Inside style
All the feels
Photography Tracey Scott
Good design should be personal, says Bay of Plenty interior designer Marlene Hudson of Marlene Hudson Design, so surround yourself with the right colours for you.
DO YOU WORK WITH COLOUR A LOT?
Our goal is to help clients transform their spaces, be it at home or at work, into environments that reflect who they are. We ask clients to share the kind of life and atmosphere they want, and then help them make brave decisions. Each project deserves a considered, layered design – and no two projects are alike. I try to avoid cookie-cutter design, though neutrals do find their way into most projects. In terms of neutral options for walls, I lean more towards greens, for their biophilic benefits, rather than beiges.
WHAT COLOURS DO YOU LIKE TO USE?
Colour affects our mood and energy levels. Get it wrong, and you’re bouncing off the walls in your bedroom or falling asleep at work. Once we understand our client’s personality, we create a palette that makes their space a great environment to spend time in. I’m drawn to colours found in nature: lakes, beaches, forests, autumn trees, sunsets and birds. We’re part of nature, so let’s bring those colours indoors. We also layer pattern and texture to create a feast for the senses. I feel it’s vital that colour is used to its full advantage. If we support our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing with our surroundings, we can be the best version of ourselves.
