HIGHLIGHTS: Colour and texture personalise furniture, but it takes know-how. Times photo Jackie Russell.
Scouring through interior design books and magazines may provide some insight into the secrets of harmonious décor, but nothing beats hands-on experience with an expert. And after the gloomy winter months, it’s often motivating to give homes much more than a spring clean and leaping into a full-on makeover is called for.
To give people the confidence to try something new, Carol Hobson from Amazing Interiors is again hosting her Amazing Mondays interior design and decorating classes. Prominent interior designer and tutor Sylvia Sandford will be at the Pakuranga design studio for the six-week programme that is structured to help people resolve problem spots in their homes.
The core principle of Amazing Mondays is to share knowledge with participants who will learn how to work with things they love, rather than creating a beautiful but impersonal space. Carol says Sylvia will combine all elements of interior design, including room by room furniture, colour and combining old with new.
“A lady at a previous course had a strong impression of what her home was like but was agonising over making changes,” says Carol. “She brought in samples of fabric and carpets, and we discussed them. Amazing Mondays give people inspiration and it’s great to bounce ideas off Sylvia.”
Even Carol, who lives and breathes interior design, is inspired during Amazing Mondays and continues to learn from Sylvia. She loves it when Sylvia plays around with the arrangement of items, or even makes up a bed differently and everyone can see what works, what doesn’t and why.
Practical painting techniques will be included to reinvent old furniture and participants will experience the fun of getting their hands dirty. Carol’s inspirational showroom in Ben Lomond Crescent provides plenty of furniture and accessories for students to play with.
• For more information or to book a place, phone (09) 576-8190 or email Carol2dec@gmail.com.
