Back to black: the A/W 18 interiors trend report

From matt black to terrazzo flooring – what are the new homeware trends that you’ll adopt in your home? Angelina Villa-Clarke uncovers the latest décor coming to a high street near you.

Farrow & Ball’s ‘Railings’

Just like in the world of fashion, new homeware trends are often led by the colours of the season and this autumn is no exception. Inspired by the classic British countryside, moody variations of ochre, sage and grey are key colours, but above all it is black which is set to become a significant shade for the home. Farrow & Ball’s ‘Railings’ – a softer alternative to solid black – is a good choice if you want to introduce the hue into a scheme. “This deeply rich colour has a commanding presence in the room, creating a beautiful backdrop against more traditional or rustic furniture,” says Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at the brand.

Little Greene

“Black paint is used to punctuate a scheme and to give it definition,” agrees David Mottershead, managing director of Little Greene.“It’s contemporary, confident and charismatic. It looks particularly on-trend when teamed with white and feminine pinks.”

Ella James Charcoal Velvet Bedroom Chair

If black walls are a step too far, you can give a nod to the trend with black accessories – matt black crockery gives a sophisticated touch to dinner parties, while an occasional piece of furniture adds a sense of drama. Source black velvet chairs from Ella James, French-style chests of drawers from Argos and statement pendant lights from Umage.

Argos Home Sophia Seven-Drawer Chest

Conia, Black & Gold, from Umage

The Black Calico collection of china from Burleigh, meanwhile, is a subtle addition to any kitchen, and, says the company’s creative director, Steven Moore, “it will transform country casual into cosmopolitan chic. For me, black is the very essence of what Burleigh does – it’s 160 years of history distilled into a new drama.”

Burleigh

For larger investments, a black sofa is a practical and stylish addition. Delcor’s The Duchess range, for instance, looks instantly ‘of the moment’ when chosen in ‘Nero Leather’ or ‘Ebony Wool’. While the Prezzo sofa in ‘Swaffer Marble’ is a subtle interpretation of the colour.

Delcor Prezzo lge sofa in Swaffer Marble

Kitchens can also be updated with slick black cabinetry. Check out local company John Lewis of Hungerford, which offers hand-painted units. A good option is to have a contrasting monochrome colour scheme, such as a black island matched with a neutral kitchen. Meanwhile at kitchen company Burbidge & Son, the company’s market manager, Joanne Emery, says that dark, dramatic kitchens are the latest trend.

Burbidge

“Black is an intense shade that can help create an elegant and contemporary urban feel,” she states. “It’s bold and eye catching, whilst being incredibly luxurious, but can easily be softened with accessories in warmer tones, metallics and light woods.”

Originally used in Italian palazzos, terrazzo is another big style of the season – and not necessarily confined to floors. From lighting to tiling, the speckled pattern will be seen everywhere this autumn. Whether you want to make a bold statement with Graham & Brown’s pretty Terrazzo-print wallpapers, available in different colourways, or reflect it with the odd accessory – the design will look fresh and modern.

Terrazzo Blue, Graham & Brown

Made from different chips of marble, quartz and glass, true terrazzo is then bound in cement and polished to a smooth finish and so it makes for a practical option for kitchen surfaces. For a local source, go to Granite Transformations – its Cristallino range is the perfect reflection of the fashion.

Chair backs and cushion James Hare Terrazzo, Pastel

Meanwhile, known for his on-trend fabrics, James Hare’s new Hatton Collection for Autumn/Winter includes a sumptuous Terrazzo decorative fabric. Saffron Hare, creative director, says: “Terrazzo is a major interiors trend at the moment both in soft furnishings, fabrics and home accessories. Our version has been inspired by the terrazzo flooring in Victorian arcades in and around Hatton Garden.”

TOP TERRAZZO
Light it up with these top three speckled accessories

Tom Dixon Terrazzo Candle

Tom Dixon Terrazzo Candle, from £65, amara.com

Ross-Brown Terrazzo Pendant

Terrazo Pendant, £68, rossandbrownhome.co.uk

House by John Lewis Terrazzo Ceramic Bulbholder Table Lamp

Cobalt Terrazzo Lampshade, from £18, johnlewis.com

For those after a more ‘touchy-feely’ sense of comfort in the home, the good news is that there is a move towards more textural, organic shapes and earthy colours in the quest to create a soothing, calm atmosphere.

Willis & Gambier

From natural wood furniture, like the tables and chairs at Willis & Gambier, to botanical textiles, such as those at
Love Frankie – it’s all about incorporating colours and textures inspired by nature.

Love Frankie Bamboo Leaves Cushion

Nicola Williams, brand manager at Willis & Gambier, agrees:“Light wooden furniture, with soft pops of colour and traditional accessories, can help to create a serene and calming atmosphere that will work beautifully within open spaces. Combine more textural furnishings with soft sheepskin rugs, natural palettes and organic materials to complete the overall look.”

Paint & Paper Library Tresco Aloe Walk

Paint & Paper Library’s Aloe Walk wallpaper, in the Tresco Collection in collaboration with Hugo Dalton, gives a hand-painted effect of plants and flowers with a mural-like finish. While Valspar’s Deep Autumn, Rustic Wicker and Fire Within shades are wonderfully warming and inviting – and work perfectly against natural materials.

Valspar’s Fire Within Paint Colour

KEEP IT NATURAL
Lee Thornley, Founder of Bert & May, gives three tips on the organic trend

Bert & May

Use materials that are natural in both feel and look. Our encaustic tiles are poured using only natural materials; cement, sand and marble. The effect is a raw aesthetic.
Bring the outside in. Create continuity by using the same tile leading from an outdoor space into the home.
Collect curiosities and decorative items as you go. This will mean the look you create will be less contrived and fit with an organic feel.

Finally, it’s out with steel, chrome and silver fittings and a return to gold for a show-stopping look. With a range of gold-finished pieces, such as hexagonal tables and lanterns, online store Amara is a great source for the gilded fashion.

Sam Hood, co-founder and creative director of the shop, says: “Metallic tones such as gold are perfect for brightening up a dark décor scheme. This metallic colour will attract attention to specific corners or areas of a room. Look towards using gold accessories in small doses, such as a bedside table, as this will help open up the space and create a strong focal point.”

THG Paris, Fillmore Basin, Metropolis Tap

Also giving an update on kitchen and bathroom fixtures, gold taps and shower heads give an luxurious finish. Tristan de la Haye, managing director at THG Paris, agrees:“We have noticed that gold bathroom fixtures and fittings are gradually taking over the matte black and chrome finishes which were so popular in 2017, as people move away from minimalism to a more maximalist aesthetic. Rose gold, satin and matte gold are just some the finishes we now offer in our range of bathroom fittings, with some taps are even available with precious stone inlays and Guilloché engraving. It’s all about a touch of opulence.”

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