This month, I’ve been inundated with enquiries about redecorating. The arrival of a new year seems to have that effect on many of us – in with the new and out with the old – although in the world of interiors it’s often the reverse; what’s new is actually what’s old.
I always explain to my clients that their interior design style shouldn’t be novelty driven by the latest fashion choices. A fad or ‘catching on’ will often fade as quickly as it appeared, whereas trends have a much longer lifespan and can continue to be fashionable for years and even decades. And don’t forget, a full redesign is too expensive to change on a monthly or even a seasonal basis. But, when it comes to accessories, such as scatter cushions, pictures, throws and candles, they’re easy to source and can be swapped and added quite easily. Chosen carefully, you can pull together a whole new look without breaking the bank.
Be season led You may be in denial, but we’re not even half way through winter, in fact February 2 is the exact halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. So, rather than dismiss the gorgeous wintery tones, embrace them. I’m talking deep reds, aubergine and orange, and as we transition from winter to spring, introduce yellows, greens and fresh, watery colours.
Give your upholstery a new lease of life If one of your most cherished pieces is looking a bit shabby, a quick-fix is to seek the help of a professional cleaner to spruce it up. However, you may want to go ramp things up a little more, in which case, why not replace the cover or the seat pads? By bringing in a stylish fabric in a vibrant palette will not only transform the item but the entire room.
When it comes to what style to opt for, and here we come back to fads vs trends,
Vintage styles continue to take the spotlight this year. My favourites are Art Deco, Modern Retro Chic and for traditional elegance, Victorian. And remember, there’s always room for a modern spin.
And finally, work with what you’ve got It’s often the small details that can be just as dramatic. Dress up a plain lampshade by adding a beaded fringe or a bobble trim, introduce curtain tiebacks, swap different photos into your picture frames, fill a vase with seasonal flowers and dot around a few scented candles, arguably the most fashionable necessity of all.
MY SHOPPING LIST
Wallpaper and paint, littlegreene.com
Rugs, woven.co.uk
Cushions and throws, Designers Guild
Wall art prints, Affordable Arts Fair
Table legs, etsy.com
Ornaments, TK Maxx
Candles, sandybaylondon.com
Lampshade fringes and tiebacks, vvrouleaux.com