BOLD INTERIORS
With all the grey skies and monochromatic days I wanted to seek out inspiration in the form of colour and pattern; to shake up the system and discover something new. I returned to photos of a trip I took to Marrakech towards the end of last year. They were full of life, bright colours and innovative design...
The last few months have been cold, gloomy and wet. Spring is a time for light and colour and new beginnings but it’s been difficult to get into the spirit while playing this game of Russian roulette with snow storms and rain. With all the grey skies and monochromatic days I wanted to seek out inspiration in the form of colour and pattern; to shake up the system and discover something new. I returned to photos of a trip I took to Marrakech towards the end of last year. They were full of life, bright colours and innovative design. They reminded me that although making bold choices can often feel daunting, the pay off when done well is the greatest.
STRONG COLOUR
Colour is probably one of the first things I think of in relation to bold interiors. Opting for dramatic colours over relatively safe lighter neutrals can feel like a risk, but a strong wall of colour can be incredibly effective. Darker hues help create a feeling of space while also creating contrast, allowing other colours and textures in the room to pop. Just like a black box theatre, dark walls also allow you to invent a dramatic and impactful space through clever lighting.
Brighter colours with high levels of pigmentation used cleverly alongside more neutral colours can be very exciting to play with. Pairing flashes of zesty limes or tangerines with greys or whites can create an energetic and dynamic environment and of course - intense blues with bright white have always been a winning combination.
TILES
I have been seeing some really interesting use of tiles recently, in kitchens and bathrooms in particular. Tiles are a great way to add some pattern and character to a room. I especially like these examples of more traditional Islamic and Spanish tiles alongside contemporary fittings. The bright colours and graphic patterns paired with simple solids create a look that is bold and unique without being overwhelming.
Image via Tim Barber
Geometric tiling is also a good way to make a statement. Tiling really is an opportunity for artistry. I find mosaics and ceramic work incredibly inspiring. Beyond the skill and craft, I think it is their architectural history that captivates me the most. Hexagon and herringbone tiles are great shapes to add interesting bold lines into a space while maintaining sophistication.
FURNITURE
Being bold with your furniture is all about stepping away from the run of the mill and being brave and unique in your selection of strong statement pieces. Bright sofas or armchairs are are very effective in order to make an impact in a room however colours aren’t the only way. Finding or commissioning items of furniture that are truly individual is another way to achieve a strong look.
Image via Love Your Home
Image via Julian Chichester
ARTWORK
Large scale artwork is a great way to make a statement. Dramatic photography, whether stunning landscapes or beautiful portraits can be very striking. Colour and texture in artwork are also things to consider when selecting bold pieces of art. Splashes of colour attract the eye while textures offer a more visceral experience. Even in small spaces, picking abstract pieces so big that you can see swipe of the paint brush, creates energy.
Photo/Artwork: Marcus Aitken
Artwork by Francoise Nielly
Check out our Pinterest board for more Bold Interiors inspiration!
INSPIRATION: ARTWORK
Before establishing Saal Design 29 years ago I studied Fine Art and worked as a watercolour artist and gallery curator. Art has always been my one true passion. However, I found the life of an artist unfulfilling. It was this that motivated my transition into the world of interiors...
Before establishing Saal Design 29 years ago, I studied Fine Art and worked as a watercolour artist and gallery curator. Art has always been my one true passion. However, I found the life of an artist unfulfilling. The hours of solitary studio time day after day were difficult and I craved human interaction and collaboration. It was this that motivated my transition into the world of interiors. As an interior designer I am able to collaborate with every client and create a different kind of art. I can apply all my artistic knowledge of colour psychology, pattern and shape and help someone create a home. This work was fulfilling and realised all of my passions.
Although my role had changed, artwork always remained one of my main sources of inspiration. Seeing a stunning piece of art wakes me up and revitalizes my mind. It feeds my work as an interior designer and encourages me to push the boundaries. I think artwork can do this for anyone, whether they have a creative mind or not.
Paul Gauguin, The Wave, 1888
Frank Auerbach, Head of Gerda Boehm, 1965
Bowie once said that art was “the only thing” he’d ever wanted to own. “It has always been for me a stable nourishment. I use it. It can change the way I feel in the mornings,” he said. “The same work can change me in different ways, depending on what I’m going through.” Art has a powerful ability to effect our subconscious and this makes the task of selecting artwork for the home incredibly important.
ELEMENTS TO CONSIDER
Colour: The colour palette of a piece of art can affect us significantly. If colours contrast heavily with the rest of a room, it can make the viewer feel unsettled. It is important to take the characteristics and psychology of colour into account. Bright colours are generally happy and exciting and work best in rooms with a lot of natural light. Certain tones of blue make us feel more awake. Lighter colours and greens are calming. Dark colours create a more subdued, sultry atmosphere.
Jo Taylor, Blood Horse II
The light colours of this piece, along with the elements of blue and strong lines have a refreshing and energizing effect on the mind.
What does it mean: I find the most interesting pieces of art are ones that mean something to its owner. Whether it is an investment piece or a framed doodle, it is valuable and important. It has been selected with thought or from a gut instinct that couldn’t be ignored - it isn’t simply filling a space on the wall. Psychologist Samuel Gosling did a study that revealed that the space we create for ourselves can tell a stranger more about us in 15 minutes than if we spent quality time socializing with them over the course of weeks. Our homes are an extension of ourselves and what we choose to put on the wall tells a story.
Dame Barbara Hepworth, Sea Form (Porthmeor), 1958
Watercolour of a twig I loved the texture of and couldn't leave behind
Placement: Less is more. Try to give the artwork the wall space it deserves so that the eye can truly take it in. If you have more artwork than wall space then maybe try to rotate what you have on the walls instead of cramming them all on. This is also great even if you only have a few pieces. Seeing the artwork in a new space is exciting and gives the viewer an opportunity to appreciate the piece, quite literally, in a new light.
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Nancy Knight, Abstract Watercolour
Even with this knowledge, the process of finding artwork can be a daunting one. However, art sourcing for my clients is one of my favourite tasks. I love exploring galleries and discovering new artists. It is a great honor to be trusted with something so personal. I also feel very privileged when clients ask me to work with art they have already collected. I love when a piece of art is the source of inspiration for an entire project. I have had clients come to me having invested in their first piece of art and we have gone on to develop a whole scheme and room flow to support it. They loved their artwork and now a had a space that enhanced and elevated it. I feel very lucky when I get to share art with a client and collaborate in this way.
Pablo Picasso, Portrait of Dora Maar, 1937
Kandinsky, Composition VIII, 1923
Pablo Picasso said ‘the purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.’ This is why art is my ultimate inspiration, it exercises my soul and gives me perspective. I believe it is one of the most important tools available to an interior designer and to the world.
If you are seeking any help with artwork or art sourcing, don’t hesitate to get in touch: info@saaldesign.co.uk
Some artwork that has recently inspired me:
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