Livingetc Magazine

29 May 2014

Colour is such a buzz word right now in interiors, but this month we wanted to give a big shout out to that perennial decorating favourite: white. Guaranteed to create a sense of space and freshness, whites are relatively easy to work with and can be just as dramatic in a room scheme as a rainbow of vibrant hues. What’s interesting in 2014 is how neutrals are being incorporated into homes as backdrops and contrasts for bolder statements and edgy design rather than the dominating theme of a space. Just take a look at the shiny metallic tiles in the white kitchen report (page 125) or the industrial vibe of Jacquie and Dian’s South African house (page 104), both of which rely on whites to balance the mood and – in the case of the kitchen – avoid any hint of bling. Also in the issue, we’ve flung open our doors and ventured out on to balconies, terraces and into gardens to bring you inspiring ideas for exterior spaces with an emphasis on low-maintenance solutions (page 133). my own patch has been no-maintenance for far too long, so this summer is definitely going to be the year it gets some love – and while I might not run to a fully functioning outdoor kitchen, I’m tempted by the lushness of a living wall. I just need to throw in some white paintwork as a foil! Suzanne Imre, EDITOR