Straw Yellow
In recent times, those with more than a passing interest in interiors will have noticed a move away from the pervading greys, sages and griege that dominated for years towards stronger colours. Amongst these, yellow has been very popular, with deep, turmeric tones and zingy brights finding expression on walls up and down the land, as well as all over social media. But now, it seems, we’re turning our collective heads to softer and more soothing tones once more, only this time, we’ll take them warm rather than cool. is the absolute exemplar.
Wallpapered Ceilings
If you have ever thought about wallpaper, shied away from the idea of a full room of it but also baulked at the ubiquitous ‘feature wall’ beloved of makeover shows everywhere, why not instead consider the wallpapered ceiling? Done well, it draws the eye upward without interrupting the harmony of your four walls painted in the same colour and adds a cosy texture to a room. The US-based Vintage Home has this for inspiration. In the right setting – ideally those with higher ceilings – it can be a good way to enliven a room or to create a sultry atmosphere, depending on the tone and pattern you choose.
L-Shaped Sofas
As we consider the reclining options in our sitting rooms, it appears that more and more of us are reaching that conclusion that one huge sofa that snakes around a corner is better than two. We love Loaf’s Chill-Seeker Corner Sofa (£3,335) for its sublime comfort and style.
Illustrated Tiles
We have been getting steadily bolder with our use of tiles over the past decade. These days, it is standard for renovators to opt for geometric patterns, most particularly on the bathroom floors. But there is a new trend emerging, and one that pleasingly speaks to our obsession with the decorative arts as once espoused by the Bloomsbury Set: that of illustrated tiles. Polly Fern does a good line in such beauties, as does the enchanting work of Maude Smith (pictured above).
Gold Lacquered Ceramics
We all want a touch of luxury in our lives. And whilst we might counsel restraint in just how much shiny gold one might choose to scatter about the house, used in judicious moderation, gold lacquered ceramic pieces can be very arresting. This Richard Brendon jug would look striking upon a breakfast table.
Make Do & Mend
It is inarguable that each and every one of us should be seeking to extend the life of all that we buy, across both interiors and fashion. The impetus to buy throwaway items unthinkingly is losing the limited appeal it ever had. Just as Toast has taken the initiative in offering its Renewed service to mend any items that have been damaged – whether seamlessly or creatively – so the focus is set to be on making do and mending, just like our thriftier grandparents once did. Cushion seams split or blankets moth-eaten? Needle and thread are our friends.
Art On Loan
It’s not only august institutions that can be loaned original artworks; you can too. Gertrude supports artists by loaning out their work for a monthly fee – which is also a great way for prospective buyers to live with a piece for a month or so before committing to buying it. For as little as £33 a month, you can road test artworks from up and coming artists to be really sure before you splash out.
More Rattan Please
This one isn’t exactly new. Rattan has been a big interior story for at least the last five years, its combinations of warmth, texture and affordability earning it a permanent place in our list of what’s hot. The trend forecasters, however, predict a bright future for cane, and suggesting that we will be seeing more and more of it in 2024. We think it is best when it is used for luxe items, such as this beauty of a cane sun lounger from Hadeda, which give us strong 1930s Agatha Christie heroine vibes.
By Nancy Alsop
January 2024
