Sophie Robinson: 'My pick of the new decorating trends'
I love this time of year. It’s back to school, it’s time to reset goals and it’s the perfect moment to plan a new decorating scheme. It’s also the time when new products are launched, and we designers keep our eyes on the trends to reinvigorate our creativity and spark fresh ideas. Of course, I would never advocate designing a home purely to follow fashion but it’s always nice to get a little inspiration, so here are some of the ideas I’m seeing right now...
1) Unexpected red
The viral ‘unexpected red theory’ says introducing a pop of bright red makes any colour scheme look better, and it can’t be denied that its vibrancy and drama adds a little edge to an otherwise underwhelming room. Be sure to use the colour with intention, though, as it does demand attention. A striking red rug, velvet armchair or sumptuous painted ceiling, for example, will instantly become the star of the show.
If you’re shy of going bold, consider a plush throw or cosy cushion to add an update without overwhelming the space. Red pairs brilliantly with neutral shades from white to grey to taupe, but I especially love to see it next to its nemesis, an icy cool blue.
2) Fabulous florals
This is one for my fellow maximalists. We’re always here for a bold print, and full-on florals are blooming everywhere right now. Whether on wallpaper, upholstery, curtains or rugs, classic florals instantly lift a space, making it feel fresh and dynamic but always elegant.
After decades of simple Scandi design, there’s a return to this classic style where more is more and pattern is to be embraced. For a statement, I opt for an oversized floral wallpaper, which can instantly turn a room from average to amazing. This is a trend that begs you not to stop at just one pattern, so keep adding – floral upholstered armchairs or headboards, a faded floral rug and vases full of bountiful blooms are all part of building the country house look.
3) Citrus shades
Zesty yellows, fresh lime greens and tangy tangerines are making a vibrant splash, evoking sun-soaked groves in a Mediterranean paradise. These shades are guaranteed to lift the mood and energise a space. I’m seeing lemon motifs on everything from napkins and plates to wallpaper and vases. Citrus yellow is hard to handle as a wall colour, so my advice is to keep it as the accent shade. The warm, rich undertones of tangerine, on the other hand, lend themselves to a cheerful and inviting atmosphere, and I love to see this rolled out on walls or as a large piece of furniture such as a snuggly sofa.
These hues are particularly effective in kitchen and dining areas where, interestingly, they are believed by some to help with appetite, digestion and conversation. Embrace these citrus shades in your home and make it the ‘zest’ place to be!
4) Palm Royale
The Apple TV show Palm Royale has ignited a trend that blends luxe mid-century modern with opulent 1960s glamour, and I’m here for it! The look draws heavily on the show’s Palm Beach style, in which the houses of the elite are layered in maximalist luxury and eccentric, often eclectic, finds. It’s pure escapism into a technicolour world – candy coloured, yet sleek, playful yet sophisticated; an aesthetic where swimming-pool turquoise meets ice cream-striped parasols and Pucci prints.
To nail this look, base your scheme in classic mid-century clean lines and add opulent materials from there, investing in plush velvet upholstery, palm-print wallpapers and trims and tassels on everything. Finish the look with the largest chandelier you can afford, then treat yourself to a Grasshopper cocktail.
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