We’re always happy to do our research at Furnishings Studio and we were very fortunate to make it to Spring Design Week just before the lockdown. We held off from sharing what we saw while we all wrestled with food shortages, shielding, working from home and getting to grips with home learning. But now that we’ve baked all the bread we can eat (banana or otherwise!) and decluttered to our heart’s content, it’s a good time to give some attention to our homes – which have probably taken quite the battering from the extra use they’ve seen in the past few months.
Going green is big. In every way. We’ve talked before about making our patios and gardens an extension of our homes with eating and seating areas in comfy furniture with fabulous fabrics. And that still holds true. But we’re also seeing much more of the natural world brought into our homes. Plus an infusion of green in fabrics and papers. So, here’s our top tips for sprucing up your home this Summer:
Plants are back
A very obvious trend is the rise in popularity of the house plant. Hugely popular in years gone by, these all but disappeared from our homes but are back with a vengeance. Statement plants are great but so are little clusters of complementary shapes and sizes. And trailing and hanging plants can bring interest to high spaces and empty corners. But please, no plastic ones!
Patterns over plains
Patterns are huge this year. For walls or fabrics. Or both if you’re feeling bold! We’re seeing lots of designs embroidered rather than printed onto fabrics – particularly on linen and silk. This really makes the pattern stand out and provides some lovey touchable texture.
Obviously, a statement pattern can look stunning as curtains or blinds but we’ve also worked on some lovely projects to beautify your forgotten chairs and ottomans – so many of us have something that could be quite special hiding in a corner under a pile of stuff. But we can drag them out, refill seats and cushions and reupholster in fabulous fabrics to provide a wonderful and peaceful place to relax (or hide)!
As nature intended
Next up on the natural trend list are materials such as wicker, hessian and rattan. Think furniture, storage, placemats and wall hangings. Yet another design trend taking inspiration from the 1970s.
Make green your theme
Green is a wonderfully versatile colour that communicates peace, balance and harmony. It works in any room and can be used as a neutral to complement other colours (think pale. mint and sage green that give the feeling of being connected to nature) or as an accent or statement (think luxurious velvet cushions in a rich emerald green for a touch of class).
At Furnishings Studios we work with a range of suppliers including Colefax and Fowler, Pierre Frey, Kirkbydesign (distributed by Romo) and Osbourne and Little. We can help you to choose your green theme – from plain weaves for peace bringing bedroom curtain to bold prints for show stopping reception rooms. Just get in touch to discuss your project.
