COLOUR
Colour is such a personal thing . Some of us love bright , dazzling colours ; others prefer muted shades ; and some are drawn to the pure simplicity of black and white . Nature is an amazing inspiration and I always find myself returning to a subdued palette made up of colours found in the natural world – wet sand , earth , bark , dried flax , thunderclouds , fields of wheat , bare branches and vivid green spring growth . Using muted and sombre colours in your home will create a naturally tranquil and soothing atmosphere and will also provide an excellent backdrop for dashes of brighter colour or areas of
walls and the way they throw into relief lighter-coloured furnishings and objects .
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“ Nature is an amazing inspiration and I always find myself returning to a subdued palette made up of colours found in the natural world – wet sand , earth , bark , dried flax , thunderclouds and fields of wheat …”
TEXTILES
I love fabrics , especially vintage fabrics that have been washed and worn repeatedly over the years – their crumpled texture and faded hues are strangely appealing to me . French linen sheets are among the fabrics that I find most appealing – they are both practical and good-looking , and I have a hard time resisting them when I visit one of the many flea markets here in France . Textiles bring softness and warmth to any interior and I use them in every room – as loose covers on chairs and sofas , in the form of cushions , tablecloths and napkins , as cosy woollen blankets , or just folded and piled up on a chair as a still life . ●
Extract from The Natural Home by Hans Blomquist ( Ryland Peters & Small , £ 19.99 ) Photography by Debi Treloar © Ryland Peters & Small
HOMELIFE