Interiors Trend Report: Spring/Summer 19

There’s something invigorating about the start of spring that makes us want to overhaul our homes. Whether you are embarking on a major renovation or just after a tiny refresh, the latest new trends will give you endless inspiration.

The colours we choose to live with are one of the most important aspects of home décor. Last year, it was ‘Millennial Pink’ that had its moment in the spotlight, while grey, of course, has been our neutral of choice for the past few years now. For 2019, things are looking brighter and bolder. Firstly, colour experts Pantone has announced that Living Coral – “an animated, life-affirming shade of orange, with golden undertones” – is its colour of the year.

While a bold, flat orange can look old-fashioned and harsh, coral, on the other hand, is a more gentle shade inspired by the beauty of coral reefs. Crown Paint’s ‘Dance Fever’ is perfect for accent walls or for making small areas ‘pop’, while the more subtle ‘Powdered Clay’, also by Crown Paint, gives more of a pared-back, organic look.

“Coral is an animated and optimistic shade,” agrees Sue Kim, senior colour designer at paint experts Valspar.“Our ‘Flamboyant Flamingo’ paint colour can add a sense of warmth and joy to any room in the house. Reminiscent of the natural world under the sea, it is a vibrant colour which will mesmerise in any area.”

Carrying on the oceanic theme, deep blues, such as dark teal and bold navy, are also on the horizon when it comes to on-trend colours.

Joa Studholme, colour curator at Farrow & Ball, has the ultimate eye for colour and gives her expert advice: “’De Nimes’, like the workwear fabric it is named after, straddles a barrier; it is ultimately fashionable but always feels grounded. A complex blue, it is perfect for those who are wary of moving into a world of colour because it still has a familiar underlying grey tone.”

Meanwhile, a pop of sunshine yellow is the perfect way to lift darker colours and bring a feel of summer into the home. It is also a shade that works remarkably well with many other colours.“There’s been a real shift of people moving towards brighter colours with a clean-cut finish,” continues Valspar’s Sue Kim.“Sunny shades of yellow can work on almost any wall, and, when paired with a crisp white ceiling and skirting boards, the effect is fresh, while remaining current.”

Kit Kemp for Andrew Martin, Wychwood Provencal Yellow Wallpaper

As well as painting walls or using interesting wallpapers, such as Andrew Martin’s yellow ‘Wychwood Provencal’ lacquered wallpaper, designed by Kit Kemp, you can also introduce colour with accent pieces of furniture, such as the Alba Chair in Turmeric Velvet from Sofa Workshop. Window dressings are also perfect for adding a burst of brightness.

Alba Chair in House Velvet Turmeric by Sofa Workshop

“Incorporating tones of coral, yellow and blue allows you to create a focal point in a room while retaining a tasteful aesthetic,” says Mark Carter, director at Shutterly Fabulous. “Shutters have many practical benefits, and opting for a bold hue will work with the light to inject colour in an effective and controlled manner.”

NEW HUES

Vanessa Arbuthnott on how to use the latest colours in the home

• Coral: a lovely Mediterranean terracotta will make a room instantly welcoming.

• Duck-egg blue: this is a calming shade for a living room and works well with yellow.

• Yellow: From deep mustard to bright gold, yellow is such a versatile colour, and is wonderful mixed with cobalt blue or dark grey.

Another trend on the rise is the reflection of nature in our interiors. Tropical prints, botanical wallpapers and foliage patterns are inspired by the great outdoors.

Bringing a sense of the exotic, Sainsbury’s new ‘Urban Paradise’ collection consists of faux succulents, ceramic tableware in leafy palm prints, and decadent barware with rainforest motifs, all at affordable prices.

With its jungle wall murals and palm lightshades, Love Frankie is another treasure trove for finding pieces that reflect the trend. Helen Price from the company gives her view: “The tropical trend features the bright colours of the natural landscape, while leaves and animals provide a key focal point for wallpaper, prints and lampshades. Tropical patterns and tones help to freshen up a home, and give it a fun, modern twist.”

Meanwhile, Little Greene’s latest wallpaper collection (London Wallpapers V) features a range of feathery friends and is based on authentic heritage designs. ‘Carlton House Terrace’, for instance, is a flamboyant peacock feather design, while ‘Brodsworth’ features striking birds and floral motifs, and is based on early-18^thcentury French textiles.

Meanwhile, reflecting the organic shapes found under the sea, is another trend cropping up. Inspired by the ‘Deep Blue’ – ocean motifs are seen across tiles, home accessories and furniture – think fish-shaped bottles, mermaid accessories and mother-of-pearl adornments. For a striking design, perfect for kitchen splash-backs or shower areas, opt for fish-scale tiles in hues of sea-green or deep blue, while furniture with elegant scalloped shaping harks back to the Hollywood-era.

Artisanna London’s range of curvy statement chairs give a subtle nod to the trend. “Featuring elegantly undulating curves, scalloped furniture has had a resurgence over the last year, “ says Jessica Pownall, founder of Artisanna London. “Feminine in design, this style beautifully echoes the glamorous Art Deco era and effortlessly adds a touch of grace to a room.”

Finally, with homeowners wanting more sustainable homewares, there’s a rise in demand for artisan pieces that will add a touch of individuality. New for Spring 2019, is French Connection’s new Recycled Glass collection. Vases and drinking glasses come in an array of speckled, smooth, iridescent and metallic finishes. Each piece is unique and hand-finished by glassware artisans.

Meanwhile, Toast’s new House & Home collection features hand-thrown ceramics by Pip Hartle and tactile linen and wool blankets and throws.

Cassie Davies, director of Room 356, an online store which features independent homeware brands, comments: “Along with their sustainable values, discerning customers are also passionate about buying beautiful, unique and handmade homewares from creative artisans. They are interested in the back story behind the products they are buying. They love to hear about the maker behind the product and the influences that shape their collections.”

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