Places & Spaces My Pad

Living with Colour

February 19, 2015

Hi, my name is Tina and I’m a colour addict! There, I’ve said it out loud.

I’m not quite sure how all this colour love started but it must have originated whilst studying at art college. Back in the 80’s, Covent Garden was the place to be. Vibrant, exciting and full of life you couldn’t but fall in love with it all. I remember going to the Paul Smith shop and just being bowled over by all the wonderful stuff.

Fast forward 30 years and I’m a full on colour advocate which, of course, is also reflected in my abode…. Colourliving and Mapology Guides HQ.

To be honest I’ve been dreading the time when I have to re-decorate but after so many years, my flat is looking tired and is in need of a good overhaul. Not one for DIY, I’m getting the same crew back who did such an amazing job the first time round. What that means is I have to move out for a week while they take it in hand and the thought of packing up all my stuff already gives me nightmares…

I’m thinking about making a few changes. I’m kind of tired of some of the colour scheme so will be looking for inspiration. Any advice is very welcome. I took these photos to show you a little bit of how I live with colours.

I’m in love with this original 1998 Elizabeth film poster gifted to me by a dear friend. Not usually one for fake flowers, but you cannot go wrong with some faux ones from Abigail Ahern.

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Of course, I’m not about to change my sofa. I’m sure you will agree that after 10 years this Missoni fabric has not dated. I’m also very happy with my recent purchase of Abigail Ahern’s watering hole side table.

living with colour - colourliving

All walls and shelves are white and will be painted white again. It’s a must for me if I want to have so much colour and patterns. Of course I dream about painting the walls in different colours but this flat and it’s layout does not lend itself to it.

living with colour - colourliving

Ah, the rug, or better the cowhide rug. I literally have struggled for years to find a rug that wouldn’t fight with all these colours and patterns in my space. I have finally found the right one and am completely smitten! Check out City Cows for the best selection.

living with colour - colourliving

Copper is always great and does really go with everything.

living with colour - colourliving

The doggy lamp was a present and I simply changed the lampshade. The gold side table was a great find from Atomic Antiques in Shoreditch.

living with colour - colourliving

I’ve loved these colours in my bathroom for many years and had them hand mixed for me. I’m definitely fancying a change here. Greens and blues and purple?

living with colour - colourliving

So, there you have it. Living with colour makes me happy and always puts a smile on my face. I couldn’t really imagine living any other way, But then I am Colourliving:-) And if you think that I only have colour in my decor you are mistaken. Opening a cupboard will show you this.:-)

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As I mentioned, any advice and tips are very welcome. Do you live with colour? Do tell.

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14 Comments

  • Reply Igor February 19, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    Colour belongs to you and your personality! I could not imagine your home without colours!! Sending a sunny hug from Deutschland!

    • Reply tina March 10, 2015 at 6:54 pm

      Hahaha, I know what you mean. I guess I couldn’t imagine your blog without happiness:-)
      Hope you had a nice time in London..

  • Reply Alison Sye February 20, 2015 at 9:14 pm

    Can’t wait to see your finished flat, Tina. Good luck with the packing xxxx

    • Reply tina March 10, 2015 at 6:54 pm

      Gosh, not thinking about that yet. I know you know the feeling:-) xxx

  • Reply Anya Jensen February 23, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Hmm do I live with colour – yep, but from the Scandinavian rainbow ha ha – you know the B&W and greys, but I do have a bit of colour here and there, and to tell you the truth the girls rooms are a rainbow. And I’m colourful enough ha ha – love your home Tina, so very you. I love the little side table you found, now that’s my kinda colour. Happy Monday lovely,
    Ax

    • Reply tina March 10, 2015 at 6:55 pm

      Yes, but you make everything look so colourful….and kids need colour!!! You surely are colourful yourself.
      That side table was such a great find. I ADORE it… Thank you Anya xx

  • Reply Catherine@farmhousehome February 23, 2015 at 11:37 am

    i feel your packing pain having just moved house a couple of months ago. I’m not a big colour person but love all the colour in your home and can see it’s so you. Is that Cate Blanchett in the ‘Elizabeth’ film poster? Good luck with all your decorating decisions and can’t wait to see the end result, it’s exciting.

    Catherine xxx

    • Reply tina March 10, 2015 at 6:56 pm

      Yep, Cate Blanchett. I so love that film poster. I bet you’re glad the move is behind you…. must not think about packing right now. Too much to do xxx

  • Reply Gerard @WalnutGrey February 24, 2015 at 11:35 am

    You have to pack up all your stuff – OMG. Well that’ll keep you busy for a while then 😉 I actually enjoy bit of painting, though it took me two weeks to do my place so you are wise getting in the decorators. And within my apartment there is actually more colour than you might expect. Personally I prefer one colour on the walls and woodwork (in my case grey) against which everything else can sit.

    Good luck & enjoy. It’s always exciting to have a change xx

    • Reply tina March 10, 2015 at 6:58 pm

      Hahahahahaha. I know exactly how you meant that first comment:-))
      I remember you painting your flat but honestly, I do like a perfect finish so it’s decorators I’m afraid.

      Not happening yet so for now I will just pretend it’s already been done! 🙂 xx

  • Reply Jocelyn Hefner February 25, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    You do color so well! I am a beige addict and I love it. I am powerless to neutrals and I am ok with it 🙂 I will say through you and your blog I have encouraged myself to add more color into my home and I love it! My next house will be all white and tons of bright colors! Thank you Tina! Lots of sunshine hugs from AZ! xx

    • Reply tina March 10, 2015 at 6:59 pm

      Hello self proclaimed beige addict. Ms Colour here….

      There’s nothing wrong with neutrals. They are very beautiful and ordered. Nice that you feel inspired to add a little colour to your decor. xxx

  • Reply Holly March 3, 2015 at 5:45 pm

    Fun plans Tina! I can’t imagine your bathroom any other way, it has the most unique bathroom colour scheme I’ve ever seen! But then I am one who loves change and new things, so I say, do it! Purple and blue and green, oh my! Should be loads of fun. Will you keep the pattern or do something different? Maybe something from your sketches? That would be FAB.

    Best wishes for your overhaul 🙂 xoxoxox

    • Reply tina March 10, 2015 at 7:00 pm

      Ha. Been thinking about that. I guess I’ll keep the stripes but will change the colourways. Will send you pics before I do it with my ideas and thoughts.

      Will keep you posted xxx

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