Transforming a space can be a somewhat daunting task. It's an exciting opportunity, but then the realisation hits of where to begin decorating. That’s why we’ve enlisted Interiors Editor Rory Robertson to suggest some helpful interior ideas which are clever, achievable and stylish!
1. Decorate with jewel-like tones
Don’t be afraid of strong hues, just be clever with how you use them. Consider using strong colour on architectural details such as doors and skirting, or fireplaces and window frames. You get the hit of colour you crave but avoid living in an overpowering, dark space.
Colour Consultant Judy Smith from Crown says:
“Dark colours are becoming more mainstream – deep magenta or a shot of turquoise can give a room a feeling of luxury and sophistication and works surprisingly well in a small area to give it some grandeur. When using jewel tones, it’s important to balance the space with other colours too. So add in a blue desk or red chair for added oomph.”
And Helen Shaw, UK Director of Benjamin Moore, comments:
" A common concern when painting with dark colours is that the space will feel closed in and small, however this is not the case when carried out correctly. Instead, they can add character and cosiness to a new build property."
Bluebell Sofa in Jade Velvet, £1,730, Sofa.com.
2. Add print and pattern
Embrace ‘traditional’ style pattern and print, it’s actually more popular than you think. Maximalism is right on trend. You just need to look at cutting edge design firm House of Hackney for inspiration. Add pattern to pattern with this decorating idea – more is definitely more! This is a great look for people who want to add instant character to a space and aren’t afraid to make a statement.
Majorelle Wallpaper in Petrol, from £125 a roll, House of Hackney.
3. Bring the outdoors in
Botanical prints and indoor plants are centre stage when it comes to interiors styling. There’s big health and wellbeing benefits to using real, but faux plants look just as good too (great news if you’re not looking to get your hands dirty). Interior Designer Abigail Ahern rocks this interiors look and has a shop dedicated to beautiful faux planting for your home.
Browse faux flowers and plants, starting from £6, Abigail Ahern.
4. Shop smarter and embrace the recycling trend
Penny pinching has never looked so good, thanks to the trend for upcycling and vintage. You’re doing your bit for the environment by recycling and not buying new, and – contrary to what some may think – it can end up looking rather expensive and tasteful. Retrouvious are market-leaders for architectural salvage and reclamation finds. Their projects always demonstrate just how good recycling can look. Visit their website for everything from vintage fabrics, mirrors and chairs, to wardrobes, glass panels and vintage signage.
Visti Retrouvious for reclamation and architectural salvage finds.
5. Get Groovy with 1970s rattan
If you’re thinking avocado bathroom suites and formica then strop right there. We’re not for a second suggesting you re-create George and Mildred’s front room, but we are super impressed at the resurgence of wicker and rattan being used, to great effect we might add, in contemporary interiors. It’s less Lloyd Loom and definitely more 1970s which means it has a fun and playful feel. Conservatories and Garden Rooms lend themselves especially to the use of rattan and wicker, thanks to their outdoor appeal.
Jane Rockett, Co-founder of interior platform Rockett St George, says:
"Originally an essential element of the 70s design scene, rattan has been revived for the modern home with chic simplicity. Lightweight and practical for family living, rattan is one of our favourite long-term trends at Rockett St George and an amazing way to instantly update your home or add texture and warmth to a new build property. Whether embraced in its more vintage form or reinvented with fabulous modern flair, the organic feel of rattan, wicker and woven cane look incredible in dynamic interiors – timeless design and very much a current trend."
Natural Texture Ceiling Light, from £120, Rockett St George.
6. Add Special surfaces, with marble and terrazzo
Letting you in on one of the interior industries biggest secrets – upscale the look and feel of your home with one of these classic stone finishes. Marble worktops and terrazzo-style are a failsafe way of making an interior feel expensive, but alas needn’t necessarily cost the earth. Inject some style with faux-marble finish accessories and marble or terrazzo-look wallpaper and sit back and revel as your guests all mistake it for the real deal!
Marble-Effect Dinner Set, £19.99, B&M Stores.
7. Dress windows, for colour and warmth
Opt for aesthetically pleasing windows, such as the UPVC Sash Windows from Quickslide, making sure your home is cosy and warm. Add a splash of colour with pretty wooden shutters, such as these from California Shutters, or a set of curtains.
Visit Quickslide for UPVC Sash and Case Windows and California Shutters.
8. Go bold, with contemporary feature wallpaper
Geo, floral and surface effect wallpaper add instant detail and interest to unassuming walls and spaces. They can give a room real wow-factor, depending on just how bold you want to be. We love the current trend for geometric print and pattern as it can easily add character to a home. Looking for wallpaper inspiration? Try our friends at wallpaperdirect.com – with a mega amount of options, you’re bound to find something that suits your style.
Rose Gold Reflections, £40 per roll, Graham and Brown at Wallpaperdirect.com
9. Mix up your metallics
Mixed metallics are an on-trend way of achieving a ‘luxe look’ – gold, silver, brass and bronze all bring a certain pizazz to an interior. So invest in metallic pieces you love and display them en-mass at home for an up-market luxe look.
Hexagon Metallic Side Tables, £220, Oliver Bonas.
10. Zone spaces with standout lighting
Feature lighting adds instant impact to a space and creates a focal point for dining areas and living zones. It can also bring much needed interest to often forgotten spaces, such as hallways and landings. In a recent 2019 trend report John Lewis & Partners noted that statement lighting is a key trend especially for living rooms. Chandeliers and pretty pendants are a good option if your taste is more classic, or why not try going for the edgy industrial look for something more contemporary and cool?
Parity Six Arm Pendant Light in Brass, £195, John Lewis & Partners.
11. Statement wall art
Statement art is not just a clever way of adding colour and texture to walls, it’s also an investment. Not only do you get the benefit of looking at pretty pictures, but you can also sleep safe in the knowledge that your art will most likely only go up in value. Now, isn’t that a clever little decorating tip?
Visit King and McGaw for wall art and posters.