Seasonal touches

A complete revamp may not be necessary, or even affordable, but these days, designer ranges are often replicated on the high street. And more purse-friendly ranges make following new trends, and refreshing jaded summer rooms, much easier.

“People are now just as aware of interiors trends as fashion trends,” says Linda Holmes, from online furnishings store LuxDeco.

“Generally, we’re more style-savvy and informed, and realise room schemes can become as stale as wardrobes, unless they are revised and updated occasionally. It can be fun to ‘tweak’ a room, by introducing a statement piece, a different or more fashionable wall colour, or simply having a mini-splurge on lamps, throws and cushions.

“We’re lavishing attention on our homes, and that’s reflected in an ever-increasing enthusiasm for colour and pattern, and a focus on detail, no matter how small, from cupboard handles to curtain tie-backs.”

Holmes highlights that luxury — in materials and textures, gleaming metallics, craftsmanship and rich shades, from berries to deep blues — are key players in the autumn/winter collections.

Celebrate the change of season and create a sanctuary fit for hibernation.

Natural materials and beautiful craftsmanship are the essential ingredients of what’s been loosely dubbed Scandi-style, and it’s a look we’ve taken to our hearts.

Calm, uncluttered spaces, pale blonde woods, and subtle hints of nature in wall panels or accessories conjure a pared-back scheme, that this season is more streamlined than the rustic of last year.

“Our Modern British collection takes the classic Windsor furniture aesthetic to a new level, looking at different materials and construction, and using different techniques within that construction,” says Campbell Thompson, senior furniture buyer at Heal’s.

“There are so many brilliant designers and makers who are inspired by past designs, but interpreting them in fresh, contemporary ways. It means we can all have heirlooms that we’ll treasure for their skill and beauty.”

Heal’s is renowned for championing design, and its Whitstable collection by Mathers & Hirst has classic oak pieces. Rectangular dining table, £1,795, high stools, from £195 each, and four-legged chairs, £245 each. Katie Walker’s Windsor Rocker, £2,295, is a new take on a classic.

This style is so appropriate to Habitat’s sleek, urban cool approach. A Lumen Ash Sideboard, £995, is a beauty, and a Lansbury Wooden Floor Lamp, £90, transcends the ordinary, with slim tripod-style legs that have been dipped in green.

Conran’s ranges for Marks & Spencer consistently impress. The Hornby Desk, £499, and Mackenzie Chair, £279, are two of its latest gems, perfect for a home office.

Glamour and opulence are taking centre stage this season, and elegant furniture, lighting or even a few elaborate accessories, conjures this sophisticated setting.

“A classic contemporary look is, by definition, a timeless style,” says Linda Holmes at LuxDeco.

“Silhouettes should be tailored and combined with refined finishes and tactile textures. And last but not least, pay attention to details, whether subtle buttoning on sofa backs or pops of colour in silk cushions. Investment pieces and harmonious colour palettes ensure this look never dates.”

It’s worth visiting online company LuxDeco, even if the prices are daunting, because simply looking at awesome collections and settings can inspire. Suzanna Sofa, £3,450, an Event Coffee Table — Chrome, £2,095, and Veronica Console Table, £2,200.

If you’re hooked on glamour, Biba’s latest collection for House of Fraser is a little more understated that the previous range — and all the better for it. Biba Garbo 2 Drawer Chest, £399, and Biba Clara High Arm Medium Sofa, £1,199. Accessorise with Biba Stripe Monochrome Vases, from £45, and Cushions from £30.

Black always looks elegant, and both Julien Macdonald and John Rocha are championing it in their new Debenhams ranges. Macdonald’s Star collection includes glasswear, with wine glasses from £7, and a Designer Black Faceted Mirror, £150. RJR.John Rocha’s latest collection features a Designer Dark Grey Beaded Flower Felt Cushion, £32.

Colour’s a big story, as we want our homes to be decorative sanctuaries that speak volumes about our taste, and demonstrate our growing decor confidence and knowledge.

“Get fruity is the message this season. After all, what better way is there to liven up a lacklustre interior than with a rich berry palette?” says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design at blinds specialists, Hillarys.

“Berry colours are exuberant, versatile and a perfect way to add drama and warmth to homes. Generally thought of as perennial favourites, autumn hues and berry shades are playing an increasingly strong part in room schemes.

“What I love most about this trend is the variety, with luscious cranberry, grape and raspberry, through to dark burgundy, purple and everything in between. For a modern twist and an eclectic look, combine rich claret with punchy coral.”

Deep purple and plums work particularly well in a bedroom — especially if you want the space to look pampering and romantic. Debenhams has a purple collection: Willow Bedding Set, £45-£75, Velvet Throw, £120, and Round Velvet Cushion, £25.

Give a neutral colour scheme a lift with a manor house-style Kingham Two-seater Sofa in Caitlyn Berry, from £1,015, Laura Ashley. Stools are always useful, especially if they have storage like the Lida, in aubergine velvet, around £196, from The Velvet Lab.

Cushions are akin to jewellery for the home. I love the Velvet Butterfly Print Cushion, £19.50, Marks & Spencer.

Industrial style is still strong but is now more refined, as it’s increasingly appealing to women as well as men. This look focuses on textures — beaten, rusted metal and loft-style unplastered brickwork, which combines well with dark shades and rich ikat patterns.

“The lines are becoming more blurred over what style suits a man’s space, and one which is shared by both sexes,” says Maurizio Pellizzoni, designer at architecture and interiors firm MPD London.

“Undoubtedly, a rough luxe industrial scheme incorporating leather, tweeds, and given a slightly exotic look with the rich pattern of kilim rugs and accessories, appeals, because it looks uncontrived and unfussy, invites relaxation, and is super-easy to live with.”

Leather sofas, monochrome photographic prints, and tribal-pattern rugs and cushions are essential ingredients for this decor recipe. Very delights in proving that it needn’t be expensive to follow a trend. Its Clarke Faux Leather Right-Hand Corner Group Sofa, is only £349, and would pair well with their geometric patterned Cabone Wool Rug, £69-£269, and monochrome prints, Brooklyn Bridge Lights and Brooklyn Bridge Structure Canvas, £27 each.

A Hadley Sideboard, in veneered oak with window drawers, £1,199, is a solid piece of kit from Marks & Spencer. Capture the trend for ethnic patterns and that unisex brown/orange colour palette with an Alpine Chair in Clarke & Clarke Jasper Sunset fabric, £639, Barker & Stonehouse. A Kilim Kuba Scatter Cushion, £45, Multiyork, would be the perfect finishing touch

Transform a room in an instant with a feature wall, papered in Georgian Brick Panel wallpaper, £40 a roll, Decor Wallpaper.

Shades of blue are tenaciously maintaining their hold, and for on-trend rooms, adding at least a dash, whether moody indigo or even sky blue, is an easy way of looking decor-savvy.

“Earlier this year, ‘Dazzling Blue’ was named 2014’s Pantone colour of spring, which has been a key influencer on the trend for the colour in our homes, as we head towards colder winter months,” says Claire Hornby, creative stylist at Barker and Stonehouse.

“Sitting amid electric blue and navy on the colour spectrum, this bold hue offers a peppy twist on the shade cobalt, and is ideal for those wanting to make a vibrant statement. If you lack in colour confidence, there’s a great choice of more elusive shades to be considered for your decor scheme, from refined indigo and ocean blues, to calming, barely-there pastel hues, like sky blue.

“If your space is small, simply use decorative cushions, patterned throws and rugs — a little touch goes a long way. For maximum impact, paint all four walls dark blue and key furniture pieces, maybe a chest or shelves, in a lighter shade.”

Ben de Lisi has a fab Indigo blue Jakob Chaise Corner Sofa, currently an online snip at £1,000, and a blue table features in his metal Helsinki Nest Of 2 Tables, £161, Debenhams.

If your taste is more traditional, a Petersham Chair, £525, from I & JL Brown, can be upholstered in designer blue floral fabrics. Alternatively, take a pew in an Azure Standard Chair, reduced to £839, Barker & Stonehouse.