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Feb 14, 2018
Colour of the Year
Purple reign Toodle-loo Greenery, bye-bye Rose Quartz and Serenity, in 2018 purple will reign supreme in homes across the globe. Closely associated with royalty[1], politics[2], Prince[3], Fauvists, mysticism, David Bowie, The Phantom and 1970s-era Monaros and Valiants, purple is set to become the hue du jour. Global colour authority Pantone has declared Ultra Violet (18-3838) is the 2018 Colour of the Year – and it’s not a shade for the faint hearted. With opulence, extravagance and ‘maximalism’ at its core, the jewel-toned statement colour is set to make appearances in homes across the globe – on feature walls, in soft furnishings like sofas and accessories (cushions, throws, linens). “In interiors, Ultra Violet can transform a room into one of extraordinary self-expression, or conversely its polish can tone down a room with subdued, modern pairings. Adding spice and brightness, Ultra Violet calls attention to a tufted couch, piece of art or accent wall. As a color that can take you in so many directions, Ultra Violet makes a statement in any space, whether it’s one of tradition and elegance or unexpected boldness,” the Pantone Color Institute stated. Chosen as it is “the most complex of all colours, because it takes two shades that are seemingly diametrically opposed – blue and red – and brings them together to create something new”, the blue-based purple “communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking”, a Pantone spokesperson told The New York Times. Historically Pantone’s colour of the year infiltrates everything from home décor to fashion and even film and television. Landlords looking to appeal to the trend-conscious may find themselves reaching for Ultra Violet when they spruce up their rentals (if purple feature walls are a step too far, pots of petunias, verbenas, clematis, alliums, pansies, hydrangeas and irises tap into the zeitgeist). PMs with a penchant for purple will no doubt be in their element when they carry out inspections (those with an aversion to the colour might find Jimi Hendrix’s lyrics “purple haze, all in my brain” on a loop in their heads!), as interior designers predict the shade will be wholeheartedly embraced in Australian homes. ________________________________________________________________________________________ [1] Due to the expense involved in obtaining the dye from a small mollusk that was only found in the Phoenician trading city of Tyre, the purple pigment was reserved for royalty and high-ranking clergy right up until the 1850s. [2] Purple was teamed with green and white during the suffragette movement and is favoured by the likes of Hilary Clinton today. [3] Pantone released a purple shade in August 2017 as a tribute to the pop icon. Source: EBM INSURANCE - RENT COVER NEWSLETTER
Aug 31, 2017
Tips To Improve Your Backyard
Your outdoor space can play many roles. It may be an extension of your home and its living space, or it may be a relaxing oasis designed for peace and quiet. Perhaps you picture your backyard as a space for your children to play, or large enough that you can entertain all your family and friends. Whatever your dream, we can all agree that your outdoor area is often a reflection of your personality. Creating a beautiful, contemporary outdoor space doesn’t have to cost an arm or a leg – nor does it require extensive effort. There are so many simple ways that can really maximise your time and space, going a long way to improve the appearance of your home and beautify your backyard. Experiment with outdoor lighting Outdoor lighting can really help elevate your space and it can be as versatile as you want it to be. When it comes to options, you have so many. From bamboo torches, fairy lights, modern LEDs or period sconces, adding lights is an easy way to add flair to your backyard. Whether it’s functionality you’re looking for, to light up a barbeque or dining area, or purely for decorative purposes, nothing highlights a space like a well-illuminated landscape. While there are many options if you decide to DIY, working with a professional outdoor electrician can help take your lighting plan and space to the next level. Creative concrete paving Stamped concrete is a sophisticated way to replicate other outdoor surfaces. It is commonly utilised to add an aesthetic, unexpected dimension to a courtyard, driveway, path, patio, stairs and much more. Your ideas can be the foundation for your design, with popular material replications including wood, stone, brick or even tile available. Construct a vertical garden Regardless of where you live, growing and maintaining a vertical garden makes the most out of the outdoor space you have. Often referred to as ‘living walls,’ these beautiful features add depth while adding plenty of room for foot traffic to your foliage-filled outdoor area. If you’ve got a blank wall, fence or balcony rail, you’ve got the canvas for a vertical garden. Turn an empty patch of yard into a decking masterpiece There’s something about a timber deck that appeals to everyone, particularly when it can completely transform your outdoor space. What was once a blank space of dirt or grass can be turned into the scene for countless get-togethers, holiday celebrations and barbecues. A good outdoor deck is the perfect combination of functionality and style, which is why they’re such a good investment when attempting to beautify your backyard.