Colour is a universal language. It stimulates the emotions, shapes cultures and forms the background of our world. So which colours are hot right now?

Cars are amongst the most expensive consumer items manufactured. Because cars are frequently viewed as extensions or expressions of individual personalities, the design and colour of them is crucial in attracting buyers. Interior and exterior colours for cars are identified 2-4 years in advance. You can be pretty sure that when you notice a new colour car on the streets, you will see the same colour in the fashion industry the following year and the year after that it will be the “it” colour of décor.

Since 2001 and the fall of the Twin Towers, we have taken refuge in comforting, warm neutrals like browns and beiges as a result of an uncertain economic, political and environmental climate. But it is now time for a change.

The future is optimistic and we’ll see a trend towards livelier colours in our quest for a brighter future.

Pantone, the leading colour authority, has announced Turquoise as the colour of the year for 2010. “Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.”

Other colours making a statement in the coming year include the positive and encouraging colours of Red and Pink.
Yellow, the colour of energy and life is teamed with Purple, the most enigmatic of all colours. The strong contrast of this combination shows individuality and our desire to break away from normality.
Are you a twitter, blogger, Facebook tragic or i-phone addict? Grey and Silver reflect the major influence science and technology has had on colour and design.

Greens and Browns will continue to be seen as these colours reflect the heightened consumer awareness for products that are authentic, have integrity, are natural and carbon neutral.

Luxury has been redefined as a mindset. For many years furniture has been bought for the 'now', whereas a trend is now emerging for high quality pieces, which in the end, become family heirlooms. Gold has always been synonymous with luxury.

Surround yourself with optimism and add some colour to your home this year.
Jennifer French is an Interior Decorator and Colour Consultant, Inside Out Colour & Design, www.insideoutcolouranddesign.com.au.

WIN one of two Spring Homewares vouchers valued at $200 each from St Ives Shopping Village - click here for details.

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So much is made of youth in our culture that old age is something very few anticipate.

We sit somewhere in the middle of the continuum so have tackled this topic with a modicum of trepidation. Our experience on this subject, though real, is still one step removed. We have not yet walked the second stage of our journey, so it is with humility that we tackle the task of organising those who have lived longer!
We were raised in the homes of parents and grandparents for whom the horror and deprivation of two world wars was an ever present memory; the primacy of the market economy was a reality; and the future seemed certain and bright.

Thrift, responsibility and a cautious enjoyment of prosperity informs the decisions of those currently moving into the phase of the tribal elder. When faced with the task of “downsizing” many resist the change until they have no choice; at which point they become dependent on others to effect the transition.

So what can be done to ease the transition? Small incremental changes to the choices you make every day can make moving into a smaller abode so much easier. Acquire a critical eye: think of yourself as an archivist with limited space. How can you divest yourself of your earthly possessions whilst still keeping a physical record of your past? What do you most want to keep a record of and how are you going to store or display it?

The easiest place to start lightening the load is with now defunct electrical goods and technology. It is very hard for people raised to believe that things can and should be mended, to feel enthusiastic about “just chucking”. It is however, the one lesson that we can pass “up”. How many old toasters, shavers, radios, televisions, washers, dryers, kettles, calculators, cameras, computers, printers, fax machines and telephones do you currently have stashed all over your house? Our guess is that at least one trip to the dump or a council pick up will free you of these.

Furniture is another hard one and moving on mostly means less space. The trick is to work out what you love and what will fit into your new home. Then, with firm resolve, work your way down the list by offering what remains to family and friends or to a second hand furniture dealer. List it on eBay or donate it to a local charity. The bottom line is that enjoying your new space is dependent on being able to get around in it.

Having worked your way through memories, defunct technology and furniture, our guess is that you probably still have too much to take with you. What remains is the hard bit - this is the bit where those closest to you start to offer one too many opinions. The only advice we can give at this stage is for all concerned to take a step back, find a third party to help out and remember that transitions are hard for all involved. Tackle paper, in all its forms: documentation, magazines, books, photographs and memorabilia. Think of the space you will be living in and question why you’re keeping it; find your killer instinct. Toss, shred, redistribute and take only what is necessary and loved.
You’ve had it with being told to rid yourself of stuff? Well how about focusing a little energy on new routines to support the necessary: medication, exercise, your coming in and your going out. Setting up good systems will benefit you in the future. Start with the things that are not working and shake things up – is it your morning medication? Well what is the one thing you never forget in the morning? Coffee or tea? Set things up so you can’t but help take your medication before your first cupper.

Lastly the fun bit, the bit to look forward to. The thing that should drive you forward is the anticipation of a new chapter with new routines and a different tempo. Simplifying your life can free you up to discover new pleasures and challenging new roles within your local community.

Sandra and Pippa from the Baobab Tree are devoted to helping people organise and declutter their homes. Visit their website www.baobabtree.com.au or call Sandra on 0403 591 292 or Pippa 0422 524 613.

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Turquoise
Turquoise “bird of paradise” cushion Ruby Star Traders $85, Bed Bath n Table

Barbados and Bermuda design cushions $29.95 per cover, Sorrento

Royal Winchester Circa 1900 fruit compote plate POA, Edith Elizabeth Antiques

Janice Khoo designed plate $60, Intaglio Gallery

Set of 4 candles by Vance Kitira made in Thailand $14, Mademoiselle Body Souffle $31and triple milled vegetable soap $17 both in Audrey fragrance, Turkish Hand painted ceramic ornaments $28 each, Turkish Hand painted ceramic coasters $10 each, Hand painted oil/vinegar jar $41, Turkish ARTO Handmade and painted ceramic platter $176, All Twig & Twine

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Pink
Angads fashion pillows embroidered and embellished $41 and $43 as featured, Ginger Jar vase $175, Twig & Twine

Mauritius hand stitched cushion $49.95, Bed Bath n Table

Mademoiselle Body Souffle $31and triple milled vegetable soap $17, both in Angelique fragrance, Twig & Twine

Daintree striped cushion $29.95, Bed Bath n Table

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Green
Sarita cushion $49.95 Morgan & Finch, Bed Bath n Table

Antique Royal Doulton vase with handles early 20th Century $650, Edith Elizabeth Antiques

Pear shaped candles by Vance Kitira Made in Thailand $9.50 each, Twig & Twine

Glasshouse triple scented jar candle Monterey fragrance in lime and coconut $39, Avenue Joffre

Tea Canister $49.95, Bed Bath n Table

Set of 4 candles by Vance Kitira Made in Thailand $14 set, Twig & Twine

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Yellow and Gold
Painted Italian style jug $88, Twig & Twine

Lemburg Glass yellow bowl $330, Intaglio Gallery

Pear shaped candles by Vance Kitira $9.50 each, Set of 4 candles by Vance Kitira $14 set, Twig & Twine

Hand embroidered vintage wall hanging $120, Avenue Joffre

Ceramic Italian style Fruit Bowl $98, Ceramic Vintage Italian style bowl with pouring lip $145, Twig & Twine

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Red
Oriental lamp and base $365 lamp and shade, Avenue Joffre

Vineyard piped cushion $76.95, Sorrento

Red and gold cushion $45, Twig & Twine

French Country Calypso Cushion $89, Avenue Joffre

Italian tall cylinder red glass vase $490, Intaglio Gallery

Casuano upholstered stool/foot rest $80, Twig & Twine

Glasshouse Jar Candle Rockefeller White Spruce triple scented 100% hand made $39, Avenue Joffre

Jewellery Boxes, travel and large sizes, travel $49.95, large $139.95, Bed Bath n Table

Red hand-carved drum stool $295, Avenue Joffre

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Metallics
Amalfi tall silver vase $99.95, Silver candle sticks $54.95 each, Sorrento

Brian Hirst hand blown glass gold egg with gold and silver leaf $160, Intaglio Gallery

Decorative silver balls by Pure, large $20.95, small $14.95, Sorrento

Brian Hirst hand blown glass clear cylinder vase with gold and silver leaf $400, Intaglio Gallery

Metal plate stand $25, French Pewter gravy boat and ladle made in France S165, French Pewter water jug made in France S275, Twig & Twine

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