At Allium Interiors in Newmarket, owners Jo Burrell and Sue Barber have noticed a definite upswing in requests for decorative baubles and tassels, which must surely be the ultimate in embellishment.
After a decade or so of minimalism – with its prescribed and often sterile look – homes are being transformed back into warm, welcoming family spaces, says Sue.
“We’re personalising our interiors more, keen to add a little quirkiness, and that makes our homes more interesting and individual.”
“People are adding colour and pattern and using them boldly,” adds Jo.
“The trend is to dress up minimalism with interesting fabrics on smaller feature pieces such as ottomans and occasional chairs and we’re seeing three, sometimes four, different patterns on the one piece of furniture.
“Some fabrics are now artworks in themselves, especially the new, digitally printed designs. Coming in 3.4m drops, they look just as fantastic stretched over a frame and hung dominantly in a room, as they do on furniture and as drapes.”
“Rich, tactile fabrics, such as velvets, add liveable glamour whether as drapes, upholstery or on cushions. Try warming up the winter bedroom with an upholstered velvet headboard and corner chair.”
“They’re perfect for bringing a luminous quality – a subtle shimmer to a scheme – and glass beaded papers catch the light beautifully.”
Beautiful and effective lighting can help the winter months feel more bearable by creating cosy spaces or a sophisticated ambience. Sue loves the more individual lampshades that are coming through and she says customising shades to suit individual rooms is almost the norm now.
“People love refurbishing retro styles and family heirlooms such as standard lamps, and, of course, chandeliers can always be relied on to ooze luxury.”
However, with the ‘more is more’ decorating theme catching on again, it’s important to ensure the end result doesn’t resemble a cocktail of garage sale finds.
