Coral reef

Ultimately, nature is the source of every colour. Why else do we use terms like sky blue, apple green, salmon, and river rock to describe various hues and shades? Nature is also a key source of inspiration when it comes to shapes. Consider the outline of a delicate leaf or the perfection of an egg. Coral is not only one of the year's most sought after colours, it's also one of the year's most sought-after shapes. Admired for its luxuriant tones and its unique knobby profile, coral embodies summer's warmth and natural beauty.

Coral: The Colour

Warmer than pink and cooler than red, coral channels the spirit of breezy island retreats and tropical sunsets. Used on walls, coral envelops a room and provides a lively and stable backdrop that serves to enhance the beauty of many wood furnishings. For example, a strong coral shade such as CIL's, Holly Berry can act as a dramatic foil to fine antique furnishings in a dining room. Paler tones such as Glow by Para Paints can provide just a blush of colour to ensuite and dressing areas. Because coral's range is vast, palest oyster to deepest blush, coral accommodates a variety of moods; always with a youthful exuberance. Because of its warmth, orange-based tones such as coral require cool colours to act as contrast and counterbalance. Blue is a true complementary but blue-greens are ideally suited to balance warm coral shades. If your rooms are ready for an infusion that's as fresh as summer itself, consider one of these delicious shades.

Coral: The Image

This season, coral's image enlivens some of the most engaging fabrics and housewares. Not that this is a new idea. The Rococo period (1720-1760 France) drew heavily on motifs from the sea to embellish the extravagant furniture in favour during the reign of Louis XV. What is new however is the scope of contemporary products that feature the sprightly shape - everything from sculptures to shadow boxes to chandeliers.