Lace is a romantic and glamorous fabric usually associated with clothing design. However the intricate nature of the woven floral pattern has been used to great effect in interior design both in wallpaper and curtain making. Mathew Williamson’s Orangery wallpaper from the Belvoir collection combines the tracery of the lace with a contemporary sensibility. He …
Paisley is a classic Bohemian print. Used in shawls, its distinctive tear drop shape originated from Persia and was adopted by the Hippie era, the Beatles in shirts, ties and scarves as well as the fashion houses of today such as Etro and Gucci. Starting life in the silk routes and by way of the …
The most dramatic and rich colour in the metallic spectrum is gold. It has been valued for its glitter and durability throughout the ages. This is an element which works best as an accessory or a contrasting feature within a decorative plan. When used in lighting design, it gives a textural contrast to the fabric …
Rugs are an easy way to bring design and texture into your room. The trend to use wooden floors has meant that rugs have become a necessary item to add to your scheme to give that sense or warmth and colour into an otherwise bland setting, perfect to make a focal point and enhance any …
The look that Louise Swarbrick Design is known for regarding interior decor is that of mixing the modern with the historic. Working in many period houses, we have been able to enhance the architectural features and provide a light airy feel that we associate with today’s every day living. Owning an older property can bring …
The love affair with wicker furniture is generally thought to date from the Victorian era when conservatories came into fashion and the relationship with Indian colonial life influenced the interior design of the day. Subsequently it has faded in and out of consciousness. It had an iconic moment in the film Emmauel when the popularity …
Green has never been a colour that has gone out of fashion. But in the last two years it has become a favourite amongst both the trend setters and the traditionalists. We are particularly taken with the range of dark green tones available both as paint and wallpaper as well as deep green velvets in …
The enduring appeal of gingham means that using this simple design will forever be on trend. Traditionally to be seen in kitchens gingham has been upgraded and moved into the sitting room and bedroom. In a children’s bedroom this cheery fabric comes in lots of pastel shades to add interest in both curtains and blinds …
One of the key trends for 2018 was the use of dark blue as a neutral tone. This was particularly commonly seen in kitchens and proved to bring a sense of crisp naval chic to this area. Dark blue cabinets were used in our project here in Cambridge where we designed a funky kitchen for …
The trend of taking African motifs into the home has been around for a while. In the past this style has been associated with strong earth colours such as browns, oranges and tans. This combination suggests the heat and vibrancy of the African continent. This look is beautifully set off against dramatic African sculpture and …