Interiors Trend Report: Autumn / Winter 2019

A new season is the perfect time to refresh your home. Take note of the latest interior trends and you can be in-step with the most creative designers. From crafted accessories to glamourous furniture, here I reveas the newest ideas with staying power.

Taking its cue from a Japanese style of living, schemes that embrace a simple yet elegant look have an enduring appeal. Warm up a pared-back design with the layering of textures. Think: minimalism with heart. Chunky knitted throws, sheepskin rugs and copper lighting juxtaposed against white floors, the palest pink walls and neutral linen sofas add cosiness and interest.

Powdered Clay emulsion from Crown Paints

“Wabi-sabi is the Japanese philosophy based on the acceptance of imperfection,” says Judy Smith, Crown’s colour consultant. “It’s very much of the moment. Chalky tones of clay and soft pinks make a palette that is natural, championing the imperfect and the handmade. The final look is minimal but characterful, with colours blending into each other in total harmony.”

Regal Select matt paint on the wall by Benjamin Moore

For added warmth, use slate grey, petrol blue and the lightest ‘mist’ green on walls, doors and skirting boards. Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select and Aura paint colours offer a range of on-trend hues to choose from. Meanwhile, light shades of flooring create an airy and open feel.

Amtico’s Signature Mansion Weave vinyl flooring

“White-washed or lime-washed floorboards makes a room appear larger,” says Sarah Escott, Amtico’s design manager. “They reflect the natural light from outside onto the ceiling. If the room décor is kept minimal, white floors will enhance textures and colours, providing the perfect bright background.”

Water Lily Vapour Wallpaper by MissPrint

Calm influences
Rebecca Drury, co-founder at MissPrint gives her top tips

* Chalky colours can create a sense of tranquillity.

*Natural textures, such as a knitted throw, provide a tactile quality.

*Embrace natural light – perfect for creating a bright, airy feeling.

The Monochrome paint collection by Paint & Paper Library (note the black ceiling)

Giving a sophisticated finish, launching this month is Paint & Paper Library’s new Monochrome paint collection. It includes six nuanced pairs of black and white shades, which is fitting with the minimalist approach. Marketing director, Ruth Mottershead, explains more: “Many of the world’s most elegant interiors, old and new, have used black and white colour schemes to achieve maximal impact with minimum effort. In truth, it’s a disarmingly simple principle, and the considered, subtle combinations in the ‘Monochrome’ colour card avoid any unpleasant, harsh contrasts of pure jet black and bright, brilliant white.”

The Harper turquoise velvet sofa from Sofa.com

When it comes to living rooms, keep your space looking effortlessly chic by decluttering, investing in one or two pieces of statement furniture that you love, and opting for built-in storage.“For pared-back styling pick one or two complimentary colours to bring your scheme together. We have some great core hues, such as our deep Midnight Blue and softer mid-grey Shadow, and from there you can add gorgeous pops of colour to add interest,” advises Vanessa Hurley-Perera, chief product officer at Sofa.com.

Meanwhile, Zoe Stewart, decorative bed linen buyer at John Lewis & Partners, says that the look is perfect for bedrooms. “We look to muted colours in the bedroom not only to reflect our personal style but also to influence the way we feel. Go for warm and bright hues which can be incredibly energising,” she says.

Adam Black, co-founder of Button & Sprung, also advises how to create a minimalist look that adheres to an Eastern philosophy. “A zen bedroom will make use of natural daylight and colours will include light, bright tones with soft neutral walls, and upholstery in natural hues.”

Perfect for a cosier feel, the classic English country house has long been a source of inspiration for designers. Roaring fires, thick rugs and well-crafted furniture are homely and welcoming. Modern schemes are combining these with silver stag head motifs, quirky botanical prints and sage green and mulberry colourways.

Tasha Green, director of Weaver Green, which makes handwoven rugs and textiles made from recycled plastic bottles, says: “Country house style represents an ease of living in classically-inspired interiors. It’s about beautiful things being used in a relaxed way. It is not about the latest fashions, but instead there is a focus on well-crafted furniture, lovely textiles and stand-out lighting that can stand the test of time.”

Giving a practical – and attractive – focal point is a wood-burning stove, a nod to the imposing fireplaces of old. For a contemporary look, opt for a brightly-painted finish, like those available at Arada Stoves. “Fires have been used in the English country home for as long as people have been living in buildings. It’s not just the warmth of a stove that makes an indoor fireplace so appealing – it’s also the smoky aroma, crackling sound and warm light,” says Jon Butterworth, sales director, Arada Stoves

Mix and match

Interior designer Joanna Wood on how to achieve English country style

Use a mixture of floral fabrics, botanical prints and embroidered textiles.

Opt for a patterned wallpaper inspired by the English countryside, such as woodland scenes or wildflowers.

Mix up furniture. A Chesterfield sofa next to a wingback armchair, in a different fabric, gives an eclectic feel.

Finally bringing a hint of decadence, the final big trend is inspired by a refined glamourous look – think: pewter, marble and velvet blended with Art Deco lines, fringing and iridescent finishing.

Farrow & Ball’s metallic wallpapers, which include sumptuous damasks, geometrics and delicate florals, are perfect to achieve the look, as are Sofa.com’s deep-velvet armchairs and sofas.

Offering an edited range of opulent furniture, as well as an interior design advice, Juliette Thomas, director and founder of Juliettes Interiors, suggests: “pairing luxurious seating, upholstered in exquisite fabrics, such as velvet and nubuck, with contrasting console tables made in the finest materials for a rich finish.”

Soft carpet underfoot adds to the plush aesthetic. Elements London’s collection of premium carpet designs form the ideal base for the glam trend. “The beauty of a neutral carpet is that it allows you to be as creative as you like your furniture. Our TEKSILK composition also feels super-soft underfoot,” saysGregory Powley-Lynch, operations director, Elements London.

Add in statement lighting, like that at Pooky, a bold piece of art and a curvy sofa, like those at The Sofa and Chair Company, to pull the decadent look together.

Nicola Bissoli, head of interior design at The Sofa & Chair Company, suggests: “To achieve a glam look, it’s important to create a focal point in your scheme. This could be a sofa or armchair, in a bold colour or rich texture, such as velvet, a statement chandelier or even a large piece of artwork.”

“It is the exuberant Miami nightlife that defines this look,” rounds off Martin Waller, founder and creative director of Andrew Martin. “Elaborate Art Deco shapes meet sunset oranges, pinks and the flash of neon lights. Just glorious!”

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