Above Images: Sweet Nostalgia cushions, from £12, BHS
From a new colour palette to inspire you to glamorous burnished metals, this season’s new trends will give an elegant feel to your home. Add in botanical prints and a dash of floral decor for schemes that are naturally stylish
This season there is still a penchant for ‘bringing the outside in’ when it comes to interior design. Consequently, garden-inspired designs bring leaf patterns, fern prints and insect motifs into the living room.
The Botanist collection from Sainsbury’s includes fern-printed pillows, green glasses and butterfly-themed crockery. Andrew Tanner, head of home design, says: “Autumn’s moody-hued painterly florals give way to fresher botanicals for spring. This is the sophisticated, fashion-led take on conservatory style. Think a dash of Victorian palm house with botanical illustrations and brass finishes, which beautifully transforms the home into a tropical haven.”
This Image: Little Greene’s Archive Trails collection includes this Darwin Serein wallpaper, £131 per roll
BHS’s Sweet Nostalgia range taps into emerging trends with floral, botanical and nostalgia at its heart. Make a beeline for the pretty lampshades, wooden pictures and pineapple accessories. Offering an eclectic collection of classic and contemporary furniture is Atkin and Thyme. Co-owner Victoria Atkin comments: “Interiors are reconnecting with Mother Nature by finding their roots in unfussy, pragmatic styling that emphasises natural raw beauty. Handcrafted, artisan products make for truly unique designs that please aesthetically and perform functionally. Surrender the home to the drama of rustic mango wood, elaborate embroidery and colourful prints for a season of wild abandon.”
From jungle-print wallpaper at Lime Lace to the botanist cabinets at The Farthing, the trend has its roots in British history. David Mottershead, managing director of Little Greene agrees: “The bedrock of design, botanicals have never been in or out of fashion – but the way they are presented has changed dramatically – from the eccentric Victorians, to the geometric Art Deco period, to the flamboyant 70s. This year botanicals are being reproduced in modern colours and used as art works or with geometric prints. Botanicals have never felt so fresh and in vogue!”
Above Images: Manila Green Rug, from £409, and Bluebllgray Mode Rug, from £899, Modern Rugs
Use flashes of green for maximum impact – scatter a few cushions with a fern or leaf print or introduce the Manila or Hortus rugs from Modern Rugs. Ben Dale, the founder of Modern Rugs, gives his expertise: “The use of florals, botanical prints and green colourways are an effective way of bringing the outside in. This eco, nature vibe can easily be added to a home with accessories and soft furnishings.”
“Botanicals have never felt so fresh and in vogue”
Cate Burren of Angel & Blume agrees: “Green is a calming colour and it visually connects interiors and exteriors. Adding florals is a bonus and keeping the main colour palette the same with accent colours lets you layer textures and patterns without being too hectic.”
This Image: Winchester Solid Wood Chest of Drawers, £449, Akin and Thyme
