Stripe lovers may be pleased to hear that they are on top form and in good shape this year. Stripes are one of those deceptively simple patterns that can create a myriad of arresting moods and styles. Their geometry allows for playful interior design, from circus tent ceilings to the subtle (but powerful) pattern play of styling a horizontal next to a perpendicular stripe. Whether you are looking for a classical Regency stripe or for something more contemporary, here are a few exciting fabric and wallpaper designs that have been catching my eye.
Continue reading “Top stripes”Tag: The Design Centre Chelsea Harbour
London Design Week 2023
I always look forward to visiting London Design Week in Chelsea. And this year didn’t disappoint. From smart interiors ateliers whose showroom displays extended to pavements heaving with spring planters (of the woven and antique variety) to The Design Centre with its fabulous displays of new interior design. There was much to see, stories to unearth and people to meet. Here, as promised, is just a small snapshot of new interior pattern and colour that caught my eye this week.
Continue reading “London Design Week 2023”Garden Room chic
Precisely engineered box pleats, tented ceilings and trellis-inspired walls are just some of the tenets of interiors haute couture being adopted by interior designers for garden room designs. Elegant as well as poised, these chic interior design schemes are not only witty in their use of scale and of trompe l’oeil but also offer the perfect sanctuary in which to connect with nature.
Continue reading “Garden Room chic”Interior design directions for Autumn/Winter 22
My notebook is bursting with new interior designs this Autumn from the high street to independent and luxury design companies. With a spotlight on burnt orange and earth tone palettes, borders are back lining our rooms along with flirtatious passementerie. There are showstopping 20th Century antiques and patterned rugs that will have you floored! And working hand in hand with all this luxury design are some pretty big marketing ideas.
Continue reading “Interior design directions for Autumn/Winter 22”Scottish interior style 2022
There was always much discussion amongst expat Scots in the South-East as to the best way to travel home. Do the arduous (particularly pre-power steering) drive up the A1; take the overnight sleeper from Euston – fun in the days of breakfast served on a tray of hotel silver, especially with early morning views of breath-taking inland lochs and moors; take the car on the train or to fly. The excitement was as much about the romance of the journey as it was to see family and friends. Not to mention the drama of Scottish architecture and scenery. It still is.
Continue reading “Scottish interior style 2022”Renaissance of blue and white interiors
The renaissance of blue and white interior style I wrote about in March 2022 is now growing apace on both sides of the Atlantic. It is like alchemy takes place whenever these two colours connect as together they spark something excitingly fresh and hopeful. And, in an uncertain world, maybe this intoxicating chemistry is another reason why decorating with blue and white is once again proving to be so inspiring.
Continue reading “Renaissance of blue and white interiors”The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022
Since I was last at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2018, the world has of course become a very different place. To say that plants and flowers have become a huge trend for interior decoration is perhaps an understatement. From small scale print designs to grand scale florals, the health benefits of plants and flowers and how we garden for the planet is now key.
Continue reading “The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022”London Design Week 2022
Journalists, stylists and interior designers flocked back to London Design Week in Chelsea this week to see Spring/Summer 22 collections. Whilst there is plenty of bright colour, and shapely furniture emerging, my eye was also caught by wallpapers and fabrics in grand scale botanicals and earthy hues. As promised, here are a few highlights from my notebook.
Continue reading “London Design Week 2022”Blue and White House interiors
Blue and white interior style is having what some might say is a long overdue renaissance. It is the smart tailored preppy design aesthetic that’s long been associated with the East Coast of America. A significant factor in this revival is the recent appointment of US interior designer Mark D Sikes by the First Lady, Jill Biden to redecorate her East Wing office at The White House. But inspiration comes too from the UK and from Singapore.
Continue reading “Blue and White House interiors”Autumn/Winter 2021 interior design directions
As well as smart Buenos Aires design of the 1970s and a refreshing look at decorating with white, it is the smaller interior design details which have also been catching my eye this Autumn. The blog takes a look at some of these new design directions, looking in particular at the amazing wealth of artisan lighting we have in the UK. And If you haven’t got designs on an ‘indoor garden room or table’ by now, you might find that you do in 2022…
Continue reading “Autumn/Winter 2021 interior design directions”