Landscape rocking chaise longue by Jeffrey Bernett. Courtesy of B&B Italia
Landscape rocking chaise longue by Jeffrey Bernett. Courtesy of B&B Italia

Trendspotting: Mix yellow and white for a fun spring palette



For an invigorating start to spring, pair the bright hues of yellow with fresh white. Typically associated with enlightenment and happiness, yellow can bring energy, warmth and a sense of intelligence to any space. Together with the sharp, reflective qualities of white – which projects purity, cleanliness and neutrality - it encourages us to clear out clutter. The sharp tones can snap even the dullest corners out of winter and back to life.

There are more shades of white on the market than any other colour. White has long been favoured by ceramicists, and this season porcelain is being cheered up with the exhilarating tones of yellow. The ZiZaRi ceramic bowl from Devereux is a perfect way to start rejuvenating your decor scheme. It's got a lively zigzagged outer surface and a calm ribbed inner one. Pair it with the exaggerated features of the Hidria vases from Italy's Diamantini & Domeniconi to breathe new life into your home.

Yellow is also a mentally stimulating colour, activating memory and encouraging communication, which makes it ideal for study and office spaces. The oversized wooden Lobster pegs from the British designer James Shaw are a perfect way to refresh your desk space. Made from pine and a natural rubber band, they come in a variety of colours, but the yellow certainly stands out.

Also think about injecting the season's sunshine and brisk white tones into tableware. Muuto's Bulky tea set, including teapots, mugs and cookie jars, available at Jones the Grocer, are slightly oversized and expressive in shape and form. The cool, crisp lines of the Coupe tableware collection continue this immaculate interior palette.

Chevrons are appearing more and more in home accessories, having finally made their way from the catwalks, and they work well on coasters, tablemats and cushions. Try the Etsy seller FinePillowCovers for some stunning yellow chevron table runners.

If you're looking for that all-important statement piece, I suggest the fabulous rocking chaise longue from B&B Italia at Mall of the Emirates, called Landscape by Jeffrey Bernett. It is an elegant and modern rocking chair with a removable quilted jacket that is fresh and light in appearance and suitably minimalist for the most modern of interiors.

Don't forget that the appearance of yellow in the garden can also have a stimulating effect, creating a comforting outdoor ambience. In landscape design, use white as a neutral background for other bright colour pops. Why not try a modern yellow plant pot from www.ourhoos.co.uk or Desert Garden Centre?

Anthony Hughes is a trend spotter at Scarlet Opus. For more information visit www.trendsblog.co.uk or twitter.com/scarletopus

W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

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Arsenal 1 (Aubameyang 12’) Liverpool 1 (Minamino 73’)

Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties

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Europe wide
Some of French groups are threatening Friday to continue their journey to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, and to meet up with drivers from other countries on Monday.

Belgian authorities joined French police in banning the threatened blockade. A similar lorry cavalcade was planned for Friday in Vienna but cancelled after authorities prohibited it.

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4