Category: Trend Stories
Journey to Japan
Quiet luxury, wabi sabi, and craftsmanship perfected over centuries: the design traditions of Japan are at the forefront of spring’s new collections.
Wild Appreciation
Flora and fauna have long been ubiquitous in interiors, but it's nature's most spectacular and exotic creatures that are currently leaving the biggest footprint. Whether it's big cats prowling through lush jungle foliage, monkeys perched in trees or parrots in flight, these animal-themed designs are about pure escapism, transporting us to far-flung places. Classic animal prints such as cheetah and …
Home Heritage
Renewed interest in heritage from a younger generation of decorators means that the past has never seemed so forward-looking. Inspired by a mix of innovation, tradition and British daring, interior designers are creating eclectic schemes that mix historical references with bold modernity – reflecting changing lifestyles but keeping one foot anchored in tradition. All this is helping to invigorate those brands …
Keep it Natural
Embrace the bounty of the earth, from the rattan revival to wood, sisal and stone, to bring an authentic yet refined element to a space. Layer fabrics in cotton and linen for an informal yet chic look that is suitable for all seasons, and appreciate the crafted nature of hand-woven materials that add additional texture. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ‘Amasura’ wallcovering …
In the Green
One colour dominates this season's palette. Watch as shades of green – from leaf and olive to teal and jade – take root, offering a deeper connection with the world around us. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ‘Fontaine et Animaux Baibouillage’ wallcovering (FP568003), Pierre Frey. ‘Landmark Pure’ exposed thermostatic shower set, Samuel Heath. Paint on frame: 'Poison’, Zoffany. ‘Satara’ rug, emerald, Jacaranda …
All in the Mix
This year, it’s all about a sophisticated cosmopolitan charm, with some eclectic touchpoints when it comes to inspiration. Layers of vibrant colour and rich materials speak of history, travel and craftsmanship. ‘Captain’s Chair’ upholstered in (94-557) fabric and ‘Irish’ stool upholstered in (94-561) fabric, Baker. ‘Artisan Cushion’ (2786-02), Sahco. ‘Honoré’ dining table, Oficina Inglesa Furniture. ‘Blob’ lamp, evergreen, with ‘BGL’ ‘Bongo’ …
The Great Escape
Design takes an escapist turn this season. This global outlook is long and languid, saturated in golden-hued warmth and exotic influences that evoke journeys to far-flung locations. From left to right: ‘Hub’ dining table, Christophe Delcourt at GMR Interiors. Vintage silver-plated table lamp and 19th century chaise with wicker, both Birgit Israel. ‘Peggy G’ sofa, Ceccotti Collezioni, upholstered in ‘Taxus’ fabric …
Hook, Line and Sinker
This season takes a dive beneath the waves, bringing attention to the colour, life and beauty of the blue planet. With mesmerising sea creatures and spectacular ecosystems that exist underwater, it has never been easier to take the plunge. Above, left to right: ‘Nova’ table lamp and ‘Asian Turtle Shell’, both Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam Ltd. ‘Leda’ armchair in ‘Estelle’, …
Colour & Context
Looking for the bright side? Sunshine yellow makes a fine combination with tropical teal and green – with maybe a punch of purple? Fortune favours the bold… Above, from left: ‘Blade’ ottoman, upholstered in (9455) fabric, Thomas Pheasant at Baker. ‘duVal’ yacht chaise and cushion, McKinnon and Harris. Fabrics on chaise: ‘Sintra’ (N9012251002), maritime and ‘Palmetto’, (N9012260001), mineral, No.9 Thompson at …
The Rich Mix
This year, it's all about a sophisticated cosmopolitan mix: layers of vibrant colour, rich materials and eclectic points of inspiration speak of history, travel and craftsmanship. Above, left to right: ‘Big Foot’, Nicholas Haslam Ltd.‘Giove’ round mirror, Porada.‘Gargantuesque Sancy’ tie-back, cardinal noir, Watts of Westminster. Sofa upholstered in ‘Nouvelles’ fabric, vagues, Dedar.‘Aviary’ lantern (CL51-LAN), Bella Figura.‘Leo’ side table, Christophe Delcourt at …
Sophisticated Combinations
Mustard meets indigo: look to opposite ends of the colour spectrum to create a scheme that hums with energy. Above, from left to right: ‘Hanford’ ceramic table lamp (CTL0070) with ‘Ikat’ shade, yellow/blue, Vaughan. ‘Vendôme’ buffet, Hugues Chevalier at Marc De Berny. ‘Quadrat’ lamp and 'Bongo' lampshade, Porta Romana. Ceramic vase, Wunderkamer at Miles x Bookshop. ‘Roma’ nesting table (BA9253), Baker. …
Ravishing Gardens
Get some fresh air to sooth the spirit. Germinate pretty flowers and lush botanicals in shades of mint and aqua – with a hint of pink to prettify the scene still further. Above, from left to right: ‘Sugar’ armchair, Julian Chichester. Textured vase, Wunderkamer at Miles x Bookshop. ‘Hughes’ dining table, Arteriors. ‘Phenomena’ floor lamps, flamingo pink/gold and mint green/gold, both …
Invest in the Best
Look to invest in pieces where creativity and craftsmanship meet. It’s all about the maker’s passion for detail. From left to right: ‘Frank’ lounge chair, by Vincent Van Duysen at Sutherland Perennials Studio. ‘Le Coupe’ occasional chair, J. Robert Scott. ‘Koi Carp’, Alexander Lamont at Miles x Bookshop. Books, Potterton Books. ‘African Pot’ table lamp, neutral, with ikat cotton shade, Vaughan. …
Freedom of Creativity
Take cues from the free-spirited approach to colour and pattern that is in the ascent. Fantastical birds and beasts emerge from dark grounds; and citrus shades contrast with teal and forest green. Above, from left to right: ‘Calle Stella’ side table, Rubelli Casa at Rubelli/Donghia. ‘Triennale 2’ sofa (12105), Rubelli Casa at Rubelli/Donghia. ‘Carmen’ ottoman, Flexform. 'Saybrook' pendant, Oomph at Nina …
Into the City
Strong architectural shapes give interiors an urban edge, with a greyscale palette that makes it easy to combine a wealth of different textures, materials and prints. It's authentic, understated and refined. Above, from left to right: ‘BB’ chair, Rubelli Casa at Rubelli/Donghia. ‘Embrasse’ tie-back (PIN021), marzapane liquirizia, Dedar. ‘1940’s Kuper Horse’ lamp, Birgit Israel. ‘Loubes’ bench, Paolo Moschino at Nicholas Haslam …
Colour Crush
Amp up the optimism: decorators are expressing hope and energy via joyful brights. Train your eye on surprising and sophisticated colour combinations, and pair them with exuberant pattern and sculptural silhouettes for a multi-sensory approach. Above, from left to right: ‘Rouche’ trimming (Pin 019), Dedar. ‘Temple House’ sofa, pink, Miles x Bookshop. ‘Rngeen’ rug, Tim Page Carpets. ‘Trittico’ occasional tables, Porada. …
Heaven on Earth
An earth-toned palette of clay, rust-red and burnt orange creates instant warmth. Add contrasting mineral blues and forest greens to balance out the hot hues, with burnished gold and brass to up the sophistication. Above, from left to right: ‘Magi’ day bed upholstered in ‘Elegance’, col 942, Flexform. ‘Cascade’ cushion, (CAS04), clay, with black trim, Evitavonni. ‘Kando’ side table, Marc De …
Make a Play with Colour
From a punchy bright pink to watercolour-inspired pastels, colour brings out the playful side in an interior. These moodboards offer two takes on the trend. Left to right, top to bottom: ‘Bound Together’ fabric, 02, Pollack at Altfield. ‘Jaipur’ fabric (19538/962), Etamine at Zimmer + Rohde. ‘Lindos’ (2233/08) fabric, No.9 Jim Thompson at Jim Thompson. ‘Surin’ fabric (SC077-02), Sheila Coombes at Brian …
Leaves & Flowers
Flowers and foliage are bold and bright – ready to be mixed and matched for a scheme that explodes in to life. From left to right: ‘Soft Sandy Silk’ rug (101736A) rug, Stark Carpet. ‘Violante Lodo D’Oria’ vases, Miles x Bookshop. ‘Trivento’ bath and ‘Florin’ taps, Victoria & Albert Baths. ‘Delphine’ rug, Topfloor by Esti. ‘Eaton’ small ottoman (1M061) upholstered in …
Mother Nature
Bring nature indoors with birdlife – feathers, eggs and all – and other native creatures. A soothing palette of duck egg, turquoise and soft grey brings calm, serenity and comfort. From left to right: ‘Gesso’ vase with handles and ‘Gesso Seated Bird’, both Julian Chichester. ‘Deco Monobloc’ lever basin mixer, silver, Perrin & Rowe. ‘Satin Nickel' finial (F298), McKinney & Co. …
Tobacco & Tangerine
Look to opposite ends of the colour wheel for a scheme that's harmonious yet invigorating. Dark orange, rich brown and layers of blue are cocooning and autumnal, with bold prints, textured leather and hair-on-hide bringing a feel of 70s sophistication. Main image: (KBVB D15) coffee table, MKV Design at Decca (Bolier). ‘Collage’ wall light, Porta Romana. (SO103) lounge chair, Summit Furniture. ‘Sculpture …
Serenity Calls
What could be more calming than blue and white? The colours of sea and sky are as refreshing as they are timeless, given a modern kick with strong geometrics, textural depth and a glimmer of metallics. Main image: ‘Kaloon’ club chair, Marc De Berny. ‘Luna’ console, Ceccotti Collezioni. ‘Chrysalis’ tile (12), Ann Sacks at West One Bathrooms. ‘Madrid Star’ tile, Artisan of …
Green Scene
When times get tough, make the house a haven. Embrace irresistibly tactile textures to add depth and comfort; deep forest greens, teal and turquoise create a tranquil, nature-inspired mood. Main image: ‘Pebble’ side table, copper, Birgit Israel. ‘YBU’ dining table, Christophe Delcourt at GMR Interiors. ‘Diamond’ table lamp (TL703) with 13” Tall Drum shade, Bella Figura. ‘Hutton’ club chair, Ensemble London at …
New Dimensions
Geometrics look particularly bold in shades of grey with shots of acid yellow and mustard. Three-dimensionality is key: textured weaves, hair-on-hide and illusory prints bring a visual complexity to a limited palette. Main image: 'Club' floor lamp, Nina Campbell. ‘Barrique’ side table, Reflex at Chaplins. ‘Murani Dotty’ vase, Birgit Israel. ‘Adda' sofa, grey, (Elton 1677) with cushions in (Ernest 342), (Elton 1677) …
Blushed with Success
Soothing blush pink and dusky lilac work surprisingly well as neutrals, grounding an interiors scheme, making metallics stand out and and acting as a foil for sultry blues and darker purple. Main Image: Table lamp (01), Magic Circus at Poliform. ‘Jewel’ drum table (BB3384), Barbara Barry Collection at Baker. ‘Egos’ lounge chair and ottoman upholstered in ‘Sun Bear’ (30028-017), Rubelli at Rubelli/Donghia. …
Cultural Developments
Ethnic prints, basketwork, tribal sketches and intricate beading mix ancient techniques and avant-garde ideas. ‘Raku’ ceramic, Birgit Israel. Fabrics in vitrine: ‘Kasbah’, de Le Cuona. ‘Basket’ pendant ceiling light (CC016HT25), Nicholas Haslam Ltd. ‘Black Ceramic’ table lamp with black shade, Birgit Israel. ‘Vic’ table (11K70), Flexform. ‘Milena' chair, upholstered in 'Jazz' fabric (FFCMIL70ST), Le Manach at Pierre Frey. Wool pom-pom samples, …
Strong Outlines
Geometrics reinvent themselves, again: this time, crisp black outlines and clean sculptural silhouettes are the shape of things to come. ‘Fold’ dining table (MR4537), Darryl Carter Collection for Milling Road at Baker. ‘Aztec’ candelabra, Francesco Della Femina at Passerini. ‘Rex’ chair (50002-52), Donghia at Rubelli/Donghia. ‘Diamond’ table lamp and shade, Best & Lloyd at Fromental. ‘Coppelia’ pendant, Moooi at Chaplins. ‘Cecily’ dining …
Excavate The Past
Become a design archaeologist. Uncover the romantic treasures of the past to create timeless and eclectic interiors. ‘Chloe’ drink table (CHLO-T) and ‘Dublin’ lounge chair (DUBO-CH), both Holly Hunt at Fox Linton. ‘Oto’ dining table, Gallotti&Radice. ‘Danish’ copper candlesticks, Birgit Israel. Fabric on table: ‘Faceted Silk’ (6094/05), Pollack at Altfield. ‘Felino’ vase, Armani/Casa. ‘Stayman’ candlesticks, Remains Lighting. Wallcovering on left hand wall: …
Chemical Reaction
Furniture, lighting, textiles and wallcoverings that call to mind molecular models, radio waves, labware and a general air of experimentation: this is where science and design get put into the melting pot. ‘Grand Eaton’ chair, (50028), Donghia at Rubelli/ Donghia, upholstered in ‘Lisbon’ fabric (TC097863), Armani/Casa at Rubelli/ Donghia. White vases (PLFBRO1) and (PLFBRO2), Poliform. ‘Isola’ shelving system, Gallotti&Radice. Finials (F285), McKinney …
Precious Metal
Satisfy your appetite for subtle glamour. In homage to artist Gustav Klimt, gold brings a new jewel-like illumination. ‘Tree Of Life on Abaca’ hand painted panel, Sabina Fay Braxton at Alton-Brooke ‘Capiz’ wallpapers, Brian Yates ‘Facets’ table lamp, Black & Key ‘Intuition’ dining table, Koket (KO-Intuition) at Passerini Selection of hardware, The Nanz Company ‘Bolla’ table light, smoky, Porada. ‘Walter’ table, Birgit Israel. Set of three …
