Plain painted walls are wonderful but what do you do when the room will just look flat or overwhelmed by acres of colour? A good solution is to break up a solid colour by introducing texture to the walls. The Victorians used Lincrusta (a linseed based thick wallpaper) to cover their walls. I think you …
The bright warm tones of the Mediterranean can be seen in the strong earth tones of terracotta and ochre. These colours have not been used in recent years but they do form a useful function in today’s designs. Looking afresh at terracotta, there are many ways of introducing this strong colour and using it to …
As we approach autumn we think of making our homes cosy and welcoming using warm and sympathetic materials. Try thinking of bringing the outside into the home by using the themes of rural life, the natural products from the trees and animals around us as inspiration to decorate your home. In this way wood provides …
This sumptuous fabric has been a long term favourite in traditional homes. Its lustre and glamour can transform the humblest piece of furniture into a eye-catching piece. It can be used in both a modern and historic setting as it comes in such a range of textures and colours. It is difficult to go wrong …
The sharp, stingy taste of mustard on a ham sandwich brings the blandness of the humble offering alive adding a lively piquancy. In the same way a dash of mustard in a design scheme can draw the eye, thus perking up the less intrusive tones around it. It was in fact a favourite colour in …
The world of meteorology can be an inspiring place for a designer. Starting with the sun. The bold motif of the bright gold summer symbol can add lustre and warmth to a room. The sunny hues of Lancaster yellow by Farrow and Ball bring to mind the light of an English June day. If you …
Teal is a strong colour that is never too overwhelming but adds a lot of modernity to any space. It is a sophisticated shade that lifts a room from the dull to the exciting. Unlike blues, this petrol tone will be cosy and suit any room. The paint shade to use on a wall would …
In spring and summer we like to move to put floral prints in our homes. Depending on the type of print, a floral pattern can add a homely and inviting atmosphere or with a dark modern print you can add drama and moodiness to the space. A small ditzy pattern is associated with the vintage …
The fireplace is often the heart of a traditional home. It can add elegance, history and charm to a living area.The fireside is a place where family will gather in the winter to share special events and the glowing hearth gives warmth and an ambient light to the room. As well as a decorative hearth …
Orange has always been a bit of a difficult colour to add into home design. This was mainly because the choices of fabrics and decorative items tended to be too bald and flat. With the revival of a sixties vibe, paint manufacturers and fabric houses have created a vast number of new variations on the …