Where To Wear
As we become increasingly sophisticated in our tastes, the glamour of the high street is coming to a home near you. With a wider choice and an increasingly style-savvy public, our houses are now making statements to rival the wardrobes of the most up to date fashionistas.
Green:
There are 40 shades to choose from, so there’s no excuse for side-stepping emerald fever. It’s a trend that anyone can do since its such a versatile shade with so many variations that it’s virtually impossible to have a colour scheme where it won’t fit in.
The options for green in the home are endless. As a starting point, consider what shade you prefer, subtle khaki or zesty lime? An array of contrasting or clashing shades shows a keen and unusual eye. Think about the other pieces in your home and be careful that you are matching the tone of the colour with the style of your home.
Black:
Black is perennially in vogue with those in the know, and now its moving into our homes where the minimalist look once reigned supreme.
This look depends on precisely how brave you are and how dramatic you want to be. Strike an oh so baroque note by papering a wall in black paper and setting it off with a black rug, accompanied by furniture in smouldering dark woods. If this look is a little heavy for your home, opt for a neutral background and go for a host of glamorous accessories in black. Increase the drama by choosing products in beautiful, high shine materials – crystal, glossy lacquer and leather are all perfect for making the most understated of colours stand out and add instant class to a room.
Flowers:
Flowers can either be funky in bold bright patterns or pretty in gentle, girlie designs.
Never has it been so cool to bring the outdoors in. Floral print fabrics are perfect for bed linen, curtains, throws and cushions; try this seasons colours for an easy interiors update. When it comes to wallpaper, you’re spoiled for choice. Paper a feature wall, panels in a door or the inside of an unexciting cupboard that needs a lift. For the quintessential teaset floral patterns are a must, and a dull dinner table is easily dressed up with a bold, climbing sylvan motif.
Lace:
With the advent of the vintage look and the popularity of white in both winter and summer came a love of old fashioned lace, crochet and broderie anglaise. Less Little House on the Prairie and more Sex and the City, this is a soft feminine look that will pretty up your home and give it a romantic feel.
Be it a spindly lace design or the fabric itself, the subtle charm of this vintage trend climb beautifully over accessories and soft furnishings. Make vases and light shades delicate in trickles of pretty patterns. Cream and white are the best colours to carry it off with, though black gives it a little edge. Try a lace effect stencil to add interest to plain walls.
Metallics:
No more a cheesy 80’s colour scheme option, shots of bronze silver and gold are all a most welcome addition to both wardrobes and homes.
Add instant glamour with a glitzy metallic flash just don't go OTT or your home will look like a spaceship. This one is best left to accessories and some choice items of furniture. Lamps and vases will look sleek and shiny and create a bright interesting focal point among the less attention grabbing pieces that dress your home. Shake the look up with unusual accessories such as a gold Buddha. Make shelving less functional and more fabulous by going for some streamlined shelving in brushed stainless steel or get a full-on industrial look with some school-inspired locker units.