Colour Trends 2014

Day by day we are reaching the end of 2013. There is a good bunch of festive days in between, but soon we will all greet a new and hopefully prosperous new year 2014. Inevitably we are thinking of new beginnings, new resolutions, new design projects. And probably of new colours. Now luckily there are colour experts out there on the market who spent more time and energy on thinking about the color trends for 2014. So did one of my favorite paint brand, Farrow & Ball.

Farrow & Ball's colour trend predictions for 2014 are very calm, soothing and balancing. They are inspired by the countryside as well as by the seaside with muted hues and discreet shades. Even the colour names reflect that calmness: Cooking Apple Green, Stiffkey Blue, Purbeck Stone and Mole's Breath. Do I need to mention that Stiffkey Blue is my secret favorite?

I have only recently painted some of my walls in different grey shades by Farrow & Ball and blogged about it HERE. I love the calm and neutralizing power of a grey wall. It creates a very cosy feeling and makes colours pop. And I have convinced myself: You don't have to be afraid of a grey wall in a small apartment. It works perfectly!

What is your color trend prediction for 2014? Have you seen anything special that is coming up next year? Please let me know!

Photography by Farrow & Ball

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Happy Guest: Dab It Yourself!

Hi everyone! I'm Dabito from Old Brand New and I'm thrilled to be filling in for Igor today. I just wanted to share some quick and dirty tips on painting planters, poufs and old paintings you already own to give your home an updated look without spending a fortune.

With planters, I like to use Rust-Oleum paint. I love the drip effect so I paint around it and dab a little extra paint in certain spots to allow the drip to happen.

For poufs, I use interior paint. I got the poufs from Ikea and you can use it to hang it on the wall, for sitting, or even stack a few to create a nightstand. 

And finally, for paintings, I've been going to thrift stores to find old paintings that are perfectly mounted and framed. And then I just paint over it an make it my own. 

I hope you find these tips inspiring. Have fun dabbing it yourself! Sweet thanks to Igor for having me over.

Photography by Dabito / Old Brand New

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5 Happy Inspirations: Take A (Colorful) Break

Sometimes I really feel like I should take it slower. Or at least that I should take a little (colorful) break. But then I have the weekends to unwind and upcoming holidays (yes, lots to come, I will soon blog about my holiday plans) to rest, so let's take at least a quick colorful hump day break with a new selection of '5 Happy Inspirations'. Today's idea stems actually from the great poster I've found on 'Oh My Home' which says 'Taking Breaks' and thus reminds us to do so in our fast paced lives. Then I added a bit of color to spice up that break, and voilà, here are my five happy finds for you:

1. Poster via 'Oh My Home'
2. Pink arm chair via milanari.com
3. Happy paint for your walls by Farrow & Ball
4. Aqua desk lamp via Tujuh
5. The HAPPIEST bike ever via Trendwizzard

P.S. With this bike I'd take more breaks in my daily routine. I couldn't help but cruise the city in happy colors!

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5 Happy Inspirations: Autumn Hues

I love the change of seasons. And I love the beginning of autumn. Most certainly when it's a golden and warm autumn with crisp nights. Then the nature prinks itself up with the most charming colours - I think of yellow, red, orange, purple, brown, forest green. I took this as a starting point for today's '5 Happy Inspirations' that have one thing in common - autumn hues.

1. You love tiles and you love plaids? How about a combination - these tiles come in plaid or gingham patterns and wonderful colours. Seen on New Ravenna.

2. Love this XL glass bottles in warm autumn hues. Found them on the fab and super cute webshop Pierrot & Coco.

3. Two weeks ago Zara Home opened its first store in Munich. And this chunky knit and happily coloured throw will make its way into my apartment soon!

4. The best treat for your next DIY project - the environmentally responsible paint range by Mini Moderns!

5. My friend and illustrator Tanja added a super happy autumn idea to her home by transforming hazelnuts into cute little bears. So adorable!

Any favorite here?

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Pink Chalkboard Door

Chalkboards and chalkboard paint for interiors has been around for quite a while. Yes, we can say it's trending. And the dominant colour is - black. But have you ever seen or thought of pink chalkboard paint for a bright pop of colour in your home? No? Then check this fabulous pink chalkboard door that I've spotted on 'ourcitylights'.

This simple yet super fun DIY project was easily accomplished by buying pink chalkboard paint through Amazon and putting on four coats on the wooden door. Easy peasy. And the result is super cool and so fun. Put your shopping list on your door, today's menu, a love message or a fun drawing. I am inspired! Now let me find the right door!

Photography via ourcitylights

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Happily Ever After With Mr. Jason Grant

Now this Friday is all about colour! About the vibrant and happy colour palette by super cool Australian stylist and blogger Mr. Jason Grant. He has collaborated with Murobond for this fantastic colour range that is compiled of two themes: 'Road Trip' and 'Welcome To My Wonderland'. The premium quality acrylic paints are such a happy treat for happy homes, don't you agree? 

'Road Trip' is a very vibrant, summery and cheerful colour palette that raises moods and whimsically paints a smile on every face that beholds its colourful powers. Moreover, one of the blue hues is named 'Happy Days' - the perfect choice for Happy Interior Blog I'd say!

'Welcome To My Wonderland' enchants with more subtle, sensuous hues that translate into serenity and cosiness for homes. A quiet and calming palette to soothe our senses and make us really feel at home.

Now I feel the urge to grab a paint tin and colour me happy! With this in mind: Happy Friday, folks!

Photography via Mr. Jason Grant

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