Smooth Face bricks from Boral offer a contemporary look

Smooth Face Bricks

Bricks for exterior projects are back in fashion.  People are beginning to appreciate the natural look of brick again and the brick manufacturers are responding to this trend and releasing new and innovative bricks that look too good to render over.  The smooth face range of bricks gives a sleek look not dissimalar from a rendered finish.  On this house the mortar has been matched to the brick colour but these bricks also look great with a crisp off white ironed mortar to show the outline of each brick.

Dark colours in smooth face bricks give a crisp contemporary look.

Designers are also mixing up the finishes for exteriors combining smooth face bricks, natural stone and rendered finishes.  The James Hardies range of lining boards also look great used with these bricks.  As with any scheme, the rule is to generally use no more than three different finishes so don’t get too carried away with including too many looks.  Below is a good example of a house with Austral bricks and render.  The design of the house is classic and the colours are simple but the effect is very pleasing due to the textural variation that the bricks bring to the scheme.  The beautiful timber on the windows and doors adds another natural element to the look.

Contemporary Burlesque Bricks

The Burlesque range of bricks from Austral make a  bold architectural statement.  These bricks are highly glazed and bring a very contemporary and different high gloss finish to the exterior of your home.  Of course for a feature these can also be used inside.  The edges are crisp and with off white ironed mortar the look is very distinct.  For an ultra modern look you can use this on your entire exterior or mix it up with contemporary large profile rectangle smooth lining boards in crisp white.  These bricks are at the cutting edge with their textural finish and also with their amazing colour palette – even the names are provocative.

Dry Pressed Velour Bricks

Both Boral and Austral bricks have a range of high quality dry pressed bricks.  These make a classic statement and will endure the test of time.  The Gertrudis renovation range from the Bowral collection at Austral are particularly good for restoration projects or to create a heritage look for your build.  With bricks this good you can use them inside for a classic look. 

A last word on bricks

Before selecting a brick for your new home consider whether you are in an area with salt spray.  If this is the case you will need to choose bricks that are finished in an exposure grade.  Generally it is recommended that these bricks be used on all homes within 1km of the ocean.  You will also need to consider the type of mortar that you want to use as this will change the look of the brick considerably.

Soft neutral hues for a classic look

Neutral Hues 

The majority of people love neutral colours when it comes to the exterior of their house.  A classic, timeless look that works with the bright Australian sun, working with the streetscape rather than dominating it.  A neutral colour is one that doesn’t contain too much of one colour therefore making it easy to teem with other hues.  All colours however have an underlying hue.  Some may contain more red, yellow or green so you need to ensure that a colour that appears very neutral appeals to you in daylight.  Neutrals for exteriors need to be much greyer and darker than you would imagine.  Once the sun shines on these colours, the grey washes out and the colour shines through so if the colour is not grey enough, your house could end up looking like a fruit salad!

Dulux Neutrals

A good tip is to paint a large piece of board with your chosen colour.  Use two coats and then move the board around the exterior of the house and view it at different times of the day and from different aspects.  The colour will appear quite different on the south aspect of the house compared to the north which gets more sun.  A colour during the daytime will also appear different in the late afternoon light.

Grey Hues

Subtle Grey Hues for an exterior in a bush setting

Greys are perfect to use on the exterior of a house.  They are sophisticated and sleek.  Greys work well with natural silver windows and silver colorbond trim and are perfect to use in the Australian light.  Dark greys work best on rendered walls and look great when placed next to natural stone.  As with neutral browns, all grey hues have an underlying colour.  This house is painted with subtle green hues that work well in a suburb that is home to many native gum trees.

Grey may seem an uninspired choice but when used with other natural elements, particularly richly coloured timber, it offers a very understated look which is timeless and elegant.

Remember to view grey samples outside.  Only in natural daylight will you see the underlying colour.  Also bear in mind that the larger the colour sample, the lighter it will appear.  A colour that looks very dark on a small paint chip will look much lighter when outside and on the exterior of a house.

Dulux Greys

Remember that even the neutral greys have an underlying colour.  This is often a blue or a green and some greys will appear warm and others cool.  Ensure you select the right one to go with your roof colour.

Neutrals for Weatherboards 

Weatherboard houses are popular in Australia and these lining boards lend themselves to colour.  Greys with a definite underlying colour work well on these houses as the weatherboard creates natural shadow and therefore breaks up the colour.

Pretty Pink Accessories for a child's bedroom

Pink is undoubtedly the most feminine and pretty of all the hues in the spectrum.  Pink is perceived as soft, gentle and restful.  However, in these androgynous days, pink is no longer perceived as a totally feminine colour.  Men’s fashions today use many tones of pink and even men’s toiletries are now packaged with pink wrapping, a trend that was unheard of even ten years ago.  Pink therefore has entered a renaissance period and is now accepted by both women and men in decorating palettes.

Pink can be introduced into a decorating scheme with small accents to prevent it from becoming too overpowering.  A child’s bedroom could be painted off white but brought together with pictures and fabrics in pretty pink.

How to use Pink

A derivative of red by adding white, pink is an ideal partner with either fresh white or with green which is red’s complementary hue on the colour wheel.  To counter the sweetness of pink, choose hues that have been slightly greyed down.  These appear more sophisticated and should definitely be used for painting any surface other than in a child’s room.  Another key to ensuring that your choice of pink paint produces a stylish look is to keep the finish as matt as possible, unless you are using a special metallic finish.   Introducing fabrics into a decorating scheme is a good way to inject colour into a room.  Paint is an excellent way to bring colour to a scheme but it can be overwhelming, but fabrics are softer and you can use as little or as much as you would like.

Using Pastels

Pastel pinks are a perpetual favourite for girls’ bedrooms and work particularly well when used with other pastel colours.   All pastel hues contain a large proportion of white which makes them all sit comfortably together.

According to Pantone, the world’s leader in colour trend forecasting, pink is the colour for 2011.  In a fast paced world we need to turn to colours that are nurturing and according to colour psychologists, pink is the colour of unconditional love and tenderness.  Lovers of pink tend to be indulged and protected individuals who live well, are financially secure and well educated.

According to paint company, Resene, colour palettes are becoming increasingly individual.  Consumers are appreciating colour more and understanding the importance of introducing colour into our lives.  Resene draws particular attention to items that were once boring colours like accessories in our kitchens.  Brightly coloured refrigerators are now prevalent in stores where once we would have only seen white or stainless steel.  Small accessories for the kitchen are designed in bright, cheerful colours and are seen as a fashion statement.  This trend is very retro 1950s.  The kitchen was seen as the domain of the woman of the household and as pastel tones were all the rage, these spilled over into kitchen accessories.   Homes are all about comfort now and individualism so rather than stick to neutrals, break out and enjoy some of the beautiful bright, clear uplifiting colours that are the trend for 2011-2012.

Resene’s colour predictions for 2011-2012

As you can see from Resene Switched On and Outrageous, colours are cleaner and less complicated than they have been in the past and these colours are designed to draw the eye towards them.  As we have seen with colour trends lately, nature continues to play a huge role in colour popularity.  Consumers are appreciating handmade items that have imperfections but have been crafted with love and care rather than factory mass produced items that quickly make their way into landfill.  The reds are deep and strong and pink is a real favourite for 2011-2012.  Colours are altogether more feminine.  Blues are also making a comeback.  These colours haven’t been as popular recently but are returning with an intense quality and as a viable neutral alternative to grey.

According to Resene, the neutrals that will be popular are the browns and beige hues.  Warm colours such as Secret Road and Fantail demonstrate a move away from the greys to the the browns and also mineral inspired hues.  Subtle flesh tones offer timeless appeal.  Cool white has made a comeback which offers great tonal variation to colour palettes when used with the growing range of black hues available.

Dulux colour predictions for 2011-2012

Dulux has released six colour palettes for 2011-2012.  They have entitled the first one, Lost Memoirs.  As with the Resene trend, people are appreciating a return to handmade items.  Knitting groups are forming again, sewing and patchwork groups are being embraced by young people and culinary skills are in vogue again.  Basically, we are appreciating the simpler things that life can offer.  These colours from Dulux represent this trend.

Their second colour palette is called Forbidden.  This colour trend is all about the control of freedom of expression and the ever present Big Brother concept.  These colours are warm and passionate.  Great colours for Autumn.

The Momentary trend is a hangover from the global financial crisis.  Our refuge from the world and our worries is our home.  The look is a pared down aesthetic with vintage purchases taking pride of place.  This trend is about appreciating the beauty of a pre-loved piece, whether it is furniture, accessories, china or textiles.  These simple, natural colours reflect this beautifully.

Blues are finally making a welcome return to our colour palettes.  These are cool blues.  True mid blues and those with more of a green tone  The warm lavender blues are definitely not part of this trend.  The colours are quite simply harmonious and refreshing – this is the Mirage trend.

Following on from harmonious and refreshing is the Re-Vive trend and this blends well with the Momentary trend.  Our concern for the environment is an important issue for many people as we reflect on the earth’s treasures and our way of living.  We’re now looking for ways to protect the world and so we are reusing and recycling wherever possible.  The colour trend is is a rich warm yellow, reminiscent of the sun’s rays and how good they make us feel.

The final Dulux trend for 2011/2012 is the E-magine trend.  In a digital age there are endless possibilities but black and white remain favourite neutrals.  Dulux Domino is a great off-black colour and Dulux Whisper White is a very versatile cool white, great for kitchen cupboards and a fresh white for the entire house.

Pantone's colour of the year 2011

The PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM is the definitive international reference for selecting, specifying, matching and controlling ink colors.  Companies all around the globe look to Pantone for guidance on colour trends before launching new product lines.  Pantone’s colour of the year for 2011 is called Honeysuckle.  This is a bright and uplifting colour which adds a touch of fun to interiors.  The global financial crisis has produced an atmosphere of worry and stress and in these times we need something to embolden the spirit.  Honeysuckle will be a great addition to your interior decorating scheme.  Perhaps in a feature wall or just as an accent for accessories like placemats, glasses and bowls.

Pantone’s forecast for the Northern Spring 2011 (our Autumn) is for a palette of Russet, pink, orange and blue

The lifespan of a colour trend

The following is just one scenario of the lifespan of a colour trend. 

A leading trend setter or designer may be on a tour of the Far East and comes across a delicate Celadon bowl.  Liking the colour and registering that it is something different they will return to their studio and amongst other ideas that they have amassed on their travels, use this as inspiration for their new fashion range.  This will be shown on the catwalks of Paris and Milan and trend watchers will be eagerly assessing what’s new, not only in colours but in the styles that are being shown which will in turn dictate the type of colour that will be popular.  Textile houses, carpet manufacturers, paint companies, furnishing houses and homewares designers will then use these colours for their new designs and products.  These are then launched to the market place.  Generally the upper end of the market receives these new ideas first and then they trickle down to the high street shops.  Once they reach here, the trend is almost over.

Some of the current colours from BMW

Trend Forecasting for the Luxury Market

Clearly it is imperative that companies designing and manufacturing products get the colours right and there are many ways for colour trend watchers to be ahead of the game.  Companies manufacturing high end items like luxury cars will be sometimes working 3-5 years ahead on their colour schemes and in many ways these are the people who are dictating colour choices.  You may find more of interest in colour trends by looking at the BMW website than by picking up your favourite decorating magazine.  BMW has a stunning gold/brown colour for their luxury cars at the moment.  This is new and different from the black and silver colour trend that we have been used to seeing in recent times and it is no conicidence that the 2011-2012 colour palette has moved away from the silvery greys to the warmth of gold and brown.  See more about BMW at www.worthingtonbmw.com.au.

Paint companies have a huge investment, both in time and money in assessing colour trends.  They will analyse current global trends and then see how these affect colour choices.  Companies like Pantone in the United States release a major new colour palette every five years, gaining input from colour specialists around the globe and each season they also release colour palettes for the fashion and homeware industry.  These are highly anticipated by designers seeking the latest colour trends for their designs and products.

Eijffinger Precious wallpaper from Verve Designer Collections

What could be more of a contrast than black and white?  These colours are at either end of the tonal scale and you really make a statement in your interior decorating when you partner these two colours, particularly if you do not use another accent hue.  When choosing colours, designers will think about mood first and foremost and nothing is quite as dramatic as the introduction of black into a decorating scheme.  Black is seductive, mysterious, elegant and sophisticated.  At the opposite end of the tonal scale is white.  Fresh, pure and clean it has been the mainstay of neutral decorating schemes for decades.

Black and White in history

Stunning lighting from H&H Collection

The pairing of black and white can be seen throughout the last century in fashion and textile design.  Chanel’s innovative design of the little black dress paired with creamy white pearls has been an enduring classic, epitomised by Audrey Hepburn in the 1950s as the height of style. 

Black and white used together produces designs which have great definition.  Used often during the Art Nouveau period at the beginning of the 20^th century, these colours placed together produced dramatic examples of geometric and linear designs which have been revived during the 1960s and again recently.

The Art Deco period which spanned from 1910 through to the 1930s was a natural extension of the Art Nouveau period.  Black and white floor tiles were used extensively in Art Deco interior design and black and white striped animal skins were also very popular.  Sofas were veneered or lacquered in black.

Black and White in Interior Decorating

This range of black and white paints from Dulux shows how many variations there are to black and white colours.  Don’t assume that you have to just use absolute black or white for your colour selections.  A colour will appear black but it may have a green or blue or even a red base and this can be quite useful to soften the colour slightly.  Whites can be slightly grey or have a different colour base and again this makes them easier to use in interior decorating projects.

Marimekko wallpaper from Inhabit Wallcoverings

A colour combination used so successfully in fashion and in textile designs to provide elegant, sophisticated and dramatic appeal will also work well in broader decorating terms.  Although ambitious and to many quite daunting the use of black for painting surfaces can create the ultimate in luxurious, contemporary style.  The use of black in interior design can manipulate a space more than any other colour.  Corners of rooms can be almost lost when painted black and this is then a striking contrast for an elegant white chair or lamp.  If you paint the wall at the end of a long corridor in black you will visually shorten the space which can be very effective.  It can also be very effective in commercial enviroments to paint ceilings black as this lowers the ceiling height considerably ensuring that the space is more closed in and cosy.

 Black and White Wallpapers

As the wallpaper trend is firmly entrenched in interior design today there are a myriad of different designs to choose from.  This is a great way to introduce black and white into an interior decorating scheme and can be very effective, even for just a feature wall.

Black and White Fabrics

Of course, you can introduce black and white into your design with fabric too.  Simple white bed linen and white bedspreads always work well in bedrooms as the effect is crisp and clean.  Cushions with hints of black really lift this look or a bedhead covered in a good quality black linen will look very effective.  Black and white linen is also a good choice for lampshades too.  Simple black curtains in a good quality fabric left to pool on the floor look great against a crisp white wall.

Laminate Joinery from Laminex

There are many items to consider when choosing the appropriate joinery for your new kitchen.  Firstly, you need to consider the style that you would like to achive.  Do you want a sleek contemporary finish or would you prefer an English country style kitchen or a classic French Provincial look?  The style that you choose will go some way to dictating the appropriate finish for your kitchen joinery.  Secondly, you need to decide how durable the surface needs to be.  Will it get a lot of use and are there children in the house who tend to be harder on surfaces.  Is it an outdoor or indoor kitchen? 

Silk Finish Joinery from the Laminex Group

There are a myriad of choices now for kitchen joinery ranging from simple melamine finishes, high gloss laminates, matt, satin or shiny 2 pack polyurethane, timber veneers or solid timber.  An Interior Designer can assist with the appropriate selection of materials and also advise on the colour scheme to ensure that it fits in with your style and the rest of your decorating scheme.

Laminex

Laminex has a wide range of colours and finishes.  They have recently introduced 22 new colours to their palette and there are many whites and timber veneers to choose from.  There are also a dazzling array of bright colours for those of us creating a retro kitchen design.  Laminex has a range of colours in a Silk Finish which is a soft satin look or for a high gloss finish,  Crystal Gloss by Laminex is an excellent choice as it offers supreme durability.  This is particularly stunning in a timber veneer look and offers a more durable alternative to a two pack polyurethane finish over a real timber veneer.

Fineline aluminium framed laminate doors offer a very contemporary look.  Rather than just an aluminium trim, these doors sit in an aluminium frame.  The insert can be either Lamiwood, glass or timber veneer.  The timber veneer finish works very well with this look, as do the long chrome handles.  Laminex also produce a range of natural timber veneer panels which are supplied raw.  These make a stunning architectural statement.

Laminex Crystal Gloss Sample Colours

Laminex Fineline Aluminium Sample Colours

Polytec

Polytec also offer a range of laminate doors and have a wide range of colours to choose from.  Their Createc range is a super glossy, durable finish which looks stunning in contemporary dark colours, either plain or in a timber veneer look.  Polytec also has a range of Thermo Laminated doors which offer durability but without the super shine.  Dark  colours in kitchens work well, particularly when offset with crisp white benchtops.  If this look is too much for you then it is worth considering a two tone kitchen.  The darker colour generally works best on the lower cupboards, with a lighter colour on the upper cupoards and shelving.

Polytec Sample Colours

Polyurethane

A two pack polyurethane finish offers a sleek finish that can either be high gloss or satin.  The benefits of a polyurethane finish is that any Dulux colour can be used.  This way your kitchen can be the same colour as your timber trim throughout the house which offers a really good seemless look.  The 2 pack polyurethane finish also ensures that there are no join lines in the door.

A final note on colour

According to Lorraine Brigdale, the Design Centre Manager for the Laminex Group, we are finally seeing the end of all white kitchens.  Greys are making a big impact or if you love white, try mixing it up with a darker colour, either plain or a timber veneer.  The colour trend really is for the natural look which is why timber elements look so great in a kitchen design.  Speak to a colour consultant or an interior decorator to find the solution for you.

In 2008/2009 we witnessed a renaissance of strong clear vibrant colour and the trend for Summer 2010/11 is a continuation of this theme, but if anything the colours are even bolder than before.  Beautiful strong bright colours have re-emerged as the stars of decorating, breaking out from the more muted tones that we have become accustomed to.  Strong bright hues were traditionally used as accents in a colour palette but now they are being all jumbled together and used as the main theme.  Colour has always been a great way to manipulate a space and now it is right at the forefront of any design.  Designers still appreciate the beauty of grey and the subtleties that it can bring to an environment however bright colour is everywhere at the moment, in fashion, homewares and in textile design.  This wallpaper is from the Bazaar collection from the Eijffinger range from Verve Designer Collections.

How to make this work

Lovers of colour will embrace this trend and even those of us who would normally prefer a simple understated colour scheme cannot help but be seduced by the stunning range of colourful designs that are emerging from the fabric houses around the globe.  With a jumble of exotic colours there seem to be very few rules, however the easiest way to ensure that a scheme like this works is to select three colours that are equidistant on the colour wheel and make one of those colours the dominant part of the scheme.

Duckcloth stocks a stunning range of textiles.  They are passionate about colour and this is demonstrated in the wonderful range of fabrics on offer.  Let your imagination run riot and select fabrics for custom made items.  Complement these beautiful textiles with traditionally made paints from Murobond. Their Pentimento Limewash combines the best of centuries old traditions and modern technology to create a great rich, velvet textured finish.  Pentimento Limewash creates an understated mottled finish as the lime content makes the paint bloom.  This is more noticeable in the stronger, brighter colours and this subtle finish softens the colour which is ideal for these vivid hues.  

Porters also make a limewash paint for interiors and exteriors but you should restrict these bright colours to interiors as once the sun hits a bright colour the intensity is far too great for exteriors.

The really adventurous amongst us can paint all their interior walls in this finish but for those who want to exercise some restraint, a feature wall in one of these bright hues will create a fabulous uplifting mood.

Selecting the right colour for your decorating job is difficult enough but there is an amazing array of different paint companies with many different products and it can also be quite daunting to select the correct paint and finish.    One of the first items to consider for interiors is how the space that you are painting will be utilised as this will help to determine the durability level of the paint.  For exteriors you need to assess the local climatic conditions.  Finally, you need to consider the style and mood that you are endeavouring to create, for example an ultra contemporary space will require a different paint finish to a heritage listed renovation project.  There are a myriad of possibilities, however the following are some basic guidelines to follow:

Matt finish

This is generally the most desired finish for interior walls as a pure matt finish doesn’t reflect any light and the colour appears to have greater depth.  As there is no light reflection minor imperfections in the finish of the wall are disguised.  However, pure matt acrylic paint is usually difficult to keep looking good as it is not washable and therefore is not recommended for high traffic areas.  A matt finish is also not recommended in high moisture areas like bathrooms, laundries and kitchens.

 The traditional paint companies manufacture some gorgeous matt finish paints.  Murobond has Murowash which offers a finely grained, streak free flat finish with subtle colour variations.  Porters Paints also has an ultra flat finish acrylic.  Dulux, Taubmans, Bristol and Wattyl all have flat paints suitable for most interior and exterior substrates.  Many of the exterior matt finishes are textured to different degrees which works well on concrete rendered finishes.

 A matt finish is a necessity for the majority of ceilings and cornices to hide imperfections.

Low Sheen finish

Paint companies understand that many colours look better with a matt finish but are not always practical and therefore low sheen paints are marketed that are washable.  Products vary between paint companies but many of these paints have as low as a 5% sheen level so they offer an almost matt finish that can be wiped down without fuss.  These paints generally dry to a soft eggshell finish and in fact many paint companies market these as their eggshell range.  Dulux, Taubmans, Bristol and Wattyl have very good low sheen/eggshell acrylic washable paints.  Murobond and Porters also offer a pure acrylic finish in addition to their boutique finishes. 

Many low sheen paints are also suitable for timberwork trim and internal doors and provide an elegant yet laid back finish.

Semi Gloss finish

A semi gloss finish offers high washability and an extremely scuff resistant finish and as the sheen level is higher it is also more light reflective than a regular low sheen paint which can be of benefit in a dark area.  Dulux markets a semi gloss finish with anti-bacterial qualities for use in high moisture areas like bathrooms and laundries and in some cases for kitchens where there is little natural air flow.  A semi gloss finish is appropriate for skirting boards, architraves and internal doors where more durability is required than a low sheen paint would offer but offers lower light reflective qualities than would be achieved with a high gloss finish.  Semi gloss paints can also be used on exterior trim and many paint companies now offer a paint that can be used for both interior and exterior timber.

High Gloss finish

The most light reflective of all the paints, a high gloss finish offers superior durability and stability in extreme climatic conditions, making it particularly suitable for exterior trim.  A high gloss finish can be quite effective in an interior as the same colour can be used on the walls as on the trim but will appear different due to the greater variance in sheen level.

Both semi gloss and high gloss paints can be either water based or for even more durability enamel based. 

Natural paints

The natural anti-bacterial properties of lime have been appreciated for centuries and houses were literally lime washed each spring to get rid of mould and bugs.  When lime is blended with natural pigments a soft weathered patina is created which is reminiscent of the beautiful soft finishes of buildings throughout the Mediterranean.  The lime literally blooms through the paint colour and the amount of bloom will depend upon the climatic conditions when the limewash is applied.  These paints are marketed by the traditional paint companies.  Porters Paints has a limewash suitable for interiors and exteriors.  Their exterior Lime Wash can be applied to cement render, bagged brickwork, concrete, masonry blocks, and most absorbent building surfaces.

Porters Interno Lime Wash can be applied to most suitably prepared plasterboard, masonry and previously painted surfaces.  Lime wash paints are not recommended for use in kitchens, bathrooms or laundries.

Many paint companies now offer low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paints across their range, which have a low odour and less impact on air quality making these a good choice for children’s bedrooms and nurseries.

Specialty Finishes

Murobond’s Pentimento is an updated lime wash which has a fabulous, rich, velvety finish and is great for softening the edges of ultra modern spaces whilst maintaining a contemporary look.  Porter’s Internal Distemper is a soft chalky paint that also dries to a superior matt velvety finish and is perfect to use on heritage restoration projects.

As these paints are made using traditional methods, pigments are hand blended to achieve the right hue offering a unique depth of colour. 

Porters Milk Paint is a traditional paint finish first used on country furniture by the Shakers in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.  Natural binders and pigments are used to recreate a soft, perfectly matt, chalky finish which can be used on furniture, picture frames etc.  This paint finish is not very durable.

Metallic finishes have been in vogue for a number of years now.  These are particularly effective for feature walls or for painting furniture.  Dulux has a wide range of colours in their metallic range.  Porters metallic is marketed under Industrial Lustre and this is durable enough to be used on exteriors.  For a softer more understated interior only finish their Duchess Satin paint can be used. 

Murobond offer an iron oxide paint called Bridge Paint and a softer Aqua Glaze and Pearl textured finish, both of which can be used inside and outside. 

Paints have also been formulated by Porters to replicate silver, gold, copper, rust and a green patina which offers a worn antique finish.

It is particularly important with all special finish paints to understand the correct way to apply them.  Many of these can only be applied with a certain type of brush and in a particular way so detailed instructions should be sought from the manufacturer before applying these finishes.

Substrate preparation

Finally, the most important consideration when applying paint is to prepare each surface correctly.  Most substrates are suitable to be painted with any of the above products however there will always be some preparation to do first.  Previously painted surfaces will need to be thoroughly clean and gloss surfaces will need to be sanded to ensure the paint adheres to the surface.  Cement rendered surfaces need to cure for at least 4-6 weeks before applying paint.  Metal surfaces can be painted but should be free of rust or be treated with a specially designed rust product.  There are different priming and or sealing products for varying substrates and these are important to consider in the preparation stages.  It is always advisable to seek technical assistance from each individual paint manufacturer to ensure that you are preparing each substrate correctly.

Florence Broadhurst was a lady of many talents.  A singing and dancing career in Shanghai during the early part of the 1920s and then the rich experience of travelling throughout Asia with a troupe of entertainers provided her with a whole raft of ideas on which to base her textile designs.  The late 1920s saw a move to London for Florence where she opened a dress shop in fashionable and upmarket Mayfair.  The dress designs were her own and the shop gained a reputation for elegance.  At the end of the 1940s Florence returned home to Australia and settled in Sydney and this is where she transferred her creative talents to the world of wallpaper.

The Wallpaper Designs

The designs in the Australia that Florence returned to didn’t suit her tastes at all.  The post war gloom prevailed and she found everything dull and drab.  Florence therefore set about changing this and established a design studio in Sydney which witnessed an incredible output of bold, colourful and stunning designs.  Florence garnered together all her rich global experiences and her love for the natural world and designed wallpapers that were uplifting and original and nothing like anything Sydney had seen before.  The whole spectrum of colours was utilised by Florence in her designs and she didn’t hold back on the chroma levels.  The designs were bright and vivid and really set the tone of the day.

Retro Appeal

For a while now, modern day Interior Designers have gained inspiration from the designs of Florence Broadhurst and have used her wallpapers of the 50s, 60s and 70s for their clients who appreciate the wide appeal of retro design.  Signature Prints are the proud custodians of the Florence Broadhurst catalogue which is significant and Interior Designers who want to recreate the style of the 60s need look no further for a wide range of stunning wallpaper and fabric designs.

Some of these Florence Broadhurst wallpaper designs work really well in commercial interior design.  Cafes and bars lend themselves to this Retro look perfectly and the strong designs and colours add a welcome vibrancy to the space.  Many of the wallpaper designs are on a metallic background and nightclub walls adorned in these designs look stunning.  A residential setting is also good for these designs whether the wallpaper is just on a feature wall or panel or on all walls in the space.  Even a Retro style armchair re-upholstered in a beautiful Florence Broadhurst fabric gains a new lease of life.