HIGH STREET HEROES
Tap into a gold mine of stylish on-trend pieces offering great quality at affordable prices in our high street stores. Here, interior designer Andrew Griffiths, chooses his favourites…
Affordable style solutions from our favourite interior designer
DESTINATION STYLE… Quite frankly, who doesn’t love beautiful design at a fantastic price? How often have you admired a gorgeous dress or pair of shoes and rejoiced in the fact it’s from H&M rather than haute couture? It’s often the mix-it-up approach of high street with higher-end fashion that keeps things looking original – the Prada/Primark effect.
Much like the fashion industry, advances in technology mean the world of interiors has become faster paced. Social media makes it easier than ever to see some of the key trends coming through and trickling down to the high street – and that means great design is available for everyone. Inspired by what we see online, we can recreate those looks in our own homes thanks to high street stores and their ever more stylish ranges and reasonable prices. So what’s not to love? These are my favourite shops – the places I go to for my clients – and some of their upcoming design highlights. CARPETRIGHT Carpet doesn’t have to be neutral – a great way to have some fun with it is on a staircase or in a hallway. It’s a space you pass through rather than dwell, so there’s no need to be wary of pattern or colour as you’re not looking at it for hours on end. This new Houndstooth design from Carpetright creates a bold statement to help you feel as though you’re always making a great entrance – and exit! HABITAT This season’s edit is a feast of beautiful, functional design, featuring a range of innovative materials that pack a grown-up punch. They include a stunning green glass terrazzo that incorporates chips of recycled beer bottles for an amazing finish, seen on this Arianne console table, £395, Habitat
HEAL’S The high street is a great place to find handmade artisan pieces. Ceramicist Lucia Fraser serves up some elegant sophistication from her studio in east London with her stoneware pieces decorated with satin glazes. The 70s silhouette of the Shoulder vase is
a particular favourite.
DEBENHAMS
Earthy tones contrasted with palettes of blue set the tone for the best picks of this season’s designer collaborations at Debenhams.
The J by Jasper Conran abstract patterned bedding looks fresh alongside accessories in burnt orange and cobalt blue. Also look out for the MW by Matthew Williamson range, which offers similar blue tones in a more bohemian style, with tassels aplenty for a delicate look.
DFS
If you don’t know exactly what you want, sofa buying can be a tad overwhelming. Which makes the new brand from DFS a welcome addition. So Simple offers a curated range of sofas available to order in three simple steps. The collection is also designed to work for smaller
spaces. My pick is the Mya, shown here in Indigo Blue Velvet.
JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS The output of the in-house design team has grown in volume and quality. Inspired by some of the most talked-about bars and hotels, the Autumn Winter looks are all about making home just as good as going out. They’ve tipped the little black Beckett dining chair as a must-have, with chic black wood and cane in a contemporary 70s look.
H&M
You’ll find a veritable treasure-trove of on-trend, low-cost accessories to perfectly dress a space, as well as a small range of furniture. Seek out warm, earth-toned finishes, chic cushion covers and great quality linen bedding. This super-stylish Bamboo floor
lamp is £79.99, and the Ash coffee table is £149.99, both H&M Home
SAINSBURY’S
My pick of the new season collection is a range inspired by Japanese minimalism and restraint. A palette of slate grey and deep blue, seen across textiles, ceramics and glassware, looks great paired with bleached wood and concrete. A healthy dose of texture and pattern softens the look, with a crewel-detailed cushion a particular favourite. The design team has also paid homage to the Bauhaus centenary with a range popping with bold hits of blue and mustard, and some lovely geometric patterned accessories.
NEXT
The Fusion range at Next Home picks up lots of the on-trend textures that make for an eclectic, natural look – think rattan, cane and buttery leather. New matt black furniture pieces are softened by a palette of warm wood, honey tones and accents of brass, and you can eat smart with the matt black stoneware dinnerware range, £40 for a 12-piece set, Next Home Peacock blue is the hue of the season, looking bold yet elegant in a palette with powdery pink and plenty of greenery. An excellent range of ceramics and cushions makes it an easy look to adopt. Sandford Live Edge dining table, £599, and bench, £299; Morgan chair in Savio Peacock, £249; Paloma pendant light, £59; all Marks & Spencer