Interior design is like fashion, always changing and the latest favourites are no exception. Whether you’re an haute couture home stylist or simply searching for a fresh faced front room, take your pick from the latest seasonal looks and put your very own spin on them to create your dream décor. 2013 is an exciting year for interior design and the impact of colour and texture is being weaved with iconic themes in an astonishing variety of ways. From strong block colours and bold lines to pastels and masculine tailoring from the catwalk to your home, this season isn’t short of inspiration.
Kicking us off are stripes. This long-standing trend has been reinvented more times than you can say ‘vertical or horizontal, darling?’ Stripes can be over-used so keep things chic with Clockwork Orange style Seventies block stripes on a feature wall or pair with minimalist furniture for a talking point in the room. Extra tip: bold colours set against thinner black stripes or orange and brown for daring lovers of dark wood are core trends this spring.
For the traditional feminine look, think less chintz, more graphic prints. Delicate lilies, rose petal pinks and a dash of lace are the new face of grown-up girly, whilst cream remains the key base colour here. Modernise this look with clean lines in your lampshades and décor as too many frills and flowers can spoil a classic atmosphere. A lovely touch for those who wish to flirt with this look can be found in a feature wall of iridescent green or pink print wallpaper filled with gilded birdcages, foliage or flower motifs.
Masculinity features prominently in modern home design, with 2013 being no exception. Don’t be afraid to strip back and use black for effect. Block black soft furniture, either matte or with a velvet crush, can be set against crisp white for cool monochrome effect. This look can be high-maintenance with lashings of bright white, but dark wood can be used sparingly and effectively for tailored male chic. To top it off, think sandalwood scents for well-placed feature candles.
Eco-friendly design is always a winner and modern builds suit the green theme emerging this season. This look is more slick than hippie chic and gives a sharp alternative to the plush trappings of more exotic trends found in the spring and summer of 2013. ‘Green walls’ harbouring built-in squares of real foliage are wowing dinner party guests, whilst vibrant block coloured furniture and ash wood are complementing one-off recycled art pieces or vases. Recycled and remodelled furniture is an option and the whole style works well with white walls or real wood floorings.
Last but not least, Eastern promises and African treasures are big this spring, with boho carpets and zebra stripes. Pick a theme and stick to it, with Arabian tapestries or the use of gold lanterns against a purple or red hued feature wall. Or think of dark wood and generously curved feature objects, with a shocking dash of animal prints to complement the Sub-Saharan look.
Then get on the phone and get a party organised, because one thing is sure, you’ll have the best looking living space this year. Enjoy!
About the author: Emma Taylor is a blogger for Cushion Couture – the best place to find contemporary cushions online.