Autumn-winter 2015 brings an exciting change not just in your wardrobe but in your home interiors too. Ankita Mamgain examines the hot decor trends of the season so you can give your abode a stylish makeover.
After a long sweltering summer, energy feels restored on the island as the temperatures begin to dip during October. It’s just the right time to take up a home-improvement project to add something fresh for the upcoming holidays and nights of entertaining guests. Whether you opt for a floor-to-ceiling transformation or make just a few key changes, have a penchant for antique luxury or bohemian quirks, current trends cater to a vast range of tastes and sensibilities, giving you all the leeway you need to make your space stylish in your own unique way.
Cosy Knits
Nothing says winter or warm comfort better than knits and there’s no easier way to add a snug touch to a room than with a big fat knit element. These accessories are huge this season, both figuratively and literally, with bolder and chunkier cable-knits replacing demure weaves. You can go for a throw on the couch, a knitted basket or a pouffe, which by far is the best interpretation of this trend – essentially a big knitted ball of wool for your feet.
Vintage Explorer
This season the interior design world is heavily inspired by the great explorers and naturalists of the past. Hence, make way for vintage globes and suitcases, along with hints of botany and entomology, in the form of plant drawings and butterfly motifs. Present your ‘specimens’ under a bell jar or perhaps frame a grouping of nature-walk finds or others natural souvenirs from your last holiday.
Loving Layers
If the fashion runways and the interior stores are any indication, layering both textures and patterns has been very strong this year and the trend continues for the cooler months as well. The mixing and matching of different materials adds unexpected impact to a room. So mix your woods, particularly raw wood, with metals, or place something with a glazed glossy finish close to a matte surface.
Create a harmonious medley of florals, geometrics and ethnic prints and combine worn-out leathers with velvets.
The Retro Route
The year has been all about ‘out with the new and in with the old’, with modern design elements from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s creating a big presence. The look is all glitz and glamour; sinuous, amorphic shapes; bold optical prints and luxe textiles. The Great Gatsby- and Downton Abbey-inspired ‘20s style, with its metallic and mirrored surfaces, is also popular this season. Include it in the form of small vintage pieces such as lamps, clocks, planters and cushions.
Fun Factor
Make room for some whimsy so that touches of fun can break through the winter gloom. Home is a place that should be comfortable and happy, so complement the winter colours and seriousness of the season by adding some quirks around your home – something fun that will put a smile on your face every time you look at it.
Make a Statement
This is something that usually is on trend – unique, attention-grabbing, stand-alone pieces that will accentuate any room, whichever style or theme you have chosen. Add timelessness with a twist with a bold chair or a rug, large wall art with a futuristic or geometric design or even a console table.
Artisan Appeal
Handmade products add a rustic element to your decor. Be it painted tiles or handmade pottery, you want to feel connected to the craftsman. Colour splatters, watercolour prints and painted abstract designs are popular, especially on cushions, artwork and ceramics. DIY enthusiast, it’s your time to shine!
Magnificent Minerals
For kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living rooms, minerals and textures are here in a big way. Sand, ceramic, stone, marble and handmade homewares with texture will have a big presence this season; these include the likes of serving trays, canisters, vases, plates, bowls and wall art.
All that Glitters
Go for gold this season as the colour continues to reign; from sink taps, handles, lighting fixtures and picture frames, through to furniture such as side tables, to name but a few. However, you need to be cautious to make this look work and not cross the thin line over to tacky. Mix it up with silvers, stainless steel, wrought iron and coppers.
Luxurious Comfort
From fake animal hide to luxurious velvet and leathers, the season belongs to rich fabrics. There’s a definite air of indulgence about this season’s throws, rugs and cushions; plush textures seem to be just as important as staying warm. The markets are filled with great faux fur and leathers that immediately elevate the luxe quotient of a space.
