My Colourful World … with Catherine Robertson

Life & Leisure magazine

Best known for her contemporary romantic comedies, bestselling Kiwi author Catherine Robertson works hard at crafting lively banter and fresh funny lines, with a colourful backdrop providing plenty of inspiration and fun to help fill the pages.

Tell us about your journey with colour.

My mum was very artistic, and one of my earliest memories is of her painting our bedroom furniture in bright colours. I loved her paints too, with all those evocative names, like burnt umber and cerulean blue.

What colours make you sing?

Pink and orange do have a special place in my heart, but every colour can bring joy. Think of a velvety black cat, or the rich purple grey of storm clouds.

I prefer unexpected combinations to matching shades, and love playing around with arrangements of art and ornaments. Our kitchen is painted in Resene Allports and brings a smile to the face of everyone who sees it. That is the power of colour.

My husband Dave is a fellow colour embracer and led the charge on bringing the perky hue of Resene Smitten into our home. When our architect Bonnifait + Associates suggested we have subtle greens, and greys (think Resene Sage and Resene Surrender) for the interior doors and cupboards, Dave was having none of it. He said, ‘Nah, I want something like this,’ and pointed at Smitten pink on the Resene chart. We love it!

What role does colour play in a book cover?

Book covers follow trends, so right now, particularly on thrillers or fantasy novels, you might see dark blue or black backgrounds – moody shades like Resene Indian Ink – with orange, yellow or red highlights.

My romance books are in the typical rom-com illustrative style, with happy colour combos, like pink and yellow to show they’ll be a fun read. Resene Disco for example shouts gaudy and passionate which is perfect!

Any advice for people looking to embrace a bold splash of colour in their own home?

If colour makes you nervous, try it in items you can easily move or change, like cushions or small rugs, artworks, a bright tablecloth, painted plant pots, even flowers in a colourful painted vase. Choose the colours you like, not those that are fashionable.

The Resene website has a great collection of decorating inspiration and ideas and it can be fun to explore what other people are doing, but remember your home is for you, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of it!