From habitat highlights - issue 40, my colour inspiration
Interior designer and host of the Resene If These Walls Could Talk podcast, Katrina Hobbs, takes design and colour inspiration from all parts of her life and all the people she meets along the way.
"If I was redecorating my house these are the colours I would use," Katrina says. Background painted in Resene Sea Fog with plate and small vase in Resene Quarter Surrender, block in Resene Grey Chateau, wood trim in Resene Wafer and coral sculpture in Resene Tasman.
How would you describe your personal design style?
“Eclectic elegance” – I love an elegant space that tells a story, and quite often those stories have an endearing eclecticism to them.
What drew you to a career in interior design and styling?
After many years working in film and television, I wanted to explore another passion. Studying interior design was a wonderful outlet to help me express that side of my creativity.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I’m fascinated by both the art and fashion worlds. I often look to European fashion for colour and textural inspiration.
Do you have favourite personal items that you’re drawn to because of their colour?
I have a favourite Issey Miyake skirt, which is splashed with vibrant colours.
I am also a mad book collector (I never quite got my head around a Kindle). I have a good collection of design books that I’m regularly adding to and that I often take colour inspiration from. Some of my favourites are The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles and Details, by Christiane Lemieux, Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style and May I Come In? Discovering the World in Other People’s Houses, by Wendy Goodman.
Issey Miyake skirt
Katrina Hobbs
What aspects of Australia inspired you creatively when you lived there?
Australia is a wonderful melting pot of cultures, each offering a unique take on colour representation. The environment changes vastly from state to state. I was lucky enough to present a travel series throughout Australia and loved experiencing the vastly differing flora and fauna within each place. Mother Nature is always at the top of my inspiration hit list!
What aspects of New Zealand's natural or built environment inspire your colour and design choices?
New Zealand also has a beautiful lush environment, very different to Australia but equally exquisite. I love spending time in the South Island, where there is such a wonderful range of rich and diverse colours.
What do you look forward to seeing in future colour trends?
I love that we’re gently moving into a world where colour is more accepted. Fashion has definitely adopted a more colourful palette and I see more people choosing colour for their homes. There are so many wonderful options out there.
What was the most interesting thing you have learned while hosting the If These Walls Could Talk podcast?
I just love talking to people and finding out what inspires them. Meeting all the different designers and Resene technical and colour experts has been a real treat; each episode is like a masterclass in home renovation. You’ll learn something useful by listening, even if you’re an old hand at decorating! Each person’s journey through design is unique and I love finding out how that continues to grow by talking to such a range of people.
What are your favourite Resene colours and combinations?
I love classic French shades to create a sense of serenity in my home. I’m looking to upgrade my lovely space with walls in Resene Grey Chateau, that touch of blue in the grey is so elegant. I’m going for trims in classic, soft Resene Sea Fog, with a front door in beautiful, sophisticated deep green Resene Karaka.
top tip Take a photo of your colour inspiration. Upload it to the Resene ColourMatch tool to find a similar Resene shade.
› The habitat and Resene podcast If These Walls Could Talk is out now on all major podcast platforms. Find out more at www.resene.com/podcast.
images: Bryce Carleton, Belinda Merrie
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Printed copies of habitat highlights are available from late March 2024 at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.
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