COUNTRY DECORATOR
The colour of shells and sunrises, flowers and feathers, coral brings a warm blush to spaces. Interiors expert and stylist Sara Bird delves into its appeal, with ideas for using this shade in your country home
FEATURE SARA BIRD
Associated with spirituality, coral tones are some of the most therapeutic hues in the colour spectrum. Full of positive vibes, they rouse energy and awareness as well as promote wellbeing and protection. The amber traffic light might tell us to slow down and be aware, but this shade also allows us to register and reflect.
Linked to faith and protection, the Romans adopted coral to ward off evil. To this day, Hindus credit the colour with reflecting purity, while Buddhists visualise it for insight.
In nature, the colour appears when shellfish are cooked, which releases the orange-tinted astaxanthin pigment. It is also present in ochre soils, rich with pulsating but poisonous red realgar crystals. The Romans used these minerals to create paint pigments and dyes.
Popular in interiors, versions of coral have been named as the Pantone Colour of the Year. The current, Peach Fuzz –avelvety gentle hue – replaces the earlier iteration, the more-animated Living Coral.
WAYS TO USE CORAL
Country conversations Coral colours in nature represent ripeness, indicating the perfect berry or a picking from the orchard, and draws the harvest to aclose with abotanical show of colour. As such, shades of coral are agreat way to shift the look of aroom through the seasons. Try changing throws and cushions from pastel peaches in spring, through to warm apricot in summer and red-tinged tones in autumn.
Positive vibes Closely linked with wellness, coral colours make aroom feel happy and comforting. They suit anywhere that we want to feel welcomed, and are as effective in social areas as they are in solo spaces. Acoral colour in aliving room is engaging and heartening, while prettier peaches can settle and ease in abedroom or bathroom.
Mother nature Linked to protection and care, paler coral colours are frequently associated with the young or those who need shelter and security. The gender-neutral nesting hue is often found in nursery or child-friendly spaces as it has soothing tones. It also suits being used in tonal schemes, where the colour intensity can be built up gradually –an ombre coral feature wall brings the sunrise to any space.
Well-balanced Coral shades can give us the opportunity to check in on our mindset. Linked to calmness and composure, the shade suits rooms in which we relax or renew, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. But it is also useful in busy or potentially stressful spaces, such as ahome office, utility room or laundry. Here, adash of this revitalising colour can remind us to take time out from work and monotonous routine.
Raring to go In its most vibrant nuances, coral brings are
