Coloursmith
Journal
August 31, 2021
Adam Nathaniel Furman a visual feast.
Recently we interviewed artist Adam Nathaniel Furman, a unique talent with a refreshing approach - equal parts pleasure, colour, and joy. Known for his approachable and often cheeky designs, his art comes from an exploration of form, colour and ornament. Working with the firm belief that colour both empowers individuals and brings people together.
I love the way you talk about colour as a uniting force for good. That colour unites us. Why do you think that is?
Because it is the most potent form of visual expression, it is the greatest and most immediate tool that a visual artist and designer has to viscerally, instantly affect the body and the mind of occupants and viewers, and because of this, it has always been the primary tool, together with ornament (or in contemporary parlance, “graphics”), in the tangible manifestation of identities, both communal and individual, In physical space. From whole nations with their flags, to protest groups with their logos and colours, to families and their fascinating, strange, and sometimes hilarious interiors, colour is the primary vehicle for expression. This means it both empowers individuals, and brings people together in a non-verbal form of bonding that is just the most incredible and beautiful thing to behold.
For your interior colourwork, what drives your decision to work with a specific palette in a space; do you carry a colour idea or palette around in your mind until you find the right environment to use it or does the space/client come first?
My colour preferences have remained relatively consistent since I was a teenager when I used to paint a lot. However, I am very happy to mix them up in all kinds of different ways, and when I approach a project, there is always a process of developing a specific set of colour combinations and tones with the client. This varies a lot, from on the one hand projects where they say “go crazy, we want wild!” where I will go EXTRA in every way, supersaturation and really wild contrasts, to projects like the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital project, where there was a long design process that looked specifically at the colours and their combinations, and how these would be perceived by hospital visitors and patients in different lighting conditions, which was an incredible learning experience. On projects with private clients, I really do like to have a client that is very involved, and with whom I can have some fun coming up with ideas for palettes with, and I find that when get a great collaborative client like that, I both have fun, and learn a lot each time. So really it is a meeting of the two, on the one hand I have a set of colour preferences, but then I very much modify them and tweak new combinations for each project depending on the client, the brief and the context.
The Nagatacho and The Paragon apartments are such different colour palettes, how did they come together?
For the Nagatacho apartment they came to me via my website, and loved the projects where I had been most liberal with colour. When I first drew up a scheme for them, they were disappointed as they felt it was too restrained. I was still in the mindset of not going “too far” on interiors, and through lots of fun conversations with them, they kind of cajoled me into being more free, and trusting my instincts enough to do a full Gesamkunstwerk in which I fully designed every aspect of the project in glorious technicolour, down to the smallest detail. I feel synaesthesia in a way, and there is a strong connection in my brain between colour, and taste. I don’t know why this is but I have always very much felt colours in a bodily way, and for some reason the client responded really positively when I shared this with them, and I just carried on and we started conversing in this manner. I hope I can do that at some point in the future again. Bristol was different, as it was essentially my first project, and it was difficult to explain or justify my desire to use colour, so that was more of a delicate negotiation for each space, however I don’t think anyone would approach me now in the expectation of being delivered a design in all-greige… thankfully!
Artists like Adam take inspiration cues from a variety of elements and experiences. Coloursmith helps you to bring your own colours to life based on what inspires you (materials, art, or photos, etc.) Use Coloursmith to upload images to recreate an exact colour match and receive a test pot. Order your test pot today.
Related Posts
Inspiration
Tiles bring in a little bit of texture into any room, and they can be as basic or as over-the-top as you like. They are a vital part of decorating your kitchens and bathrooms. Let’s take a look at some decadent tile and paint combinations that are sure to convince you to add some colour and character to your indoor spaces.
These super versatile styles give you room to choose colours to your taste and create a different look. Whether you want to go for a smart and elegant design, create a rustic space, or add a touch of the French provincial style – we have an idea here to inspire you.
On cabinets, walls, your kitchen decor, or bathrooms, you will discover plenty of ways to bring the style of your choice into your space. Get ready to explore eight budget-friendly, classy, and full of character home decor ideas you can try with tiles and paint.
Inspiration
How to choose a colour for your bedroom
Did you wake up this morning and think it is time for a change in your bedroom's colour? There are hundreds of colour combinations to choose from when it comes to two-colour combinations for bedroom walls. We understand the confusion that comes with the wide range of choices. Let’s see if we can zero in on the top two-colour combinations that are trending this year. Whether you want to paint your master bedroom or a nursery, we have something for you here! Before discussing the colour combinations, let’s go over the basics.
Inspiration
What colour is your front door? Is it a front door that still makes you happy each time you enter it? To have your door stand out or not is always a difficult choice to make. Don't forget to think about how the paint colour will look when the door is open, it needs to carry through the house. It is not just a door; it is "The Door". Playful, gutsy, bold, soothing, happy, welcoming, or joyful — whatever be the emotion you want to bring out, there is a colour for your door.
Inspiration
There is one rule of thumb for home design: Personalise. Home interiors say something about the people who live in them. You need to understand the space, have an insight into the psychological effects of your design choices, and be creative when choosing the colours, shapes and textures to best create a cohesive and pleasing environment. It is a delicate balance of art and science.
From paint colour, tiles, flooring, fabrics, to finishes, colour can significantly affect how your home looks and feels. The colour palette is one of the most crucial design decisions. Will a contrasting colour combination beyond black and white work? Does a black granite kitchen countertop go well with a wall covered with white subway tiles? What if I choose a timber wood flooring and pair it with Ol' Buttercup painted walls?
If you are planning to embark on your interior design project, the tips in this article will help you. We're going to explore the basics of design and colour palettes, so you can avoid potential headaches and pitfalls. If you’re planning to move ahead without the help of a professional, you will first need to take the time to carefully research and plan your project step by step.
Inspiration
If it's high time your sleeping quarters received an overhaul, we've got the lowdown on the bedroom paint colours to consider in 2022.
Inspiration
Painting your home can be a joyous experience — it’s made all the better by adding a splash of colour.
Inspiration
Recently we sat down with Taubmans Colour Category Manager Rachel Lacy to discuss her passion for colour as well as her role in creating new colours each year for Taubmans. Our most recent colour range was created with the help of the Coloursmith tools. Rachel leads us through the process that went into the new 2021-2022 colour range Chromatic Joy – from inspiration and concept to creation.
Inspiration
Australia is known internationally for its ‘burnt’ desert and beach landscapes. However, Australians well know about our diverse range of landscapes including lush forests and bushlands. What makes these special are the vibrant native flowers that supply beautiful pops of colour across the seasons. From Australian Wattle to Kangaroo Paw, Desert Flame and more, it is easy to be inspired by the colours of our own backyard. Here are some tips on recreating your own Australian native colour palette.
Inspiration
Your home is an extension of your personality so why wouldn't you personalise as much of it as you can from furniture to accessories and your impactful colour palette.
Inspiration
Camille Walala is a London-based artist that creates positivity, expressed through vibrant colour and bold pattern. Her most popular work is known for explosively colourful, large-space installations in public spaces. A standout Camille signature is tribal pop style with endless energy – ideal for show-stopping public spaces.
