The obvious colours to fit these reflections on a hot clime are the yellows of the sun, the orchres of Turkish pottery baking in the warmth and the Aegean blue of a gorgeous sea.

These bright tones can be introduced into your home in the fabrics and accessories you choose to brighten and light the cold winter months.

Cole and Sons have taken these brown hues and produced a whimsical wallpaper with African animal themes designs. From the tribal Khulu vase collection, this contemporary design will add a touch of interest and vibrancy to any interior. This spirit of Africa is also seen in the wallpaper Safari Dance which features elephants dancing across the African plains. The colours are browns and deep pinks with touches of mustard and certainly bring a sense of cheer and warmth to the room.

Lively accessories can bring the far reaches of a hot continent into a room through the rugs and cushions chosen. The bright colours of a spice market are evoked in the rug collections of Feizy. The oranges and reds are woven together to create a myriad of exciting designs. Morrocan tribal rugs will also exploit these rustic and exciting tones.

Lastly, the choice of bright fabrics on a brown or grey sofa can make a striking contrast. Moroccan wall tiles on wallpaper designs will bring the sense of the souk to your home. Look at Louise Body or Mind the Gap for these interesting wallpapers. Leap into the sunny climes of the interior design world and find heat even on a foggy day in London by evoking the spirit of Africa.

The post African Sun appeared first on Louise Swarbrick.

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 its challenges as often the adaptation of existing plumbing and electrics to accommodate the demands of modern appliances and expectations can be a costly experience.

Nevertheless it brings rewards and a personality that are not often provided by a new build.

We usually tackle the project by providing a sympathetic colour palette based on pale shades that meld together to give a seamless sense of space.

This can be used as a backdrop to more dramatic elements in the wallpapers and fabrics chosen to enliven the scheme. Colour and texture in these elements allow the client to bring their unique style to the house. Against the neutral background, brighter designs can be used to add drama and fun.

The use of both contemporary furniture and lighting, juxtaposed with antique pieces. is a house style we are proud of. This way the past and the present will sit together happily. Things from your life history need not look out of place in your newly refurbished home.

We bring the new to the old and soften the modern with the past.

Visit or Gallery for more inspiration and modern interior design ideas or go back to the homepage and contact us on 01223 360797.

The post Antique and modern appeared first on Louise Swarbrick.

Subsequently it has faded in and out of consciousness. It had an iconic moment in the film Emmauel when the popularity of the peacock chair become assured and since then it had been largely used in sunrooms and gardens.

Recently there has been a revival of rattan and wicker. This particular method of constructing furniture has had a new lease of life and along with the fernery/green theme in interior design means that there are plenty of options to choose from to bring this open weave into your home.

Soane in particular have brought out some beautiful pieces made of rattan. Their shell chair is both elegant and a statement in any room. They also have some pretty lampshades in red which will add both colour and texture to any design.

Rocket St George have created some interesting dining chairs that are basket woven. Coming in black and blonde, these chairs can sit easily within an under modern apartment or a Victorian kitchen diner.

For just a dash of this trend you could go to OKA and get a Mandalay side table or one of their lamp bases.

It’s a trend that is quite manageable and which can add interest to set against the softer fabrics and carpets you might have in a living room or bedroom.

There are so many ways to factor this material into your home design that it should not be ignored.

Visit or Gallery for more inspiration and modern interior design ideas or go back to the homepage and contact us on 01223 360797.

The post Wicker don’t snicker appeared first on Louise Swarbrick.