PERSONAL PALETTE

On the softer end of the colour spectrum, neutral hues can make as strong a statement as bolder colours and are easily adaptable to any style of home. But there are some techniques to getting it right. In his new book, Artful Home, American designer and artist Josh Young takes us through the houses he shares with his husband Ignacio, and explores what makes an artful interior - the keystones in his artistic and creative approach both in the studio and at home: palette, texture, form, layers and nostalgia.

- JOSH YOUNG

One of my favourite things to do is to lay out a variety of objects and see how their colours work with one another. Observing the way textiles or tubes of paint interact has always intrigued me. Whether I’m in the studio beginning a new painting or sourcing for an upcoming interior project, I begin by establishing the palette. There’s a certain magic that occurs when the right combination results in harmony and balance.

Palette matters. Used repeatedly, a set of colours can become a recognisable part of one’s design DNA. A specific and intentional palette helps to tell a story and create a mood. In my work, I look to neutrals and a monochromatic, restrained arrangement of colour. Regardless of trends, neutrals — off-white, ivory, ecru, tan and brown — are my go-to. It’s a subtle range that feels natural, light and grounded. These combinations are instinctive to me. Identifying my personal palette was key to establishing my own signature look.

As much as I love neutrals, I don’t avoid colour. However, I apply the same discipline and restraint to working with colour that I do with neutrals. Ever the purist, I love each colour to have its own moment — to be appreciated and prominent on its own without competition. For me, adding too much colour to a room creates noise and a heightened sense of visual distraction. I can certainly appreciate it, and I love to visit rooms filled with it. But I can’t live in it. In my home, I use a single shade in a room, allowing it to take centerstage through something as simple as upholstery or paint on the walls. When everything else around the colour is kept more subdued, the colour acts as a neutral.

Colours with meaning