If last month’s inspiration was all around serenity and prettiness, this month I’m feeling vibrant, energised and alive! {Actually right now I’m feeling pretty exhausted, having had very little sleep and having spent the last few days rushing around at exhibitions, ferrying children to and from dance lessons and so on, but that’s another story for another day}…
Still, however I feel in my body, I only have to glimpse at these colours and my heart sings, my spirits lift and I feel alive.
As part of my new inspirations series I’d like to share with you some of the things that inspire me and fuel my creativity. I hope that in turn, you find them inspiring and that they spark thoughts in your mind.
I’ve long-since admired Tricia Guild‘s flamboyant and confident use of colour. And whilst recently she has gone all pale and tasteful, one of my favourite books is her Think Colour. I only need to look through it and gain ideas for colour combinations, inspiration for beautiful styling and downright energy.
My heart really belongs in this book, and although I couldn’t live in a totally bright, full on home, I do love splashes of colour. We have Tricia’s pink China Rose curtains in our sitting room and they still make me smile six years on. It must be true love.
It was Sarah Raven that really got me inspired about growing cut flowers and I love her bold and brilliant planting styles. They’re not refined, they’re not elegant, but they are confident, vibrant and joyful. I love the way she mixes up her colours, shapes and textures. She’s not afraid to break the rules, she doesn’t always play it safe, and I find that really inspiring.
My husband bought me a flower arranging course at her Perch Hill farm and it was utterly amazing! From the gutsy food, warm welcome and well merchandised shop to Sarah’s easy and relaxed style of delivery. It’s a bit of a trek from Guildford but I will certainly be going back soon…
It’s not just the sunshine and warm weather that have affected the colours I’m drawn to. I’m also feeling like cooking more fresh, healthy and vibrant food at the moment. And Sarah’s Garden Cookbook is never far off my desk. As well as loving the recipes, I love the bold and confident design of this book as well as the doses of colour scattered throughout.
So tell me, do these images inspire you too?
Images: Fiona Humberstone for Flourish
Yes they totally inspire me! I do love a shock of colour. Were the photos taken by you? They’re great!
Totally loving these colours would be great for a wedding, might have to put a little wedding colour inspiration board together…
Gorgeous flowers! I love how you’ve pulled out the tones here – and yes, I also long for a garden like that one.
Thank you for sharing this , the compositions are terribly inspiring! Think colour is a must have!
The photos are beautiful, you are really talented.
Wow! Thank you all for the lovely comments. Vicki, yes the photography at the top of the tulips is all mine – styled, taken etc. The photography of the books is also mine (although of course not the photos in the books ;-0)
Andri so pleased it’s inspired you to think weddings…
Yay! I recognise those tulips too – they made a splash at the Expo on tues as well – gorgeous. I am such a flower lover too – I just have to look at them through my macro lens and my heart sings too. I am also craving a garden full of colourful flowers but for now Kew Gardens will have to do! Great photos and a lovely post as always.
Thank you Rosie. The Macro Lens was all down to you – and now I’m addicted! So thank you (not sure my husband would agree – I am spending lots of time getting to know it)
Beautiful colors and beautiful photographs. So inspiring to see as the weather warms up! I love the type you used with the photos too.
WOW! These colors are gorgeous together! Very inspiring and spring-like. Love it!
Hi Fiona, loved your article on the bright colours and mixes of Tricia Guild and Sarah Raven they inspire me every day. I have created my own garden and school too – have a look at the website!
Thank you. Love your offering. I’m sure I will be booking something before too long
[...] of color and a full color show next spring that will surely impress every one and really please you!Tulips are an exciting spring flower. They have three different bloom times depending on the varie…with other spring flowering plants. This can result in a very attractive and unique display which [...]