Celia Bernardo, the renowned fashion designer behind the Celia B label, is a master of infusing her spaces with a vibrant and whimsical touch. Her home in Oviedo, Spain, is a testament to her unique style, blending her travels, vintage finds, and a deep appreciation for color. In this article, we delve into her journey of transforming her 100-year-old home into a colorful sanctuary, offering five insightful tips that anyone can apply to bring a burst of color into their own living spaces.
A Home Filled with Meaning and Memories
"My home is my sanctuary," Celia shares. "It's where I keep all the treasures I've collected over the years, each object holding a special meaning and memory." This sentiment is evident in her design approach, where every element has a purpose and a story.
Preserving History, Adding Color
The house, a historic building from the 1920s designed by the renowned architect Manuel del Busto, already boasted stunning features. Celia's goal was to preserve the original design while infusing her signature colorful style. She chose a light Farrow & Ball yellow for the day room, a bold move that set the tone for the entire renovation.
Celia's Five Tips for a Vibrant Color Scheme
- Start with the Kitchen: Celia suggests beginning with the kitchen as a starting point. "It helps you envision the space as a whole," she explains. This room can be a great canvas for experimenting with colors and creating a cohesive theme.
- Mix Cold and Warm Tones: According to Celia, the key to successful color combinations is mixing cold and warm shades. However, she makes an exception for green, blue, soft pink, and red, which she believes work beautifully together. Farrow & Ball's color palette is a favorite of hers for achieving this harmonious blend.
- Restore and Repaint: Celia advocates for restoring second-hand furniture by painting it in different hues. "Furnish each space little by little, buying only things that you fall in love with," she advises. This approach adds character and a unique touch to your home.
- Dining Table Decor: Bring color to the dining table by incorporating fun tablecloths, napkins, candles, flowers, and vases. Celia believes that these small details can make a significant impact on the overall ambiance.
- Ignore Seasons: Celia challenges the notion of designing interiors based on seasons. "All colors look great regardless of the weather," she asserts. Her home, located in the north of Spain where it rains frequently, serves as proof that her colorful choices transcend seasonal trends.
Personal Touches and Intuition
Celia's renovation process was a blend of careful planning and intuition. "I picked the rest of the colors by instinct," she admits. "It wasn't easy, and I had moments of self-doubt. I even considered repainting the entire house in white at one point." This process highlights the importance of trusting your instincts in design, as Celia's unique choices have resulted in a home that truly reflects her personality and style.
In conclusion, Celia Bernardo's approach to adding color to her home is a testament to her creativity and unique perspective. Her tips offer a starting point for anyone looking to inject personality and vibrancy into their living spaces, proving that color can be a powerful tool for self-expression in the home.
