Sep 03
20240
commentsIn Before & After Interiors & Exteriors, Colour Consultant, Colour Schemes For Baches
Beach House Transformation
A fresh interior and exterior colour scheme has transformed this Pauanui bach into a retreat my clients love.
Jul 04
20240
commentsIn Building a New House, Colour Consultant, Exterior Colour Schemes, Interior Designer Auckland, Joinery Colours
The Importance of Getting the Joinery Colours Right
The joinery colour has a huge influence on the dynamics of your home. The colour must be considered for both the interior and exterior aesthetics. Usually it is ordered (along with the roof) earlier in the build, so the colour decision should be made early. I tend not to use ‘Ebony’ , as I think we have less harsh options such as ‘Flaxpod’ which reads black, but is softer/warmer. ‘Windsor Grey’, ‘Charcoal’ or ‘Gravel’ also read as black from a distance. They are more a charcoal, and work well with the green and blue tones. (As in the above photo). ‘Electric Cow’ and ‘Ironsand’ are also great options where there is timber, and the warmer options work well. There are many more options, including anodised from various suppliers to choose from. Consideration must be given to the roof and guttering colours at this stage too. There are no rules, and there are always exceptions, but a sense of how the colours ‘behave’ on the building, and the colours adjacent to them are crucial to the overall look. What they bring are proportion, enhancement of features, and the general sense of style. The location also has a huge influence on the colours.
When looking at the lighter colours like Duralloy’s newer ‘Okarito’ and ‘Snowstone’, or ‘Appliance White’; ‘Warm White’ or ‘Titania’, it is the time to be deciding on your interior colours – from your architrave colour to your bench top and even carpet, tiles etc. I would avoid the stark blue white of ‘Arctic White’ unless you are working with the icy blues. There are many other choices in the mid tones as well.
Ideally most of the interior and exterior design is done prior to ordering the joinery and roof. Of course there will be some adjustments along the way, but you won’t be locked into a colour choice you are not happy with, that influences the rest of the design, because you had to make the joinery colour choice in a hurry.
If you are having steel joinery …. it is black all the way!!
Interior Designer – Fiona Small
May 09
20230
commentsIn Cafes/Restaurants/Bars, Colour Consultant, Commercial Projects, Furniture Sourcing, Interior Design, Interior Designer Auckland
Lynfield RSA Lobby Interior Design
Sourcing new furniture, and choosing new paint colours to enhance the space, the paintings, as well as leading customers to the restaurant and bar were all elements to consider when updating the large entrance lobby of the Lynfield RSA.
The wall mural of Piha fits right in with the locals, and gives the space a lift.
It has resulted in a welcoming and well functioning area, which is inviting to everyone.
Dulux’s colour Waimarama with its’ complex deep green was the perfect choice to showcase this painting.
Interior Designer and Colour Consultant – Fiona Small
Jan 06
20230
commentsIn Colour Consultant, Colour Consultant Auckland, Commercial Projects, Exterior Colour Schemes, Nature's Colour Schemes, Residential Developments
Commercial Exterior Colour Schemes, and Why It is Important to Use the Paint Brand Specified.
Exterior colour schemes for houses; apartments and commercial buildings are a specialty at Sienna Design. You are still buying the paint, so let’s get the colours right. Having the confidence of choosing which colour combination works best for your building comes from years of working in this industry. It is essential you use the paint brand specified, as each paint company has its own unique base and pigment colours, and this reflects in the final complexity of colour. This is particularly important with exterior colours, as outdoor light changes throughout the day and season, impacting on which colours show more predominantly at the time. I would advise you make this clear with your painters before they begin painting.
Colour Consultant – Fiona Small
Interior Designer – Fiona Small
Jul 10
20220
commentsIn Before & After Interiors & Exteriors, Colour Consultant, Colour Consultant Auckland, Colour Specialist, Commercial Projects, Entrances, Interior Design, Interior Designer Auckland
Before & After – Interior Design
The Theosophical Society is a beautiful building, which now has a new sense of lightness to it, highlighting its majestic features.
Before renovations
May 21
20200
commentsIn Building a New House, Colour Consultant, Colour Consultant Auckland, Colour Specialist, Entrances, Exterior Colour Schemes, Interior Designer Auckland, Nature's Colour Schemes, Residential Developments
Bring Colour To Your Entrances
The first stage of the Pacific Garden residential housing development in Manukau is almost finished. These are a taste of the colours I used for some of the entrances.
Colour Consultant – Fiona Small
Apr 29
20190
commentsIn Colour Consultant, Commercial Projects, Exterior Colour Schemes, Interior Designer Auckland, Kitchens
Horner’s Confectionery – Dulux Cook Strait & Huka Falls
This was an enjoyable project to work on last year, particularly as the owners had some vision, and were not afraid of some colour…. the right colour of course. As it is a well known sweet company, I didn’t think the predictable sweet colours were right. The Charcoal joinery framed the Dulux colours of Cook Strait and Huka Falls with the doors in Dulux Torrent Bay, and Dulux Whangaroa keeping the vibe fresh and lively.
