The jewel in the crown

From the Resene colour inspiration – latest looks gallery

Taking a trip to India can be nothing but inspirational.

A visit to the land of maharajas, medieval forts, palaces and festivals, Rajasthan is the jewel in India’s crown. What we would call a boldly courageous use of colour, is simply the everyday in India. Colour, texture and a rich history weave a beautiful tapestry of ideas and colour that are sure to inspire... Amber creates three looks to get you inspired…

Ideas to steal

• Create a gallery wall. Don’t be afraid to mix up colours and media, photos and painting all work beautifully alongside each other. When it comes to colour, more is more in India!!! And with a linking theme, such as nature or flowers - you are sure to turn a bland space into the most inspiring space in your home.

• Instead of cut stems in a vase, try flower heads floating in a shallow bowl. This was evident everywhere in India, often using Marigolds or roses. It is a great was to experience flowers, or utilise a few fallen blooms from the garden.

• Long lines of matching potted flowers lined the hotel and palace walkways, a beautiful way to decorate and this idea can be bought indoors too.

• Mix up some vintage pieces in a bold colourway alongside newer pieces of furniture. I am in love with these Indian shutters from Madder and Rouge.

List A – colours & accessories: Wall and pots painted in Resene Wax Flower, skirting in Resene japonica. Indian Shutters, Madder & Rouge. ‘I Need You Here With Me’ 900x900mm, acrylic on canvas, by Carmel Van Der Hoeven, Turua Gallery. Killick floor rug, 2x3m, Freedom Furniture.

List B – colours & accessories: Wall and pots painted in Resene Wax Flower, skirting in Resene Japonica. Moroccan slippers, Madder & Rouge. Arch room divider in Blush, Made of Tomorrow. Rattan daybed, Me and My Trend. Killick floor rug, 2x3m, Freedom Furniture.

On wall clockwise from top left: Floral painting, by Georgina Hoby Scutt. Flower Markets, India, Amber Armitage. ‘I Need You Here With Me’ 900 x 900mm acrylic on canvas by Carmel Van Der Hoeven, Turua Gallery. “Eva” (right) and “Dovi”, oil on board, 380 x 300mm, by Kirstin Carlin, courtesy of Melanie Roger Gallery. ‘Rising” 340 x 340, oil on canvas, Selena Kitchen. Floral painting, by Georgina Hoby Scutt. Untitled on canvas, Selena Kitchen.

On day bed: (left) Maison Levy cushion, Madder & Rouge. ‘Canvas’ fabric in Nude by Mokum, James Dunlop Textiles. Brass cup, bell and plate, and floral throw, stylist’s own treasure from India.

Ideas to steal

• Ideas to steal Celebrate the beauty of your morning Chai routine (or coffee) by creating a personalised space to enjoy each day.

• Bring an element of old world charm into your home with earthy tones and natural fibres to add a sense of history.

• Add texture to your paint work by trying a drybrush effect, this works well with a two tone wall.

• Cluster collections of bottles and objects you have collected from your travels to make a personalised display.

• Portraits are huge in India and give a real sense of connection and history, this is a great way to bring personality into your home

List A – colours & accessories: Wall painted in Resene Cumin (bottom half) and Resene Whiskey Sour with Resene Cashmere dry brushed over the top. Rhys Entertainment Unit in Natural Teak, Freedom Furniture. From left: Metal photo frame, H&M. Large jug, Tony Sly. Vintage Earthenware crocks, handmade pottery jug; Flotsam and Jetsam. Modern bud vase, Tony Sly. All else stylist’s own.

List B – colours & accessories: Wall painted in Resene Cumin (bottom half) and Resene Whiskey Sour with Resene Cashmere dry brushed over the top. 50 x 50cm Marmoleum Modular flooring in Black Hole, Forbo Flooring Solutions. Rhys Entertainment Unit in Natural Teak, Freedom Furniture.

From left: Metal photo frame. Large jug, Tony Sly. Vintage Earthenware crocks, lidded and unlidded; Handmade pottery jug; Repurposed vintage stair balustrade candle sticks, beeswax candles; all from Flotsam and Jetsam. Modern bud vase, Tony Sly. Kilim runner; Kilim cushion; and Vintage foot stool, Old brass preserving pan (on floor), all from Flotsam and Jetsam. Maison Levy cushion, (on chair) 50 x 30cm; Madder & Rouge. All else stylist’s own.

Ideas to steal

• Add more detail to your walls, bring back the details with panel walls and wallpaper and decorative linework.

• Go Plush! Adding velvet fabrics and marble accents really add a level of sophistication to a space.

• Use one main colour, and wrap the room in this for maximum impact.

• Think about shapes and repetition, the rounded coffee tables stacked create an extra level of interest. Then the circular shape is repeated in the planter box and wallpaper details...

List A– Wall in Resene Moby and details in Resene Alabaster. Wallpaper panels in Resene Wallpaper Collection 433234. 50 x 50cm Marmoleum Modular flooring in colours Stardust and Black Hole, Forbo Flooring Solutions. Arch Lean Mirror in Pale Grey, Fold Arch Planter Box in White, Made Of Tomorrow.

List B – Wall in Resene Moby and details in Resene Alabaster. Wallpaper panels in Resene Wallpaper Collection 433234. 50 x 50cm Marmoleum Modular flooring in colours Stardust and Black Hole, Forbo Flooring Solutions. Fold Arch Planter Box in White, Made Of Tomorrow.

From left: Podio side table (left) Pila Accent table side table, both from Freedom Furniture. Bud vase in milk, Tony Sly. Fleur de Lys Light Blue Glass tumbler, set of 4; Maison Levy Flamingo cushion, 50 x 30cm; Hand printed cotton light shade, all from Madder & Rouge. Stella chairs in Petrol Blue velvet, Me & My Trend.

Styling by Amber Armitage. Photography by Wendy Fenwick. 2018