Colour Trend Watch - Autumn/Winter 2012

As seen all over the catwalks for autumn/winter, blue is the key colour trend for 2012. Cobalt blue or otherwise known as Majorelle blue just so happens to be one of my favourite hues. This versatile shade works well with white, grey, yellow, turquoise, it can be invigorating, intense or calming depending on how you choose to use it. Various intensities of this Mediterranean colour combined with different textures create electrifying schemes....  

Inspiration board, interior-ista

Inspirational 'Spice Market' Colours

This inspirational image was taken inside a friends shop at the Spice Market, Marrakech. Some of the natural pigments have been mixed with water creating an interesting transparent display. I just love the colours especially the emerald green, highlighter pink and cobalt blue. 

Dyers Market Marrakech

One early sunny morning I decided to grab my camera and head for the Dyers market deep in the souks of the Medina, Marrakech. It certainly did not disappoint as expected the sights were amazing and it was one of the highlights of my trip.
Scattered around the market were rows of bowls containing natural powdered dyes. One of the guides pointed out to the colours, henna, indigo, mascara, poppy flower, saffron and more that I wish I could remember. What intrigued me the most was that these colours were not what they seemed to be, the guide took a moistened torn piece of paper and dipped it into one of the bowls. The metallic green changed to fuschia pink, the rust turned to cobalt blue amazing.....
After seeing the dying process I was then taken to a roof top and was overwhelmed by the sight of the endless looped newly-dyed wool hanging out to dry on racks in the sunlight.

I hope you all enjoy these beautiful images.....

'Popham Design' Hidden Gem inside the 'Red city'

I have just returned from Marrakech, such an amazing trip but after spending two weeks in the scorching heat I am pleased to be feeling cool again, well just for a while.... 

This exotic place always inspires me and I never tire of the magic that the Medina, labyrinthine souks and Djemaa el Fna square exude.

I decided to spend a few of my exciting days there looking around Moroccan Riads within the Medina, this particular home and the story behind it captured my dreams and heart.

Since visiting this unique property I have discovered through research that it has featured on Design Sponge, Pinterest and other leading interior sites, such a small world although I am not at all surprised given the originality of the creators design and aesthetics.

The 250 year old renovated riad which is situated literally within a mosque is the creation of Caitlin and Samuel Dowe-Sandes. 

This ambitious couple had fantasized for some time about living in an exotic location and starting a creative business. Having previously lived in New York and Los Angeles they arrived in Marrakech originally intending to stay only for one year on a sabatical. Six years later their dreams have become reality, they have forged a life, family and run a successful global tile business in Marrakech. 

After purchasing the riad they were particularly drawn to the geometric black-and-white cement tiles in the courtyard and soon found themselves sketching their own designs 'Popham Design' was born, the cement tiles are hand-made by skilled artisans and take their inspiration from the design duos life in Marrakech.

I also interestingly discovered that 'Popham Design' tiles are available to purchase in the UK from Ann Sacks, an amazing tile company, situated in the Design Centre at Chelsea harbour, London. A place that I am more than familiar with from my old days spent there. 

A truly inspirational story for anyone who wants to follow their own dreams and heart.....

Images: pophamdesign.com, designsponge.com