Colourful by design 

Last week we promised we would continue this discourse by looking at innovative ways of jazzing up the sitting and dining rooms and if possible, the kitchen for the holidays, but because of the poor reproduction of the photographs, we’ve decided to run it again so you could better appreciate the concept.  So, here goes.

HOW ABOUT doing something fun this Christmas; like playing around with a bit of colour for instance?  According to the experts, colour creates mood, and mood is just what you’re after if you’ve been looking at those same old tired walls and décor and contemplating what to do to spruce up the house some and give it a little oomph.
But don’t worry; with the help of a few choice tips from Better Homes and Gardening, we’ve got just the right ambiance you’ve been angling for all along. So, let’s get right down to it and start with the bathroom.

The watchword here is ‘accessorize’. Many people don’t think of decorating their bathroom beyond putting out a few guest towels. This oversight can result in a white-tiled cell with a clinical feel. With just a splash of colourful wallpaper, a casual mix of textiles, and a whimsical mirror, you’d be surprised how this modest little room can be transformed into something grand. And while you’re at it, it won’t hurt any to add a potted plant or two to give it a bit more lift, and if space permits, a little magazine rack, making sure you stay within the colour scheme.

Next we move to the bedroom, the one area that could do with a bit of limelight, for want of a better word.

Now imagine this same room with exactly the same furniture and accessories — except that the bed frame is stained brown or painted white. Sure, the bedding is chic, and there’s the stylish striped bench, but the space would have no character; no attitude. Sometimes all a room needs is one bold stroke of colour for it to morph from dreary to dramatic.

Still with the bedroom, you might want to go for something that is less loud, but equally as dramatic.  Painting one wall an eye-catching colour, the experts say,  is a fast and effective way to create a focal point. Here, the sweet fuchsia colour on the far wall could have easily turned sickly were it applied to the entire room. But by limiting the violet tint to one wall and contrasting it with the complementary yellow headboard, the bed now takes centre-stage. Notice how the other embellishments such as the figured curtains, contrasting pillowslips and lilac nightstands help play up the colour scheme even more.

And for those who want a bedroom that’s pretty and light; something that will invigorate when one’s awake, yet soothe before falling asleep, how about warm yellow walls that glow with the morning sun, but veer towards gold as night falls, helped in no small measure by the calming effect of shades of lavender and green.

Kitchen Matters…
Go Greek this Christmas (III)
Kourabiethes (pronounced koo-rah-BYEH-thes)are delicious buttery cookies made of almonds and liberally dusted in powdered sugar. A must for any Greek celebration, these sinfully light met-in-your-mouth goodies are especially popular at weddings and at Christmastime, so be sure to make extras because they usually go fast.

INGREDIENTS:
•    700g (1lb 9oz) butter
•    300g (1 ¼ cups) olive oil
•    1/2 cup sugar
•    3 yolks and 1 egg white
•    1 teaspoon baking soda
•    3 tbsp cognac
•    1 tbsp cinnamon powder
•    700g (1lb 9oz) almond nuts, blanched and ground
•    1200g (nearly 10 cups) flour
•    4 cups icing sugar (castor sugar would do) in a bowl for coating.

METHOD:
In a large bowl, beat the butter and the oil with the sugar until fluffy. Stir in the beaten eggs, soda diluted in the cognac, cinnamon and the almonds.

Gradually combine the flour with the mixture, and knead thoroughly until the it forms a dough.
Take pieces of dough and form balls the size of a walnut.

Arrange on prepared baking tray, and bake for 15 – 20 minutes in a preheated oven 180c /350f /Gas 4.
When they are slightly cool, cover them completely with icing sugar (must be thickly coated) and arrange on a platter.