Light & Bright

Do you favour a light and neutral palette, or a bright and colourful one? I'm naturally drawn to colour and pattern, but also love an abundance of neutral texture.

A black wall adds weight to a neutral bedroom, and a splash of green sets the scene for a tropical bedroom.

It's hard to go wrong with a classic white kitchen, and a hint of wood or brass brings some warmth and texture. White cabinetry also looks amazing alongside some vivid colour.

A tan leather sofa works well with whites, creams and black; and a yellow velvet sofa sits happily in front of a colourful bookshelf full of fun.

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Light & Bright

Last year I did a blog post called "Light & Bright" with the intention of making it a regular feature. I don't know why I haven't done any since, as I love the idea behind it, but I will definitely make an effort to bring you more. I am a lover of colour, but I also appreciate a beautiful neutral space, so I have chosen different areas of the home, one example of which is 'light' and one which is 'bright' - you decide which speaks loudest to you.

As with all of my favourite neutrals, this outdoor space works so well because of the beautiful mix of textures and layers of subtle tones. The sofa looks deliciously comfy, and I love the patina of the concrete.

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Now this awesome outdoor area has a very beachy, natural base, but those pops of red and gold make it a really inviting setting.

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Aaah, how I love a well styled bookshelf! On the left the books' spines are all facing inwards leaving only the white pages visible. It's kept quiet and sophisticated with the brass ornaments, and only a tiny hint of colour. On the right the spines of the books are the feature and have been organised in their colour groups for maximum impact.

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A beautiful, 'grown-up' living room, the white and grey tones are warmed up by the touches of wood and brass.

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Once again, my bright room has a neutral base. It's the way I like to decorate - start neutral and then layer the colour and pattern on top. That way you can add a little or a lot, depending on your taste. The rug is the 'hero', and the blue is then picked up in the decor around, and balanced by the yellow and orange tones.

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I think this dining room is sooo cute - oh so sensible and classic, but then there are those gorgeous pink legs! Mostly light, but a teeny bit bright - love it!

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Because the table and chairs (and the cabinetry behind) are so vibrant and eye-catching in this dining room, it's nice to keep everything around them pared back. Except for the little bit of red in the lights upstairs - that provides a visual link between the two levels.

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So which are you?... a light or a bright person, or somewhere inbetween?

Light & Bright

I have a lot of appreciation for subtle, natural interiors... as long as lots of texture is present. I admire these interiors immensely, but I've found over the years that colour and pattern makes me happy. That's me. That's what nourishes my soul! Find what makes you happy and surround yourself with it. My advice for a happy home :)

I've chosen a few examples of 'light' versus 'bright'. Maybe 'versus' is not the right word, because they're not in competition, they're just different styles. I love all the natural images I've selected, I think they're beautiful. But give me a splash of colour or a hit of pattern and I'll take it every time.

Light & bright in the living room...

Light & bright in the kitchen...

Light & bright in the bedroom...

Light & bright in the work space...

Light & bright in the wardrobe...

and light & bright in these Cush & Nooks necklaces...