This is the last in the series of blogs about our Colour Influences for 2011. I think you will agree that 2011 is set to be a very exciting year in interior design.  I have saved the best until last with these two trends, Space and Amethyst, which are both  full of colour and personality.

Outer space has provided inspiration for everything from fashion to furniture with its infinite mystery. It is great to see it here as one of Crown’s key influences for 2011 as the colours used are quite literally out of this world in terms of colour and depth. Metallic’s, golds, azure blues and infinite purples all combine to create an intense space filled with drama and warmth.

I think this look is best suited to a bedroom but it can easily be adapted to suit a living or dining room too. Look to colours such as Aqua Fizz, Purple Heart and Windsor Blue to achieve this look. These shades work best when contrasted against each other so choose two colours as the basis of your design scheme and feature these heavily in the room. Try Purple Heart and Sea Spirit or Artic Grey and Aqua Fizz for a striking look.

The key to this look is to introduce a flash of silver or gold tastefully. This helps add to the mystique of the influence and will also introduce light in to the room. Add mirrors and mirrored accessories to enhance the light and choose additional features such as coloured glass and reflective vases to complete the look. Be sure to choose either silver or gold as both shades when used together can be quite overpowering.

The last in our Colour Influence series is Amethyst which has to be my favourite of all. I love the daring purples with the sharp contrast of mustard throughout. These colours have been inspired by the natural minerals in nature and their powerful effect on each other. The tones are stunning on their own but it is only when you combine them that they fulfil their real potential.

The colours to note in the Crown range for this influence include Teal, Mimosa and the brilliantly named, Alfie’s Vegetable Patch. If you are brave enough to include that sharp dash of mustard in your design look to Old Gold and Hot Sun as the colours to feature.

As these looks are influenced by the strength of colour in our natural environment it seems obvious to include natural materials in your overall design scheme. Cotton, flax and clay can all be used in conjunction with the dominant tones in Amethyst. To introduce light, be sure to use lots of candles with exotic scents to ensure the atmosphere in your room is one of decadent perfection.

That brings us to the end of our influences for this year and I hope you have enjoyed my insight into how you can apply these fabulous trends to your homes. If you do try any of these looks why not share your makeovers with us on our Facebook page. 

Happy decorating,

Neville