The star of Selling Houses Australia and expert judge on Channel 9's The Block shares her advice on developing your own interiors style, including finding your personal colour palette. We have two copies of Shaynna's newest book to give away - leave a comment below for your chance to win! 

Which is the starting point for decorating a space – a colour palette, or a ‘look’ or style? Can the two be separated?
 

I have a quote in the book that begins, “Style influences Colour, Colour influences Style…” which means they work together but you will have a different outcome, depending on which you approach first.
 It’s important you look at both separately, and look into the reasons why you are drawn to a particular colour or style to hone in on the right starting point of your interior.



Finding a colour palette you love is central to decorating your home. How long did it take you to settle on your own personal colour palette, and what led you to it?
 

It can take a lifetime to find the right colour palette that you settle on as your ‘key’ base colours, as there are so many stages in our life where our emotions will determine 
what we are attracted to. The colours you love as a teenager, in your twenties, buying your first house and having kids will bring different things into play with what colours you want to reflect who you are. I have played around with lots of different colours and looks in my different houses, and what I love now maybe be different in another ten years. Colour is about experimenting and I love tweaking my colours and the feeling of the house at least every five years.



How do you account for different ages and personalities (hello teenage kids!) when decorating a home?
 

I believe the bedroom is the expression hub of the person that sleeps there and this is where all the personalities should have control of their colours, whether the parents like it or not, as usually the parents have the say in the communal parts of the house.



Do you think an interior can be ‘done’, or should colours and style change over time?

I think the base colours, meaning the flooring, hard surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms become the ‘done’ area for at least 10 years and you should have the flexibility to change accent colours at will. This keeps the interior fresh without renovating constantly.



Are you influenced by interiors trends? How do you incorporate these into your home?


I keep an eye on the trends and their influence comes from the materials that are available and how you can use them. I use what is happening ‘now’ when the look is needed, as in making a house ready for sale, but for a long-term look I tend to stay away from trends as they date.

Are you a fan of a neutral base for walls – and if so, what are 3 of your favourite neutrals?

Neutral is always a great base as if gives you the canvas of ‘freedom’ to change the look cost effectively. I'm a huge fan of Taubmans Crisp White for trims and Trendy (a black) for furniture and some walls. For a more stone neutral, Taubmans Portland Stone gives a soft touch to the walls.



What are three things you think really make a house a ‘home’?
 

A big comfy couch that allows you to take your shoes off and curl up.  A dining table that becomes the hub of the home for conversations, dinner and even becoming the home office and place of homework.  Noise in the form of music, laughter and conversation.

Quickfire questions:

My dream decorating project would be:
 A health retreat that integrates a holistic angle to the interiors that support treatments.
I can’t live without: My family
The last thing I bought for my home was:
 Fresh flowers for the entry and the dining table, I liken them to a little peck on the cheek that puts a smile on your face.
My pet styling hate is:
 Seeing every space of the room filled for the sake of it rather than thinking about how the space is to be lived in.
I’m looking forward to:
 The delivery of my new couch from my Elegant Muse range – it has a huge chaise that fits 2-3 people perfectly. No more fighting over putting your legs up at night!

Images from the book Design with Colour and Style by Shaynna Blaze, photography by Vanessa Hall, published by Viking, rrp #39.99.

Do you have a favourite colour or style? Leave a comment here to let us know for your chance to win 1 of 2 copies of 'Design with Colour and Style' by Shaynna Blaze. Entries close 5pm (AEST) Tuesday 23 June 2015. You must be a member of Temple & Webster to enter, and you may only enter once. We’ll pick our favourite comments and contact the winners via Facebook or email by Friday 26 June 2015. If we are unable to contact the winner(s) within 30 days we’ll pick an alternative winner(s). Good luck!