Decorating Trends to Embrace This Winter
Four designers reveal the decorating looks to wrap up to ... and they couldn't be easier to introduce
Bryna Howes
28 April 2015
Houzz Contributor based in Sydney. Fashion- and lifestyle-obsessed freelance writer with a laptop jam-packed with home and decor ideas for next home update,
Houzz Contributor based in Sydney. Fashion- and lifestyle-obsessed freelance writer... More
As we plummet into the cooler season, it’s easy to think of nothing but keeping your head down. But before you head for hibernation, take a look around. There are some great trends to take down the rabbit hole with you, from Dalmatian prints to black kitchens. Four designers share their thoughts on the key trends that are having a moment in the spotlight.
Brass accents
According to interior designer Nelly Reffett of Twinkle & Whistle, now is the time to say goodbye to copper and hello to brass. “We’re definitely seeing a resurgence of this once dated, now so-cool finish,” says Reffett. If you’re looking for a quick way to incorporate it in your home, Reffett recommends tapware and light fittings in the kitchen and bathroom, or introducing this material through smaller accessories like doorknobs. On the flip side, if you want to make a “massive statement,” Reffett recommends installing a screen of this material, like a brass splashback in your kitchen, a dedicated wall or door.
According to interior designer Nelly Reffett of Twinkle & Whistle, now is the time to say goodbye to copper and hello to brass. “We’re definitely seeing a resurgence of this once dated, now so-cool finish,” says Reffett. If you’re looking for a quick way to incorporate it in your home, Reffett recommends tapware and light fittings in the kitchen and bathroom, or introducing this material through smaller accessories like doorknobs. On the flip side, if you want to make a “massive statement,” Reffett recommends installing a screen of this material, like a brass splashback in your kitchen, a dedicated wall or door.
Dalmatian prints
Speaking of making a statement, Reffett has noticed an unlikely pattern is having a moment in the spotlight: Dalmatian print (or more specifically, irregular black dots on a white background). “It works particularly well on cushions, curtains, tableware and printed artwork,” says Reffett, noting that when Dalmatian print is mixed with stronger patterns and/or bold colours, it gives your space a truly glamorous, yet fun, look.
Speaking of making a statement, Reffett has noticed an unlikely pattern is having a moment in the spotlight: Dalmatian print (or more specifically, irregular black dots on a white background). “It works particularly well on cushions, curtains, tableware and printed artwork,” says Reffett, noting that when Dalmatian print is mixed with stronger patterns and/or bold colours, it gives your space a truly glamorous, yet fun, look.
Neutral hues
If making a statement isn’t your thing, never fear. According to Reffett, neutral hues are also having a moment, which is ideal for minimalists. Not only do these shades work with many other colours and styles, says Reffet, but they also work so well with other neutrals – think white, grey and black – as well as pastel tones and emerald green, if you’re after a bolder look. As for how to incorporate neutral hues into your home, the world is your oyster. With that said, Reffett cautions “not all neutrals are born equal,” so if you’re thinking about large applications – for example, painting a room in a beige tone – make sure you try various samples before you commit.
How to plan a neutral room that’s not boring
If making a statement isn’t your thing, never fear. According to Reffett, neutral hues are also having a moment, which is ideal for minimalists. Not only do these shades work with many other colours and styles, says Reffet, but they also work so well with other neutrals – think white, grey and black – as well as pastel tones and emerald green, if you’re after a bolder look. As for how to incorporate neutral hues into your home, the world is your oyster. With that said, Reffett cautions “not all neutrals are born equal,” so if you’re thinking about large applications – for example, painting a room in a beige tone – make sure you try various samples before you commit.
How to plan a neutral room that’s not boring
Ombré
Interior designer Anne Webster has noticed “a lot of ombré fabrics and wallpapers.” Ombré describes patterns where one colour is shaded or graduated in tone. In this bathroom, green tiles move from emerald green to pale mint green. To use ombré in your home, Webster recommends trying a muted palette in the bedroom and bold colours in your living room.
Interior designer Anne Webster has noticed “a lot of ombré fabrics and wallpapers.” Ombré describes patterns where one colour is shaded or graduated in tone. In this bathroom, green tiles move from emerald green to pale mint green. To use ombré in your home, Webster recommends trying a muted palette in the bedroom and bold colours in your living room.
Marsala red
Speaking of colour, Webster encourages us to embrace another spolight hue, Marsala, Pantone’s colour for 2015, a deep wine red with a particularly great quality: it can be “both masculine and feminine [when] used in the right way,” says Webster. And if you were put off this rich and earthy tone in the height of summer, now’s the season to use it.
How to use marsala red at home
Speaking of colour, Webster encourages us to embrace another spolight hue, Marsala, Pantone’s colour for 2015, a deep wine red with a particularly great quality: it can be “both masculine and feminine [when] used in the right way,” says Webster. And if you were put off this rich and earthy tone in the height of summer, now’s the season to use it.
How to use marsala red at home
Bold prints
While bold prints such as oversized floral patterns and geometrical shapes can be overwhelming, Webster recommends giving these outsized patterns a second thought as they are coming back into the spotlight. The key is to use bold prints on small decor items. “If you’re worried about [these prints] being overpowering, having cushions and throws [can] make a statement in itself,” says Webster.
Creative ways to decorate with bold prints
While bold prints such as oversized floral patterns and geometrical shapes can be overwhelming, Webster recommends giving these outsized patterns a second thought as they are coming back into the spotlight. The key is to use bold prints on small decor items. “If you’re worried about [these prints] being overpowering, having cushions and throws [can] make a statement in itself,” says Webster.
Creative ways to decorate with bold prints
Industrial style
Sydney-based interior designer Jodie Carter (of Jodie Carter Design) has noticed the ‘industrial’ look is hugely popular at the moment – and for good reason; industrial is “an easy look to achieve yourself, and without too much strain on the budget,” says Carter. For example, you can pick up great pieces from garage sales and council collection days. It’s also worth noting that the ‘earthy’ timber and metal components of the industrial look are extremely timely. “The fact that you can upcycle and bring in natural and raw elements into your home is appealing to those who want to connect with nature and help reduce their carbon footprint,” says Carter.
How to work the industrial look
Sydney-based interior designer Jodie Carter (of Jodie Carter Design) has noticed the ‘industrial’ look is hugely popular at the moment – and for good reason; industrial is “an easy look to achieve yourself, and without too much strain on the budget,” says Carter. For example, you can pick up great pieces from garage sales and council collection days. It’s also worth noting that the ‘earthy’ timber and metal components of the industrial look are extremely timely. “The fact that you can upcycle and bring in natural and raw elements into your home is appealing to those who want to connect with nature and help reduce their carbon footprint,” says Carter.
How to work the industrial look
Sustainable bathrooms
Raw materials, such as reclaimed timber, are being used more and more in the bathroom along with upcycled furniture for a sustainable look that, when done properly, can look smart and sleek.
More bathroom trends for 2015
Raw materials, such as reclaimed timber, are being used more and more in the bathroom along with upcycled furniture for a sustainable look that, when done properly, can look smart and sleek.
More bathroom trends for 2015
Black kitchens
You know what they say: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Perhaps that is why, after years of white kitchens being all the rage, black kitchens are now at the forefront for 2015. According to interior designer Greg Natale, this is the ‘it’ colour of the year. “We spend so much time in our kitchens, and I think that more and more people want to make them a really special space – black makes a strong, sleek statement.”
More kitchen trends for 2015
TELL US
What decorating trend are you snuggling up to this winter?
You know what they say: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Perhaps that is why, after years of white kitchens being all the rage, black kitchens are now at the forefront for 2015. According to interior designer Greg Natale, this is the ‘it’ colour of the year. “We spend so much time in our kitchens, and I think that more and more people want to make them a really special space – black makes a strong, sleek statement.”
More kitchen trends for 2015
TELL US
What decorating trend are you snuggling up to this winter?
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