This week I want to give you a little more insight into the colour influences for 2011 from Crown. I hope you enjoyed our insights into last week’s first look with Natural Primaries. I think you will agree that these new influences are exciting and fresh, a great way to start 2011.

The second influence I am going to talk about is Gold Mine. The key to this look is texture which is something I like to use a lot of when I am designing spaces in my home. These textures of rough and smooth sit effortlessly beside one another and traditional warm colours such as burnt orange and burgundy play with cool greys, chocolates and metallics to create a truly startling modern effect.

When looking for colours to combine with this look use earthy tones with depth and warmth such as Gold Dusk, Smoulder and Flawless Fawn. Bring these colours together with lustrous copper, steel and pale creams to create a daring look. This influence is all about creating a powerful contrast so don’t be afraid to make bold choices on colour for your walls.

Texture is an important consideration to achieve this look. Oftentimes textured paints can have an overbearing affect on a room so look for inspiring ways to introduce texture to your room by choosing unique floor coverings or accessories. By using natural materials such as linen, wood and metals you can bring texture to a room on a scale that will sit perfectly in a family home. Patterns can also serve to add texture if they are used in layers. Source patterns that incorporate the colours we have mentioned for this look.

The next colour influence for 2011 is Paper. Paper is all about the timeless appeal of chalky tones with a splash of clear blue. It also incorporates a lot of wood, in particular dark hard woods. If you have wooden or stripped floors in your home this is the perfect influence for you.

Colours from the Crown range to inspire you include Aspen Silver, Little Black Dress and Soft Steel. To incorporate the vivid blue element use colours such as Palest Blue and Lupin. These colours don’t have to dominate the design as they can be used on just a section of your wall or to paint the skirting boards and architraves. Consider painting a coffee table or blanket box with this colour to truly embrace the Paper influence.

This look draws its inspiration from old, yet contemporary bookshelf displays. You can create your own feature by adding a book shelf to your room. The beauty of this idea is that the books simply need be old, unique and in contrasting shades so it is won’t break the bank. These can be displayed on a window sill, mantelpiece or even under a glass coffee table. If you have a bookshelf that can be sanded down and painted in of the Paper influence colours this will truly work to bring the look together.

I hope you enjoyed my discussion of how to use these two Colour Influences for 2011, be sure to check out next week’s blog when I talk through the next two looks 1950’s and Nude.

Happy decorating,

Neville