b'but also to California, in that we like strong reds, yellowHowever,noteverybodylikesithot.Europeansand greens and bold blues.Australians, for example, prefer more sedate colours, like Shesaysourvegetationandtheocean,inparticular,beiges, greys and pale shades of green, says Judy-Lea. affect our sense of colour.Again, it seems the environment (grey in Europe, desert in Australia) could be a contributing factor. We grow up surrounded by sea, fresh grass and native forests. We have beautiful redspohutukawas, and warm,In Australia, they have an aversion to yellow greens like natural timbers like rimu and totaraand all that shineslimeits too strong for them. They prefer subtle nuances, through in our bold use of colour. Were surrounded bylike jade and eucalyptus. nature and were not afraid to use it.Another element that may explain why colour preferences There are many public spaces in New Zealand where andiffer from country to country is natural light. In New edgy, naturally inspired colour approach is evident. OneZealand, the light is clean, clear and bright, compared istheMinistryofEconomicDevelopmentsfunkyin- with highly populated and industrialised countries, with house staff caf fed@med in Wellington, where powerfultheir polluted atmospheres, where more sedate palettes greens, Paci c blues and reds in bold, geometric shapesare generally more popular.dominate thetout. Similarly, Jasmax jazzed up WestpacOurcoloursenseisalsoinspiredbyour by extending the orange-red of the banksPolynesian connection, which is intrinsically logothroughouttheinteriors,earth-bound and features strong, colourful givingitamodern,crispanddesigns.TupuYouthLibraryinOtarais contemporary look. a beautiful example of a Paci c-inspired interior, featuring Polynesian artworks on the walls, woodcarvings, desks covered with tapa cloth, and a blue carpet with a Paci c design.| 59'