A “How to “10 step guide.

If I had a dollar for every time a person said to me, “I love colour” and then proceeded to choose beige, grey or brown for their clothes, paint or home decor, I would be a millionaire many, many times over! Beige is a lifestyle, not just a colour. Beige people conform to the norm and vary seldom stray from the crowd. What is it with colour and why are people so scared of it?

This anxiety with colour, I feel is very much a western thing. We have had great eras of colour in the past, namely the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s but it seems the masses have become very beige in recent years. Traditional, ethnic cultures have used colour in all aspects of their life for centuries. It is part of their existence. Many of us feel happy and inspired when we see photos, paintings or environments oozing with intense colour and pattern.

Colour makes us feel good. It affects our moods and decision making. That is why colour psychology is used extensively in marketing!

Whatever excuse you currently have for not surrounding yourself with colour on a daily basis….

• don’t know how to use it
• don’t understand it
• not good with colour
• not confident with colour
• scared you will make a mistake
• worried what others will think….

STOP NOW! Throw all those thoughts out the window.

These 10 easy steps will help your brighten your day, expand your mind and colour your world!

DISCLAIMER:

You don’t have to do all these things at once (although, that would be fantastic!) but try and do at least one step each day until you build up your confidence. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to rush out and spend a lot of money on new things (unless you really want to and can afford it). Get creative, adapt, recycle and revamp your way through the list.

So, here is a “How to” 10 step guide for – Colour. Don’t just wear it. Live it! 

Step 1

Start a Colour Journal or inspiration book. If you don’t currently have a book you can put your hands on, hop on your 2 legs and run and buy one. It can be big or small that is up to you but I find a small one that fits into my handbag is good. It means it is always on hand no matter where I may be inspired. Make sure the cover is colourful. Get creative. Cover it with bright coloured paper or fabric or paint it. Whatever you do make it inspiring.  In your Colour Journal you are going to write down all your musings and discoveries from the following steps. You can also add photos, colour paint swatches, magazine cut outs or other inspirational material.

Step 2

Go to an art gallery and look at Art. Art is incredibly inspiring and so many artists are masters of colour. Take note of colour combinations they use, that you love.  Keep an open mind. Take photos if you need to. (Make sure to ask the gallery owner or attendant first if it is ok?) Think of ways to expand your colour repertoire and note them down. The more you do this the more confident you will become in your colour choices.

Step 3

Go to a fabric store. Look at all the luscious fabrics and trims. Pick them up, feel them and move them around. Match different prints and colours together. (don’t let the sales staff watch over you) Again, take note of combinations that excite you and make you smile. These are the colours  you need to surround yourself with!Step 4

What is your favourite colour? Write it down. Better still write…”my favourite colour is …” Write down why you love that particular colour. Is it because it makes you happy, or perhaps reminds you of a particular person you love. Is it the colour of something in nature or a photo of a place you long to visit. Whatever it is, write it down.

Step 5

With your favourite colour list in hand, wander around your home and even your garden and note down how many things you already have in that colour. This can be anything but preferably items you can see without opening any cupboards! Now, there is no magic number here but I would say if you don’t have at least 10 items in your favourite colour in your environment, you need to change that!

Step 6

Decide now to acquire ( by whatever means is necessary, this may be purchasing, making, borrowing or???) at least two items in your favourite colour this week. All sorts of things come to mind to make your environment colourful, cushions, throws, paintings, photographs, table runners, tablecloths, wall hangings, rugs, furniture, bedspreads or Doona covers, ornaments, pots, plants, vases the list goes on.

Step 7

Go to your wardrobe and pick out all your most colourful articles of clothing. (You don’t have anything?? Well, a trip to an opshop will fix that). Lay them out on the bed. Try them on. Pick your favourite. It may be something you haven’t worn for years. Make the decision to wear it tomorrow. Even if you only have a red top and wear it with a black skirt…Just do it! And then do it again the next day and the next with different items.

Step 8

While you are in your wardrobe look at the other accessories you have. Scarves and jewellery are a great way to add interest and contrast. Try and team them with your chosen clothing pieces to add contrasts and interest. Even the standard little black dress can be made extraordinary by jazzing it up with matching accessories all in one colour like red or yellow!

Step 9

Repeat Step 4 for your second favourite colour. This will help to fine tune your skills as well as opening up new opportunities. If you haven’t already read my blog post. “Getting real about nature’s colour palette”

Step 10

Repeat Step 5 for your second favourite colour. Again this is all about expanding your horizons and building confidence. If you feel you need a bit more help read my…

“Paint colours to brighten your home. Part 1”  and Part 2.What next?

• I suggest to repeat steps 1 through to 10 all through your life. Make colour part of your life everyday.
• For further research go to your local library and borrow books on Home Decor, Art, Crafts, Fashion, Fabrics and Travel which all generally include loads of combinations and images that are inspiring and usable.
• Share your new found confidence with your friends and family. I am sure they will notice how much happier you are and will want to be part of your colourful life. (Oh and tell them about me of course!)
• Sign up to my FREE “Bugger Beige – Don’t conform to the norm” Newsletter 
• Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for inspiration.

I just love the feeling when a passer by in the street comments or smiles at what I am wearing or someone walks into my home for the first time and says “Wow!” Its a win/win situation. Both parties are happy!

So, join me in the revolution! Don’t just wear it…..Live it!

Kaye xx

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