TRENDING NOW AND FOR EVER
These beautiful looks will bring your home up to date for the new season and beyond
Interiors updates that will stand the test of time
Mid-century elegance
With a focus on form and function, mid-century modern design is characterised by architectural silhouettes that bring a refined presence to a room. Pieces of furniture created in, and inspired by, the era are known for their clean lines, smooth textures and innate design gravitas. For timeless examples that are well worth the investment, consider iconic brands such as Eames, Knoll and Ercol (whose sofa, shown here, is a classic of the genre and was first created by the brand’s founder in 1956). The simplicity of the designs can help create a serene space, especially when paired with neutral colours, natural materials and carefully curated accessories.
Originals Studio Couch with Ash frame, upholstered in Kvadrat Remix 223 fabric, £4,495 as shown, Ercol at Nest
Floral fancy
As delightful in autumn as they are pretty in springtime, florals are a perennial trend and a go-to for colourful, uplifting spaces. Sticking to two main motifs (ideally one large and one in a more delicate design) will create a smart, considered scheme, as pictured above with prints from Jane Churchill’s latest collection of wallpaper and fabrics. Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match, though — combining a kaleidoscope of different patterns can create a charmingly eclectic look when placed against a backdrop of bold colour. Floral prints can make a feature out of architectural details, too, so consider papering panelling or below a dado rail for a fresh look that neatly pairs pattern with colour. Panelling in Nerissa wallpaper in Yellow, £58 a roll; chairs in Piper fabric in Red, £58 a metre, and sofa and cushions in Emile fabrics, £61 a metre, all Jane Churchill at Colefax and Fowler
Modern rustic
Laid-back but with more than a hint of luxury, the new country aesthetic artfully blends the handcrafted with the elevated. In the dining room, tap into the trend by combining rustic wicker mats and artisan-glazed plates with crisply starched linen napkins and delicate-stemmed glassware. For pieces that match the look, browse the elegant tabletop collections at The White Company and the crockery, cutlery and dinner candles from independent brand Rebecca Udall. Perch displays of freshly picked garden flowers and foliage in odd numbers along the length of the table for a pretty finishing touch. Rustic table runner, £50; napkins, £40 for 4; glassware, from £30 for 4 wine glasses; seagrass placemats, £16 each; table mat, £20; Portobello dinner plates, £12 each, and side plates, £10 each; Symons cutlery, £165 for 24 pieces; candleholders, from £20 each, and other accessories, from a selection, all The White Company
Green with envy
As the desire to blur the boundaries between our inside and outside spaces continues, green paint is experiencing a burst in popularity. Depending on the shade, the colour can feel energetic, cocooning or relaxing. Brighter tones, for example, work well in social spaces like the kitchen and sitting room, while less saturated hues will create a relaxed feel in areas dedicated to rest. In spaces with lots of natural light, a radiant shade like lime or mint will create an uplifting feel, while darker spaces will benefit from more muted tones, such as olive and sage, which don’t dominate. Try the paints at Paint & Paper Library and Little Greene for extensive, but expertly selected, options. Larder cupboard in Garden satinwood paint, £37 for 1L, Little Greene
The new island life
The island is an enduring part of kitchen design, but today’s version does more than just provide an extra countertop. If you’re renovating your space, choose a design with lots of drawers (ideally deep and tall enough to hold plenty of pots and pans), enough room on the counter for a secondary hob, sink or hot water tap, and, if you have the space, a breakfast bar. This will make tidying up, cooking and entertaining much easier. If the layout allows, consider installing a built-in dishwasher or wine fridge, too. Try the experts at Martin Moore for luxurious bespoke options or consult a local design specialist to find out what can be achieved in your space.
Kitchen created by Essex-based interior design studio An Artful Life (anartfullifestudio.com). For similar accessories, try Heal’s
Art of Zen
Bedrooms should be soothing spaces that inspire feelings of calm. To create a retreat that feels as decorative and pretty as it does tranquil and relaxing, focus on gentle colours and indulgent textures. Combining soft pinks with turquoise shades is a contemporary twist on the trend for pairing pink and green. Layer cushions and quilts in these colours, from rose and blush to teal and cerulean, for a sumptuously dressed bed. Velvet and wool are ideal fabrics for these in the chillier months, while linen and cotton are more breathable options for spring and summer. For your sheets, invest in a set that will work well all year round – try the Egyptian cotton from Soak&sleep.
Bed in Emile fabric in Dark Aqua and cushions in Dark Aqua, Peacock and Soft Pink, all £61 a metre, Jane Churchill. For similar bedding and accessories, try The Conran Shop
Home office chic
The ‘hotel at home’ trend is all about bringing a sense of indulgence to the everyday. That doesn’t just mean luxurious sheets on the bed or a particularly fluffy robe to wear after a soak in the bath – why not upgrade your study area, too? An elegant lacquered desk, a smart velvet chair and a statement lamp will bring a five-star feel to any home office. For a polished look, use a matching pen pot and in-tray and keep surfaces as clutter-free as possible. Don’t forget your stationery: elevate your correspondence with the beautiful writing paper at Smythson and keep organised with Papier’s range of personalised notebooks.
Channing desk, £1,950; Caprice chair, £695; Ripple table lamp, £395; desk accessories, from £38, and rug, from a selection, all Jonathan Adler