travels, and mostly just things that I love. For those of you that know me, you know that colour is my abiding love. Not so much in clothes of course (basic black only) says Anya…

colourswatch is our monthly visual style column from Auckland Interior Designer Anya Brighouse…

So, there have been two days in a row where the sun has appeared to actually shine for a short period of time. That in my book heralds the start of spring. That and it didn’t rain for two days in the week either.

In my house, the day I can actually open the back doors onto the garden with the heating off OFFICIALLY heralds the start of spring. And it is about then that I get a hankering to rearrange the house. My kids start getting a wee bit nervous as the house could be in a completely different state by the time they get home. This year the project is to get the builder to put in some attic space, thus freeing up the shed in the garden, which will officially then become my husband’s office/study. So my head is very full of new ideas both for me, and for clients.

I decided it might be nice to share the things I see around on my travels, and mostly just things that I love. For those of you that know me, you know that colour is my abiding love. Not so much in clothes of course (basic black only), but in furniture, textiles, and everything in between – it is colour that really makes my heart sing. That and a bargain or two here or there… so here are things that have made my heart sing this month so far.

Johnny Romeo

One of my favourite artists is having a new exhibition at the Letham Gallery, 34 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland, from the 17th October to the 6th November. Johnny Romeo is an Australian artist, and I am desperate to own one of his paintings. I just love his incredibly bold use of colour. They have a sense of fun about them also. Lots of references to his own childhood that must resonate with my own somehow. For those of you outside of Auckland, his paintings can be viewed online at www.lethamgallery.co.nz.

New London Style

My favourite book at the moment is the fabulous New London Style by Chloe Grimshaw. The book is a gorgeous mix of homes all around London from fashion designers Matthew Williamson, and Bill Amberg to Emily Chambers, one of my favourite stylists. The book is divided up into areas of London (W1 – W11, NW1 – NW6) and what I like about it, aside from its confident use of textiles and colour, is the fact that we forget London homes are small. Even the expensive ones are not enormous, so there is a lot of VERY clever use of space. Always a good thing when we are being care about choices we are making with our homes, whether we own, or whether we rent. The book is published by Thames and Hudson.

Kartell Mademoiselle

I sit at my desk most days hammering away on my computer, and at present I am sitting on a wooden stool I paid $20 for on trade me. I have managed to paint it bright pink, but it just doesn’t do the job. I am coveting the Philippe Stark-designed Kartell Mademoiselle chair in red. I love how it just seems to float on its transparent legs, not taking up too much space, but a supremely comfortable chair to work in (I did a good test drive when I photographed it.) Available from the Kartell concept store, Teed St, Newmarket Auckland ph 09 522 7099, or Backhouse Interiors 12 Kaiwharawhara Rd Wellington, ph 04 499 8847. It retails for $1800, and comes in turquoise as well, and also in Missoni fabrics. A little bird tells me that there may be a pre GST sale coming shortly.

Vida Flores Tulips

Tulips are just one of those spring flowers that lift you. I love all the colours – reds, yellows, mauves, pinks and particularly the oranges. These are from Vida Flores in Auckland. Davina Prankerd, the owner, does a market day every Wednesday, when you get market priced flowers on a cash and carry basis. Email them on flowers@vidaflores.co.nz and ask to go on their mailing list and if you live in Auckland, they will send you a list each Weds morning of what is available for the day. They will deliver for an additional charge, or you can swan in yourself and grab them. Vida Flores is at 12 McColl St, Newmarket ph 095235454, www.vidaflores.co.nz

Flotsam and Jetsam

I am an exceptional keen Trade me stalker, but when I really can’t be bothered, or I need some real inspiration, I toddle off to Flotsam and Jetsam in Grey Lynn. For all things pre-loved and quirky, this is the place to go. From old school chairs, to industrial lights (of which he has many at the moment), to taxidermy, and to bell jars. What I like is that you can find an old agee jar for $6, or an amazing table for $1600 – and everything in between! This old score board took my fancy at $70… it may have to remain in my daughter’s room for now. Flotsam and Jetsam, 168 Richmond Rd Grey Lynn, ph 093613831.

Republic Revolution vases

I have always been particularly fond of the Republic Revolution range for the Warehouse. I have begun to wonder whether people actually know that the range is colourful, happy and price competitive. Or that it is even there at all. I went to their launch a couple of weeks ago and have been waiting for a week to get the vases so I can photograph them, they have been so popular already. I didn’t event shoot them with any flowers in them (even though they would look gorgeous) because they look just as good without. Lime $17.99, blue $12.99 and the yellow is just $6.99 – so under $40 for the whole lot. They will be instore with the range on 8th October.

Next month I will be doing another book I love, and my most favourite flowers in the world… and whatever else I find that takes my fancy!

By Anya Brighouse, 17 September 2010.
Contact Anya for Interior Design services on 021 308 885