Colour my world

I love bright colours. I know this might come as a shock to most of you who know me, but it's true. Despite my habit of swaying towards a black canvas when it comes to my staple clothes, I love bursts of vibrant colour and try to include some aspect of it into my outfit at every chance. Some days it's through chunky accessories like bracelets and earrings, but on most days, it usually translates across through the scarf that's draped around my neck.

Even as I look at my outfit as I write this, I can't help but laugh -- dark blue jeans, black boots, a black sweater, black hair pulled back into a ponytail, and a white scarf with green and orange flowers on it.

Lately I've been spending a lot of time thinking about my own space. Literally, of course -- I'm talking about my very own humble abode. I'm imagining what I'd be like as the interior decorator for my own life, and wondering whether my personalty would translate through my décor and designs.

My shoebox in Seoul didn't leave much room for negotiations. I had one rectangular room that acted as a kitchen/bedroom/closet/office/living space. But I often laid in bed and imagined what I'd do if I had a bigger space. Would I stick to a neutral canvas and highlight it with colourful accessories (like my daily uniform)? Or would I be bold and actually add colourful splashes to the walls and living spaces?

Well, I'll let you be the judge of my thoughts. I was recently going through my computer and came across a folder titled 'Casa Inspiration'. Here are some of the images I found inside it. I guess the name speaks for itself, eh? These are some of the inspirational pieces I've held on to for my Someday Casa, stemming mostly from Indian and Moroccan designs.

I love these colourful cushion covers, inspired by the beautiful mirror and embroidery work that's native to Rajasthan -- India's desert oasis. I feel like these cushions can add bursts of colour to any space. And you can never have too many cushions!

And this lovely mustard yellow colour for an accent wall...

Sigh! Just type 'Indian decorations' into Google and check out the colourful melange that comes up.

I'm biased to warmer tones because I can trace my past all the way over to the ambiances of India's eastern coast. To this day, when I think of spatial comfort, I draw upon visions of sun-kissed rooms with vibrant splashes of colour in the drapes, the furniture and the linen. I long for open spaces where breezes aren't left out because they're cold, but are invited in because they're warm and familiar.

So when I conjure up images for my ideal comfort space, I can't help but smile when I see these.

I think if you left me alone in any of these spaces, I'd be quite content. It's simple luxury, isn't it? Throw some colour into a setting based in nature, and you've got such elegant beauty.

And with that, my tropical heart wins once again over my nostalgic brain... which, mind you, is still thawing out from this brutal Canadian winter.

What inspires your ideal space? Do you go for comfort, clutter or nostalgia? And do you prefer bright, bold colours to neutrals, or rather, the other way around?

xo

Images courtesy of Google Images