Interiors: Bringing the holiday home

Four decor styles to satisfy your wanderlust

Can’t get to those far-flung climes? Bring the travel vibes home, says Gabrielle Fagan. If your holiday plans are scuppered, don’t despair – simply satisfy your wanderlust by transforming your home into your favourite destination instead. We’ve taken a journey through all the latest homeware ranges to find a suitcase-full of stylish solutions for five “faraway” looks.

So forget about your passport and book a ticket to destination decor, which could whisk you away to white sandy beaches and crystal blue seas, coastal coves, sultry, steamy jungles, or even sunkissed California vibes…

1. GO GLOBAL

Bring the sun-soaked atmosphere of tropical beaches and foreign cultures into your living space.

“Rather than being limited to one style, nowadays people are influenced by the global assortment of design,” says Martin Waller, founder of interiors specialist, Andrew Martin. “It’s all about a sophisticated blend of the perfect symmetry of the American look, the magic of African tribal artistry, the serenity of Scandinavia, the heritage of France, and even the individualism of British décor.

“For this reason, I have coined this current decade the kaleidoscope era. Anything goes, and the more unexpected, the better. It allows us the freedom to travel far and wide in our taste and to give a truly international feel to our homes.”

Conjure an exotic atmosphere with a Bemileke Stool, £595, Perplex Display Unit, £895 and African Artwork, price on application, from Andrew Martin (andrewmartin.co.uk).

CATCH THE DRIFT

“Gone are the days of blue and white stripes dominating the coastal decor landscape,” agrees Jane Rockett, co-founder of online homeware emporium, Rockett St George.

“Instead we’re looking to introduce contemporary curved furniture, coral themed accessories and striking oversized shell ornaments.”

“Beautiful shell textures create an instant feeling of tranquility and promise to take your interior on a trip, evoking nostalgic memories of white sandy beaches and deserted tropical islands,” she adds.

2. CLASSIC COASTAL

Bring the sparkle of the seaside into your home by drawing inspiration from classic coastal colours and seashore-themed accessories.

“Classic coastal style is an enduringly popular, but don’t assume it stays the same. In fact, this look is as changeable as the tides,” says Rebecca Heane, cofounder of Cream Cornwall, specialists in the coastal style of the area.

“This means it always stays fresh because it’s constantly evolving to take into account our changing tastes. Currently, the trend is for a fresh, sharp, more pared-back look, still using the traditional blue and white palette and stripe designs but more pin-stripe than deckchair.

“Punchy injections of red are must. My advice would be to keep a scheme simple and edit ruthlessly, so it’s more sophisticated than sea-shanty.”

Reflecting our concern for the environment and our oceans, designers are focusing on sea creatures and marine life in designs, often botanical in their detail, she points out. Featuring these in accessories will give a modern twist to a scheme.