KEEP CALM AND THINK OF JAPAN
Follow these five easy and affordable steps
to create a tranquil space.
Dulux Colours of the Worldtm is inspired by the world’s most beautiful landscapes. The Dulux range of washable, low odour interior wall paint was the obvious choice for this open-plan living area makeover. Here’s how we did it using the Balanced Japantm palette...
1 Create different zones
Open-plan living with rooms that transition into one another is typical of Japanese homes, but it’s important to define these various spaces.
With Duluxtm interior wall paint it’s easy to create different zones using a variety of shades from the Balanced Japantm palette. Here, we freshened up the lounge with Gentle Japantm paint throughout and created a more dramatic dining area using a two-tone effect on the walls with Tender Japantm on the upper half and Rich Japantm on the lower half. TIP Use a spirit level to ensure a straight line on the wall.
2 Hide the clutter
Japanese style is synonymous with tranquillity, focusing on a minimalist approach to décor and ensuring a lack of clutter. Achieving this is as simple as getting rid of any unnecessary items and stashing less frequently used objects out of sight.
Here, we transformed an old steel cabinet using Hammeritetm Hammered Bronze; the textured baskets on top are both useful and attractive in this previously under-utilised nook.
3 Use what you’ve got
There’s nothing calming about blowing the budget; rather use items you already have and update them with paint.
We took inspiration from the existing gallery wall, simply editing the number of frames, repainting them using leftover paint and adding new images we drew ourselves or printed off the internet. Simple, striking and affordable.
4 Add greenery
We took our cue from bamboo, a common design element in Japanese homes, and added green touches throughout the space.
We put willow branches in an old bottle that was dipped in Rich Japantm to create an instant design element, a green striped rug breaks up the dark floor and adds warmth underfoot, and a green ceramic stool and tablecloth complement the neutral palette.
Not only do these green accents link the interior and the outdoors, but when combined with the Balanced Japantm palette, they also create a peaceful, calming ambience. TIP Leaves and branches not only look good, they also last longer and are more affordable than fresh cut flowers.
5 Keep your cool
Dulux Colours of the Worldtm offers simple stress-free colour combinations that are easy to use and easy to combine. All you have to do is: Imagine (choose your destination) Choose (your colour) Visualise (apply it to your room or chosen project)
PAINT COLOUR Gentle Japan
TM
RIGHT Who would’ve guessed that the cupboard in
the alcove ( above) once looked like this:
battered and rusty! Thanks to Hammeritetm paint, it now has a new lease
on life.
PAINT COLOUR Hammerite
TM Hammered Bronze
Who wants to go to school when you have
an exciting playroom to hang out in?
The project
Two boys under the age of 12 can be pretty boisterous. “So I was asked by Suhayl (11) and Sahil (5) Khalfey’s parents to convert a storeroom in their Cape Town home into a fun playroom for the two boys,” says Zania Grobbelaar of Dear Zania Interiors.
“Top of their wish list was storage space for toys, enough comfortable seating that would still be suitable for when the boys are older and shelves to display Lego and books. The room also had to be a place where the kids would love to spend time,” says Zania.
She used Lego as inspiration for the colour scheme because the boys love it so much, while fun elements such as a bright red telephone booth and a sunbeam design on the ceiling add a playful touch. “I used the traditional Lego colours of red, green, yellow and blue balanced with softer shades for the ceiling and upholstery.”
After emptying the room, Zania started with the ceiling, painting a design inspired by the sun’s rays but also reminiscent of a circus tent. She then tackled the walls.
Meanwhile, the furniture and shelves were built; the shelves were specially reinforced to hold the weight of a ladder when the boys clamber up to get their books and Lego.
Edgard Vermeulen of Spectra Kitchens painted the furniture with a small sponge roller and sealed it with Harlequin Dead Flat, a matt sealant. “For this project I decided to hand-paint with a roller rather than spraypaint because the latter can sometimes look very artificial,” says Zania.
It took three weeks to complete the room. “It had to be ready for Suhayl’s 11th birthday and we actually managed it,” Zania adds. “But my greatest reward was the look on the children’s faces when they saw the room. I just wanted to join in and play with them.” >>
Meticulous planning is vital for painting
motifs. Lego colours were the inspiration for this
fun playroom.