HOW TO: POPS OF COLOUR

While, in my mind, the advent of August means we’re on the home straight, heading for spring, the weekend proved we’ve still got a few dismal winter days to endure. I reckon some pops of colour are called for, to help us on our way. I’m tempted. The colours of my living room, for example, are predominantly natural hues – deep green and rust with a bit of beige dressing the brown leather furniture – totally suitable for autumn or winter. But, the atmosphere would alter significantly if I added pops of hot pink, aqua, cherry red, apple green… you get the picture. And so, with the music of those happy Fijian ukuleles still resounding, I went shopping. The first thing to tempt me to adapt my décor was the lovely cushion, pictured, that I found at The Importer. It was a happy little shopping expedition as the pineapples and the big floral prints reminded me of Fiji, while the art frame found at Briscoes also transported me to a happy place – the days when my children would come home from school proudly presenting bright splashes of artwork to display. There’s a lot to be said for colour in the home. Colour can come courtesy of paint, wall paper drops and decals, furniture, rugs, curtains, accessories… I found plenty of examples in the Westgate Lifestyle shops. And, suddenly, surrounded by the wonders of cheerful colour, those sunny Fiji days no longer seemed so long ago and far away.

1.Flourish Janelle printed duvet cover set, Bed, Bath & Beyond, from $64.90 to $94.90 | 2. Kas Patches cushion, Briscoes, $16.00 | 3. Casius Artista Art Display, Briscoes, $34.99 | 4. Zeta Throw, Freedom Furniture, $9.95 | 5. Tamara bean bag, Harvey Norman, $99.00 | 6. Novara two-piece suite (3 + 2.5 leather sofas), Hunter Furniture, $4,874 | 7. Sedum star plant, Lighting Direct, $10.30 | 8. Cantena Pendant 30cm orange shade,Lighting Plus, $37.50 | 9. Posie dining chair, Nood, $239.00 | 10. Oriental cabinet (two doors), The Importer, $1,995 | 11. Pink Troppo Cushion, The Importer, $20 | 12. Large Pineapple (four colours), The Importer, $29.95.

Prices mentioned, and availability of products featured, are subject to change. If you love the look, we recommend you head in store to find out more.