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The Colour Grey

The Colour Pink 

The colour pink is a versatile hue often synonymous with nurturing, compassion, and playfulness. Its psychological impact varies significantly by shade: while pale pinks evoke a sense of relaxation and the gentle comfort of a baby blanket, vibrant hot pinks stir up energy, passion, and bold self-expression.

Historically, Western society has tethered pink to femininity. While this association remains strong today, research suggests that the female preference for pink often declines as girls are exposed to more gender-neutral environments. Interestingly, these cultural meanings are not universal; in many Eastern cultures, pink serves as a powerful symbol of luck and prosperity.

Beyond its symbolic weight, pink is technically a tint—a combination of red and white. Its nomenclature has a fascinating history:

"The first known use of the colour pink was in the late 17th century. The earliest name for the colour was “pink” – a derivative of the flower called pinks, which had light red coloured petals. These pink flowers were called “pinks” because their petals looked like they had been “pounced” or punched with a tool to create their fringed edges. The verb “to pink” referred to this process of decorating fabric with perforations. So the colour name pink likely originated from the delicate, punched appearance of pink flowers."   colorwithleo.com

Pink is far more than just a "feminine" colour; it is a spectrum of emotion and history. From the relaxing, nurturing vibes of a soft pastel to the unapologetic energy of hot pink lipstick, the colour reflects an attitude of kindness and empathy.

While Western traditions often link pink to girls and women, Eastern cultures view it as a sign of prosperity and good fortune. Technically, pink is a tint created by mixing red and white.

Luxury Kitchens 

What Makes a Kitchen Feel Luxurious?

Is it the features within the space—the size, the fittings, the fixtures? Or is it the finishes and the way they harmonise with one another? Many people assume luxury is tied to scale, but size alone doesn’t create a premium experience. In fact, large kitchens can feel empty or inefficient when the design lacks intention. True luxury comes from thoughtful planning and purposeful detail.

A luxurious kitchen is defined by craftsmanship and quality: premium materials, state‑of‑the‑art appliances, and beautifully executed finishes. Handcrafted cabinetry, rich timbers, marble, quartz, stone surfaces all contribute to a refined, luxurious feel.  Earthy colours like matte black, blues, light or dark, and a range of greens, taupes and creams are replacing white kitchens. Choose a colour you love rather than what is in fashion at the time. Whilst reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows are stunning in a kitchen, they do not suit everyone limiting your re-sale prospects.   

Gold and brass and brushed metals combine well with rich wood tones, natural stone, emphasizing warmth and comfort.  Chrome, brushed nickel, polished nickel, and stainless steel offer a sleek and modern vibe. The neutral tone combines well with a wide range of cabinet colours, also reflecting light and contributing to a sense of space and cleanliness. These metals complement materials like marble, stainless steel, and glass, making them the go-to choices for contemporary or minimalist kitchens. Combining metals in the kitchen, like silver and gold can complement each other beautifully when paired with thought and care. High-end features such as professional-grade appliances, secondary sinks, Integrated wine fridges leaves allows for seamless  entertaining.  

A truly luxurious kitchen is practical above all else: easy to clean, intuitive to navigate, and designed around the natural flow between fridge, cooktop, oven, and dishwasher. Generous bench space is one of the most coveted luxuries—essential for some, aspirational for others. A walk‑in pantry or butler’s kitchen elevates the experience further, allowing the main kitchen to become a showpiece rather than a heavily used work zone.

What ultimately elevates a kitchen is intentionality. A beautiful space is unique, well considered, and full of purpose. Benchtops—whether marble, granite, tile, or stainless steel—shine when chosen with context in mind. And in the end, it’s the personal details that matter most. When a kitchen reflects your character and the way you live, it becomes more than functional—it becomes a joy to spend time in.

Brass, Silver, Gold, and Copper 

Unique Showers 

Consider building your vanity and shower from Hebel bricks, available as blocks or slabs.
Have a professional apply a waterproof membrane, then finish the surface with a smooth render you can apply yourself with a little patience. This approach allows for beautiful curves, softened edges, and rounded corners. You can also create built‑in niches for rolled towels, baskets, and everyday essentials. With the right layout, you may even eliminate the need for shower glass altogether—often the most expensive and high‑maintenance element in a bathroom.

Elements of a Well‑Designed Shower

• A small bench in the shower or a seat out of the shower
  A simple perch makes it easier to shave your legs, or simply pause and enjoy the warmth and then to be able to dry your feet.

• Adequate ventilation
  Essential for removing moisture‑laden air and reducing the risk of mould.

• A ceiling or wall‑mounted heater
  A welcome comfort on chilly mornings.

• Underfloor heating
  Tiles can be icy in winter; radiant heat transforms the experience.

• Quality towels and a proper bath mat
  Keep towels simple—white or a single colour works beautifully. Avoid bold patterns. KISS: Keep It Simple.

• A heated towel rail
  A luxury in warm climates, but in colder regions it becomes almost essential.

• Avoid shower‑over‑bath combinations
  They rarely feel satisfying and stepping in or out of a tub increases the risk of slipping.

• Thoughtful tap placement
  Ensure taps are easy to reach so you can turn on the water without stepping into the spray.

• Privacy considerations
  Bathrooms need locks that work, glass that obscures the outline of the body, and thoughtful sightlines.

• Appropriate floor tiles
  Choose tiles designed for floors with adequate grip. Wall tiles on the floor—or highly glazed tiles—become dangerously slippery when wet.

• Correct shower‑head height
  A small detail that makes a big difference in daily comfort.

• Professional waterproofing
  Always use a registered professional to ensure proper certification and long‑term protection.

Once these elements are considered, the layout becomes the most important decision—especially regarding plumbing. Only then should you finalise the materials and finishes that will bring your design to life.

Wallpaper, Tiles or Paint in the Bathroom?

Striped Walls 

A pattern that has always been around for a long time is the stripe with its classic appeal. I generally find black and white striped walls very severe and dominating due to the dramatic contrast.  Here, we have a selection of walls with stripes that demonstrate how the colours and widths of the stripes, combined with the elements in the room, can create a great impact.  It's important to remember that black and white are technically not colours, so the red and white stripes create a dramatic accent for this bedroom. The navy and white horizontal stripes are a stunning addition to an otherwise simple passageway, and the colourful art adds an even greater dimension. It's important to be aware that vertical stripes add height and horizontal stripes add width, so use this knowledge to your benefit. When decorating with stripes, maybe reduce the amount of pattern so as not to clash and compete for a focal point. Also, be a little braver in areas of your home that are typically dismissed and make them stand out. 

Styling with Wallpaper

Avoid creating a statement wall or wallpapering only one side of a four-sided room. Opt for wallpapering the entire room instead of the dated ‘feature wall’ for maximum impact and a finished look. The only time I would use wallpaper as a feature wall would be in a teens  or child's room or a nursery.  However, certain wallpapers can be visually tiring and too busy. These types and patterns are best used above a wainscot rather than on all the walls. Intense wallpapers work well in less frequented spaces, like a powder room with wainscoting. Be cautious with patterns: avoid small prints in large rooms and large prints in small rooms, as a small pattern in a large space can become tiring quickly, and a large print can overpower a small space. Either way, you may become sick of the wallpaper quickly, so choose an appropriate design. There’s nothing quite like wallpaper for giving instant colour and style to a room. If you’re not keen on busy patterns, look for wallpapers with texture, such as grasscloth. This will lend the room an interesting textural appeal.  Remember the base colour should represent the depth of colour in the room, black base - dark room, white base, light room. You have to like colour and pattern to be a fan of wallpaper. 

The Colour Green 

Unique Pendant Lighting 

Beautiful Cushions 

Multi Coloured Rooms 

Be the Artist 

Majestic Marble

Floor and Wall Tiles 

There are four main common types of floor tiles: Terracotta, Quarry, Porcelain, and Ceramic. Each type has different qualities, but ceramic tiles are often preferred for their affordability, especially for large areas. When choosing ceramic tiles, opt for ones with a cushion edge rather than a rectified edge, as they are cheaper and easier to lay.  Other options are Marble, Granite, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Sandstone and Terrazzo.

Tiles are graded from 1 to 5, with Grade 1 being the thinnest and Grade 5 being the thickest. It's recommended to aim for Grade 4. The body of a tile, also known as the bisque or biscuit, should have a light grey base rather than an orange clay look.

Ceramics are man-made to resemble natural stone or concrete, with some having minimal patterns and textures while others have a more pronounced appearance.  Porcelain tiles are also durable and long-lasting, do not require sealing, so no maintenance and are non-porous and stain resistant. Real stone tiles require sealing, are high maintenance, are porous and stain easily and are prone to bacteria and mould.

If you live in a predominantly cold climate, tiles may not be the best option as they tend to be cold. Consider installing underfloor heating, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, where tiles are the best flooring option due to their durability and resistance to staining.

Keep grout lines to a minimum and opt for a soft grey colour that complements any tile colour. When choosing floor tiles, aim for a size that complements the overall design, such as the 600 x 600 tile. Select a tile that harmonises with the existing elements in the space, such as timber, kitchen and bathroom cupboards, carpet, and wall colour, for continuity. Choose a simple finish to ensure the tile doesn't quickly become dated, and ensure the surface has some texture for safety, especially in wet conditions. Some large floor tiles have an arrow impression on the back, indicating each tile should be laid in the same direction to counter any manufacturing edge discrepancies. Cement tiles are colourful, handcrafted tiles known for their high durability. Here, we have a combination of ceramic and cement tiles that work beautifully together. Colour variations are expected—lighter, darker, less or more intensely hued—making each tile unique. Cement tiles are porous, meaning they can absorb liquids and stains if not properly sealed. However, with proper installation and maintenance, including sealing before and after grouting and periodic resealing, cement tiles can last for decades. In moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, the porous nature of cement tiles can be a concern, so consider ceramic tiles instead. Combining ceramic and cement tiles can balance each other out with complementary patterns and plain designs. There is a new tile option now available, and it's a vinyl tile. LifeProof vinyl tiles are highly waterproof, scratch-resistant, and durable for long-lasting beauty with quick and easy application, a real game changer in the flooring world. 

The  Cellar

The Fireplace

Stone Feature Walls 

Luxurious Velvet

Antique Maps 

If you're looking for art with meaning, consider maps. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they also showcase the history of navigation over the centuries as brave explorers ventured into the New World. Maps are perfect for an office, a rumpus room, or a bar and make great conversation pieces. Choose a map with a colour palette that matches your furniture and decor. You can also select a map representing where you live or a country you want to visit. When it comes to framing, you can go for a modern floating frame or a rich gold decorative-style frame – any style will work, as maps are timeless and classical. 

Display Cabinets and Shelving  

Mirror, Mirror

The Colour Lime