Author: kate_od

The meaning of the colour pink is unconditional love and nurturing. A combination of red and white, pink contains the need for action of red, helping to achieve the potential for success and insight offered by white. It is the passion and power of red softened with the purity, openness and completeness of white. The deeper the pink, the more passion and energy it exhibits. Pink is feminine and romantic, affectionate and intimate. It tones down the physical passion of red replacing it with a gentle loving energy. In colour psychology, pink is a sign of hope. It is a positive colour inspiring warm and comforting feelings, a sense that everything will be okay.

Our favourite Pink DULUX range:

Dulux Adobe Pink 3 (90RR39/226), Dulux Blush Rambler 4 (50RR59/101), Dulux Rose Trellis 4 (51RR68/146)

Variations of the colour pink can be used for different purposes. Dulux Blush Rambler 4 or 5 and 6 are very pale pink shades that can be used as wall colours in nurseries. Dulux Rose Trellis 4 could be used on furniture, when used on hard materials such as steel, it creates an interesting contrast and softens up the piece itself. Use salmon pink as an upholstery material for your sofa or your armchair. Orchid pink is an unusual lavender-pink and relates to the unconventional and the individual doing his or her own thing as it is nonconforming. We would recommend using it as a detail of your feature wall but making sure it doesn’t disturb the overall look of the interior itself.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Sandpapers, 80 and 100 grit minimum
• Sanding block
• Base coat paint colour
• Top coat paint colour
• Varnish/wax for finish
• Wood glue
• Rags & cloths
• Brushes
• Sugar soap
• Candle wax
• Dust sheet
• Dust mask

PROCESS

Step 1:

Using warm water and sugar soap, wash down the piece of furniture. It is important to have a clean surface to work from, this will remove dirt, grease and oils or polish that have built up over the years.

Step 2: Sanding and checking for damage

Prepare your workplace as it might get a bit dusty. Put your safety gear on and start sanding the unit. Depending on the level of the damage start off with the 80 grit paper to remove the finish more quickly. If the unit has only minor marks you can start sanding with the finer paper instead. Make sure all the old varnish is re-moved, this will give the paint a key to stick to. If you apply the paint directly to the old varnish it will mark and come off with even the lightest of scratches.

Step 3: Repairs

Look for any broken parts or lose joints and simply squeeze in some of the wood glue to stick the parts together and allow to dry.

Step 4: More Sanding

If you’ve started with the rougher sand paper, now is the time to smooth the surface in preparation for finishing and remove all remaining scratches.

Step 5: Recreating a distressed look by paint

Apply 1-2 coats of the base colour until it is evenly covered and allow to dry.

Step 6: Distressing with wax

Using your candle, rub the wax on the areas of the unit you want to distress. Start with the areas that would naturally distress like the edges and corners and then work around the rest of the unit to achieve the desired level of distressing.

 Step 7: Paint second colour

Apply 2 coats of the second paint colour, so it is evenly covered and allow to dry.

Step 8: Sanding to reveal your distressed areas.

Lightly sand the areas where you applied the wax to reveal your base colour.

Step 9: Varnishing or Waxing

We would recommend sealing your unit with a top coat. There are many varieties of waxes and varnishes on the market.

This unit was sealed with a clear matte varnish so while it is sealed it is invisible to the eye. Varnish is also available in satinwood and gloss finishes depending on the look you are trying to create. Be aware that some top coats especially waxes may darken the colour of the paint by a shade or two. It is advisable to do a test on a small scrap piece of wood first to see if you are happy with the finish.

Step 10: Enjoy your refurbished furniture!

Handy tip

When applying the candle wax mark out the area you apply it to on a rough sketch. This will help you remember where you applied the wax when you go to sand and reveal your distressed finish.

The colour black relates to the hidden, the secretive and the unknown, as a result it creates an air of mystery. Black keeps things bottled up inside, hidden from the world. In colour psychology this colour gives protection from external emotional stress. It creates a barrier between itself and the outside world, providing comfort. Black is the absorption of all colour and the absence of light. In colour psychology, black means power and control and it radiates authority, but creates fear in the process. Black implies self-control and discipline, independence and a strong will, giving an impression of authority and power. The colour black is often seen as a colour of sophistication, as used in ‘the little black dress’, or ‘the black tie event’.

Our favourite Black DULUX range:

Dulux 00NN07/000, Dulux 00NN05/000, Dulux 00NN13/000

Too much black can cause depression and create a negative environment. Combined with white only, it can create an argumentative monochrome atmosphere. It is best to use other colours with black to lighten and brighten it up and therefore we would recommend using black on furniture details, accessories or furniture fittings. Black as a wall colour works when used as a blackboard in kitchens or in children’s rooms or when you are aiming for a moody and dark design, we would recommend using Dulux 00NN13/000 as it is a slightly lighter shade of Black. In general, use hints of black to create more formal, dignified and sophisticated atmosphere. Use black and white tiling to add classic pattern into your interior.

SUPER GARDEN 2014 – EPISODE 1

SUPER GARDEN 2014 – EPISODE 2

SUPER GARDEN 2014 – EPISODE 3

SUPER GARDEN 2014 – EPISODE 4

SUPER GARDEN 2014 – EPISODE 5

Top tips to re-create Cian’s garden:

1. Colour to expand space

Cian has used a green tone that links closely to the colour in the lawn and in the planting. This makes the garden seem even fuller and lush than it it. The colour tricks your eye into thinking the garden is bursting with plants! For those at home, continuing the colour on different surfaces and different levels in a space will give the impression of an extended space. It creates a ribboning type of effect where the walls merge with the floor, creating a seamless effect.

Ribboning can give a strong effect in the garden. Consider using a vibrant colour in the seating area. Paint the colour in a wide strip on the floor and continue it up the wall and onto the ceiling. It really gives a 3 dimensional quality to the space.

2. Strong Lines and Structures

Cian has used strong lines and prominent structures in his design, combined with a change of level. This has successfully distinguished the various areas in the garden. The strong lines work as effectively as soft curves and achieve a minimal and contemporary result. The strong lines clearly highlight the different garden zones.

Don’t be afraid to be brave with structure in your own garden. Different levels provide a more exciting space and make a small garden feel bigger. Raise planting beds or build structures that double as seating for maximum functionality.

3. Reclaimed Materials

Cian has successfully upcycled many reclaimed and old materials. This is a big trend at the moment both in interior and garden styling and design. It allows you to give new life to old and otherwise wasted objects. It also lets you bring

The main tips for upcycling in your garden are:

1. Be creative
2. Experiment – It is about looking at old items with new eyes
3. Prepare – The most important thing is to prepare old items well so that they do not splinter or whether over time.
4. Play with colour – use strong colours to create contrast and liven up the garden.

Key elements of Thomas’s design:

1. Murals: Strong with subtle colours

One of the key features in Thomas’ garden was his wall murals. Black murals are delicately painted onto stone clay walls so that the image stands out within the garden. Murals are a great way to add personality and individuality to your garden. It is also a good way to inject some pops of colour into the garden space. Thomas chose to use a neutral backdrop and a black graphic to ensure that the dandelions stood out quite a lot. This would also be as effective in the reverse. Use a strong colour to draw your eye into the space and have a lighter image on top. Use family names or phrases that are personal to you so that your personality shines through.

2. Organic Forms

Thomas incorporated a lot of curves and organic shapes in his design. His concept was based around the shape of the fiddle head fern. He has carried through this shape into his garden. The really impressive thing with this design is how much it contrasts with the original shape of the garden. The original garden is irregular with sharp angles. Thomas’s use of curves soften the space. The curves also provide the garden with a much more functional space. What would have been a wasted area at the back has been made into a large planting bed that surrounds the curved seating area. Be creative in your garden. The most important thing when choosing shapes to use is to be consistent. A garden full of curves will have more impact than a garden with a mixture of shapes.

Organic curves are pleasing to look at and provide a calming environment to relax in, which is what the client was looking for.

3. Journey

Good spatial design provides the user with a positive experience and takes them on a journey. The strong curve and change in levels in Thomas’s design creates an exciting layout and journey from the start of the garden right down to the back seating area. Create a journey within your own garden, regardless of size. Define different areas by adding a pathway through the space. Thomas has used his skill as a stone mason to define the spaces with beautifully crafted stone walls. Use different materials in your own space to define the pathway and the different areas. This will help to separate the different areas and will add to the visual journey.