When it comes to creating the perfect ambiance in a home or developing a brand identity, few elements are as crucial as colour. Ness, a product designer, knows this all too well. In her pursuit of the ideal shade for her lounge, she and her partner painted the room three times before settling on the perfect white. This dedication to finding the right colour isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about evoking the right emotions and setting the tone for everything that follows.
“Colours make people feel things and can bring a product’s personality to life,” says Ness, reflecting on her journey. Whether she’s designing for her home or developing a brand, Ness emphasizes the importance of colour in conveying a specific mood or attitude. “You really need to think about how you want people to feel.”
For her own brand, That’s It, Ness chose bright, bold colours like Resene Hashtag, Resene Pursuit, and Resene Morning Glory. These vibrant hues were carefully selected to express the brand’s fun, cheeky, and upfront personality. In contrast, for the Three Sticks brand, Ness opted for a more neutral palette, using natural shades like Resene Half Sea Fog to create a calming, luxurious feel. This thoughtful approach to colour selection underscores the power of colour in shaping perceptions and experiences.
The process of finding the right colour extends beyond brand design and into the heart of our homes. Just as Ness experienced with her lounge, choosing the right shade can be a trial-and-error process, but the results are worth the effort. The right colour can transform a space, making it feel more inviting, comfortable, or energizing, depending on the desired outcome.
Beyond her work in colour and design, Ness also shares her passion for other creative pursuits. She recommends a variety of podcasts and books that inspire her and keep her creativity flowing. For those interested in true crime and investigative journalism, she highlights Melanie Reid’s gripping series about the mysterious death of a young boy in Gore. Reid’s thorough and thoughtful investigation makes this series a must-listen for anyone interested in uncovering the truth behind the headlines.
Ness also finds inspiration in the world of finance, particularly through the podcast The Curve, hosted by Kiwis Sophie Hallwright and Victoria Harris. The podcast breaks the stereotype that money conversations are boring and male-dominated, offering a fresh, humorous take on topics like ethical investing and cryptocurrency. “If you want a podcast that’s both educational and humorous, The Curve is for you,” Ness says.
For those with a love of history, Ness recommends Black Sheep, a podcast that delves into New Zealand’s past through the lens of its most notorious villains. The series brings historical events to life with voice actors and expert commentary, offering a unique perspective on how justice was served—and how these figures might be judged today.
In the kitchen, Ness turns to Anna Jones’s cookbook Easy Wins, which offers fresh and modern takes on vegetarian food. The book is centred around 12 hero ingredients, each explored in depth to bring out the best in flavour and texture. Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, Ness believes this cookbook will have you looking at everyday ingredients in an entirely new light.
Ness’s approach to design and creativity is a testament to the importance of colour in our lives. Whether you’re painting your lounge or building a brand, the right hue can make all the difference, transforming not just a space or a product, but the emotions and experiences that go along with it.
Explore the importance of colour in design with insights from a product designer who found the perfect white for her lounge after three attempts. Learn how colour transforms spaces, brands, and emotions, with recommendations for podcasts, books, and a must-have cookbook.
