THE ‘OLD MONEY’ AESTHETIC

Although this originated on socialmedia platform TikTok, where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, it’s probably the one with the most longevity: it may be inspired by Gen Z wanting to imitate an old-money lifestyle, whether or not they live in a stately home, but it’s a look that has cross-generational appeal. Think of it as the interior-design equivalent of the King in a patched up jacket and mended shoes: it celebrates the value in something classic and well-made, rather than consigning an old piece to the skip and replacing it with something new.

It might be giving old curtains a new lease of life by adding a border, or re-stuffing and upholstering a comfortable but threadbare armchair. And if you don’t already have such ready-aged things, it’s easy to find an old chair to revive, or a vintage portrait in a junk shop that could depict an ancestor.

The sustainability element of this make-do-and-mend approach is obvious – and very Gen Z – but it also makes sense on a financial level: vintage and antique furniture and artworks can be picked up at antiques markets and auctions for less than the price of an equivalent, newly made piece, and they’ll instantly give a room a sense of gravitas.

For inspiration, look to the work of decorating firm Sibyl Colefax & John

Fowler, whose founders spearheaded this “easy elegance” aesthetic. In the words of the firm’s joint managing director Emma Burns, “The English country house style they pioneered is confident, warm, relaxed, practical, welcoming and generous, with beautiful rooms that are not disrupted when a dog jumps on the sofa or 20 teenage children rock up unexpectedly to hang out. The decoration doesn’t change for years, it develops, with slip covers on chairs, an eclectic mix of ethnic cushions to perk up existing sofas, and bedside tables piled up with books.”

gRework a fine old armchair with new upholstery to save waste and get the “old money” look; hcurtains can cut energy use – and bills