Decorating with colour in 2016

You've probably all seen the Pantone colours for 2016 - for the first time it's a blend of two shades, rose quartz and serenity. The soft tones are restful and calm, just what we need in our ever-increasing busy lives. Rose quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.

I love the idea of introducing these colours into your wardrobe for a feminine hit. Mix some darker tones in for a bit of depth, as you would if you were highlighting your hair. One overall tone could be a bit boring.

In your home layer the softer tones with warm wood, leather and copper, or a hit of black and white for a more Scandi look.

If you're not much of a pastel lover here are a few other colours I think would look incredible. Maybe 2016 is your year to be bold and step outside the box. I predict that blue will remain popular. Think the azure blues of Morocco and Greece, beautiful cobalt French blues, and the fresh combo of navy and white.

How about grey with a hint of purple for a really sophisticated feel. Look out for more panelling, which I love. It adds subtle texture and is super classy.

Emerald green brings the outside in and looks gorgeous with other jewel tones such as turquoise, sapphire and citrine.

Or why not be really brave and embrace a delicious golden yellow?! It adds so much warmth and energy.

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If you need any help with colour in your home, be it paint colours, fabric, or artwork, contact Dael or I. Colour is something we're passionate about and we have a number of tried and tested paint colours and favourite fabrics that we'd love to advise you on.

Pod Chairs and Picnic Rugs

Summer is here, and our Bibby + Brady shop stocks two of the coolest products for relaxing in style. Super popular, our Middle Eastern picnic rugs have been re-stocked with some brand new designs. The traditional patterns are in a hardwearing polyester material, together with the tarpaulin base, these rugs will last you many years. Choose between a massive 2 x 3m or an even bigger 2 x 4m size to comfortable fit two families (or more) on, then roll up and throw in the back of your car for the next picnic.

photo: Sarah Horn

Our hanging pod chairs come in five different styles and are made from synthetic rattan, making them suitable for outdoor as well as indoor use. They are the most comfortable chairs, and once you're in, you may find it hard to leave.

Let me inspire you...

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If you love the look of these two amazing products, get in quick to ensure delivery before the big day. I have one of each, and they are two of my most favourite, and most used pieces. You can find our contact details here.

The Block Villa Wars | Front Yard & The Winners

It's all over people! The Block Villa Wars had their live auction on Sunday night and all four houses sold, leaving each team with over $100,000 profit - fantastic! Before we get to that, here's a quick recap of the final reveal - the front yard.

Cat and Jeremy: 1st place | 18 points

The double bay windows at the front of Cat and Jeremy's house create a lovely, grand entrance, and it looks fab leading around the side of the house to the outdoor room. It was nice for these guys to finish on a bang with one more win, giving them the most room wins this season - five in total.

Brooke and Mitch: 2nd place | 15.5 points

Brooke and Mitch's front yard is a pretty good representation of what you'll find inside - simple, clean and tidy. It looks really smart, in fact all of the houses have fantastic street appeal.

Sarah and Minanne: 3rd place | 14.5 points

Sarah and Minanne's house colour - Dulux Pukaki - was my favourite. The soft blue grey looks gorgeous with the white trim, and it's pretty without being overly feminine.

Jamie and Hayden: 4th place | 11.5 points

Last again, but I struggle to see the 4 points difference between their front yard and Brooke and Mitch's. Anyway, congrats to all of the teams for finishing and doing so well at auction, it was such a great result.

I was really happy to see Cat and Jeremy win the People's Choice award, which saw them take away, not only the golden hammer, but also the Honda Jazz RS Sport Limited. I love these two, they remained positive and unflappable throughout the whole crazy experience.

But it was Brooke and Mitch, whose house was auctioned first, who made the most money over their reserve - $1.35 million, making them New Zealand's season four winners. The $190,000 they get to keep over their reserve price, and the extra $100,000 prize money, means they can go ahead with their move to Queenstown. Congratulations!

I was so pleased to see Jamie and Hayden's house sell successfully for $1.335 million, earning them $160,000, and second equal place. I was most nervous for them as their home was the most controversial, but they stuck to their guns and designed a home that represented their style - well done.

Cat and Jeremy sold their house for $1.320 million, also $160,000 over their reserve price, which meant they came second equal with Jamie and Hayden. That's an amazing deposit for a house in their home town of Taranaki.

Last, but not least (except in stature), Sarah and Minanne sold their home for $1.272 million leaving them with $123,000 in prize money. Coming in last didn't dampen their spirits in the least, and why would it when they walk away with that much money.

This season saw such a high standard of homes and it was reflected in the prize money the teams all won. Does that tempt you to sign up for season 5? Go on, I can't wait to see you.