The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Kaleidoscope of global ideas
Can’t get to those far-flung climes right now? Gabrielle Fagan shows us how to bring the travel vibes home
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 sun-kissed California vibes…
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 decor.
“For this reason, I have coined this current decade the kaleidoscope era.”
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).
“Gone are the days of blue and white stripes dominating the coastal decor landscape,” agrees Jane Rockett, cofounder of Rockett St George.
“Instead we’re looking to introduce contemporary curved furniture, coral-themed accessories and striking oversized shell ornaments.”
Classic coastal
Bring the sparkle of the seaside into your home by drawing inspiration from classic coastal colours and seashorethemed accessories.
“Classic coastal style is 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 a must.” 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.
Catch of the day
A few details may be all that’s needed for an injection of sail-away style. Display a beautiful shell, an antique
Rather than being limited to one style, nowadays people are influenced by the global assortment of design
ship’s lantern, a painted wooden boat or carvings of fish or sea birds.
Perhaps you’ve got a special collection of beach treasures collected during holidays by the sea. Place these on shelves or in a dish on a sideboard.
Take a style safari
“Swapping bedlinen for a tropical floral or botanical palm print can instantly update your bedroom for summer and give it a full-on safari feel,” says Jessie Barrell, homewares designer for Sainsbury’s Home.
“Faux or real palms and foliage are