Fresh ideas for colourful décor
There’s nothing like a bit of colour to transform your living spaces.
Stick to a theme
Tiles are a great way to add an unexpected splash of colour and enhance a theme. These hexagonal 70s-style, floral-patterned tiles were used to create a statement wall in reader Cara Saven’s retro space. Even though they’re intended for use in a bathroom, Cara found the perfect spot for them in her braai area – see her home on page 48.
Acuarelas porcelain interlocking tiles from the Douglas Jones Victoria range, R450/m²
The perfect cover
Len and Faith du Plessis wanted to turn an indoor coffee table into something a little hardier for use on the braai deck at their home in Knysna. Len came up with the idea to use bright blue and green ceramic tiles that Faith hand-painted and baked at her pottery group.
He used Pattex No More Nails to stick them on a Nutec flat sheet which sits neatly on top of the table. “It’s great for serving hot food, easy to clean and it looks good!” Len says. The couple also uses a variety of coloured glasses and accessories to keep the look and feel of this outdoor area cheerful. >>
Make a splash!
Rita Louw of Hermanus has been collecting décor pictures from her favourite magazines, including Home, for years! When she decided to create a kitchen splashback, she thought of her colourful collection and how she could put it to good use...
Rita stuck the images onto white ceramic tiles using Modge Podge, making sure to smooth out all the tiny air bubbles and edges. She then applied seven layers of Modge Podge followed by seven layers of heat-resistant varnish on each tile, allowing it to dry between layers.
“It worked like a charm,” Rita says. “All it takes to clean them is a quick wipe with a damp cloth.” The tiles add another layer of interest in the kitchen. “Everyone who visits has a favourite,” she adds.
Blue Meireles gas stove with electric oven from Tafelberg Furnishers; kitchen cupboards painted with a special mix (30BG57/149) in Dulux Pearlglo
Bold for the bedroom
Keen to brighten up her daughter India’s neutral bedroom, Morgan Piper of Hout Bay used tiles in various patterns and colours to create a unique headboard. She secured the plaster frame and tiles on the wall with tile adhesive. >>
Tiles and frame from Moroccan Warehouse; scatters from Woolworths
In the mood
Kiewiet Hugo wanted a bold palette in the kitchen of her Bloubergstrand home. First she created moodboards so she could experiment with various colour combinations – and the result is a vibrant space that she and her family love.
“When it comes to colour, concentrate on the whole picture as well as all the parts that make up a space,” she advises. “This is where moodboards help. And be brave! I’m not afraid to use colour!”
Here, Kiewiet has used colour to highlight various areas, such as the concrete pantry shelves that have been painted a deep purple to show off her collection of colourful jugs and an artwork. We love the huge branch hung above the kitchen table. Kiewiet found it on a vacant plot, hung it from the double-volume trusses and added string lights.