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Jo-anne Naylor, Artisan Fabrics

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In this changing economic climate, it is important to choose prudently, ensuring the longevity of our new home interior purchases. I have highlighted below some relevant trend movements that will help provoke awareness.

ECLECTIC LOOK

Due to the increasing speed of changing fashions, most of us have purchased items to service a short trend period. Now people are looking for things that will last, and classical items are now acceptable next to contemporary pieces. This eclectic trend, mixes contrasting items with plenty of interesting nick nacks, and is inspired by our increasing awareness of the importance of recycling. The minimalist look is being phased out!

COLOURS

Grey I am witnessing a new dark neutral emerging, to trade with the chocolate. The colour is grey, and in hues from charcoal to pewter. This is a colder colour so don’t choose a grey with a tint of blue, and use carefully! Just try this with calming pistachio green and warm mushroom neutrals, it looks great!

Jewels Mix jewel colours together like amethyst, jade and sapphire.

Heathers Mulberries, heathers and dusky pinks with flax coloured neutrals are going to be even stronger next autumn.

Dusky Coral This shade can neither be described as a pink or a peach, it is a pastel colour and is usually on a sheen or pearl product, mixed with ivory and coffee.

PATTERNS

Large bold florals will soon seem gaudy as the patterns and colours calm down, so be careful when choosing wallpaper for a feature wall! Linear shapes and patterns will gradually become more established.

DESIGN TIPS

Ideas for updating your home:

• Cushions are a great way to spruce up your rooms, mix contrasting textures & shapes and Oblong cushions are the new shape and will make quite a statement on your bed or sofa.
• Coloured bathroom suites are coming back in vogue, so bear this in mind if investing in a new bathroom suite!
• Change your neutral walls from magnolia or white to a stone, putty or mushroom coloured neutral.
• Kitchens need stronger contrasts between nature and man made materials, like dark grained wood surfaces with Gloss white doors.
• Restore vintage furniture refurbishing with new fabrics, and fill up your shelves with interesting objects from the past.
• Replace your old pictures with large canvases or re-frame your old favourites.

Ultimately home interiors, are designed for our personal enjoyment and a means of expressing ourselves, so happy decorating this winter!

Author: Jo Naylor  | 18/12/08   |   Guest Designers  |   Home Decor Ideas  |