HUE YOU ARE
AUTUMN’S UPON US. FOR MANY THAT WILL MEAN A MAKEOVER AT HOME, AND THIS YEAR’S TRENDING COLOUR PALETTE COULD BE A CHALLENGE
The change of seasons calls for change in scenery – not just in our backyards, but our homes too. Many home owners take advantage of the Easter break to get stuck into some DIY projects.
If you’re guilty of trend-dressing your home, then take a cue from the experts of the design world before you hit the hardware store.
We asked some of the industry’s leading names for their autumn interior trend predictions as well as what the rest of the world is obsessed with in 2018. There’s a few surprises.
PAINT
Deep oranges and burgundies are synonymous with autumnal colour palettes.
While shades of almond, cognac and rust might sound like a 1970s hangover, interior forecasters challenge you to go to ground with your colour palette this season – sans mission brown, phew!
Dulux’s autumn Kinship swatches are inspired by “traditional cultures and folklore”.
Think burnt leaves underfoot, warm terracotta, russet and soft grey-greens with pops of vibrant red with an Eastern influence. In fact, Sage green has been touted by some as the new neutral of 2018.
Team these sophisticated earthy shades with light, cosy neutrals and tribal-inspired textured furnishings – perfect for creating a cocooning and nurturing space as winter approaches. The palette works particularly well with natural material like warm timbers, stone and linens.
GET THE LOOK:
The key is to pair earthen colours with a complementary white or neutral that boasts similar undertones.
This will create a sense of balance, allowing the bold hues to enhance rather than overwhelm a space, says The Design Chaser’s Michelle Halford.
Dulux Natural White, for example, is a warm white that sits beautifully alongside the pinkish and heathery hues of Maiko and Time Capsule, while Dulux White on White is a cooler white.
“Paint the fireplace surround or create an eye-catching feature wall with one of the bolder colours in the Kinship palette, such as Dulux Very Terracotta or Sassy, and keep the other walls soft and neutral,” Michelle suggests.
“Or, for a more low-key effect, pair a muted green such as Dulux Hildegard or Herbalist with a cool white.”
In small doses, these rich colours can have big impact. Consider repainting the front door, the edge of shelving, a storage nook or around a door frame.
Or create a stunning tonal vignette for very little outlay by painting a medley of op shop vessels in similar shades of the one colour and displaying them on a hallway table or mantelpiece.
The one definite with interiors, says Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr, is that they’re always moving forward. “Some trends will remain from one cycle to the next, but closer inspection will reveal that slightly different textures, patterns or undertones are at play every time.
“Paint is such an easy and affordable way to keep your interiors up to date, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone colour-wise can be incredibly fun and rewarding. Best of all, if a colour isn’t what you’re looking for, you can easily change it.”
KITCHEN
In another turn away from white minimalism, charred greys are hot in décor but also in kitchen design. Contrasted against crisp white, black or grey can create a contemporary edge.
Freedom Kitchen’s Susan Hasler predicts the colour-blocking trend in the home’s heart is set to stick around, along with astute use of matt and textured surfaces.
With the influence of open-plan living, the “organic luxe’’ trend in living areas and surrounds is also having an effect in the cooking hub of the home, making these areas truly congruent spaces.
“Expect to see earthy tones and textures used in kitchens in a big way in 2018, creating a sense of raw luxury,” says Susan.
“Cool concrete, warm timber, and the look of natural stone are elements that are right on trend and will lend high end appeal to a contemporary kitchen.
“Combining different tones and textures ensures the look stays balanced, as well as creating visual interest.”
GET THE LOOK:
The latest generation of laminate surfaces look and feel like real timber, but are more friendly on the budget. Try Freedom’s Tobacco Halifax Oak or “textured concrete’’
cabinets available in light or dark tones.
MIXED METALS
Once an aesthetic no-no akin to wearing gold jewellery with silver, design rules have become more lenient in recent times to allow the mixing of metal tones.
A subtle and sophisticated champagne gold can make a fabulous feature of upper run cabinetry, says Susan, while the sheen of platinum is the perfect way to continue the sleek look of integrated appliances.
“Gold, copper and brass sinks, taps and handles have been popular recently, but the latest version of the trend will see a use of mixed metallics in kitchen palettes,” she says.
GET THE LOOK:
“Team your champagne toned metallic cabinets with stainless steel tapware, or brass taps and stainless steel appliances, and still have it all work aesthetically,” Susan suggests.
PATTERNED PLANTS
Inspired by “Jungalow’’ styled interiors of seasons gone by, patterned plants are replacing ubiquitous succulents and those finicky fiddle leaf figs. The patterned varieties bring another layer of texture and depth to your interiors.
GET THE LOOK:
Choose prayer plants, known as Maranta leuconeura, for their striking neon lime and dark green foliage. Another indoor star is calathea.
STYLING TIPS
Interior stylist Michelle Halford, of The Design Chaser, shares her top tips for making these rich, autumnal hues work in your home.
■ Offset rich colours with a soft, complementary neutral to create balance.
■ Introduce furniture and accessories in warm, natural materials, such as a vintage timber console or dresser, rattan chairs, woven lighting and baskets. Bold abstract art, textured wall hangings and plenty of greenery provide the perfect finishing touches.
■ Up the cosiness factor by adding lashings of texture – think oversized knits, luxurious velvets and linens.
■ Seek out cushions and rugs that pick up on the earthy shades and layer them for impact.