Spring is in the air and it’s time to open those bifold doors, let the fresh breeze flow through your home and move on from winter!
In the world of design there is a prominent trend at the moment to bring the outdoors in (and take the indoors out but we’ll come to that in a minute).
Green is very on trend across many shades, from rich emeralds, forest and jades to soft pistachios and sage. Blend this accent colour with natural materials, neutral fabrics and real (or fake) plants for a lovely segue from your garden into your home. Foliage in design is big, from tropical to English country garden designs. Some of my current favourite botanical wallpaper and fabric designs are:
- Romo – Aula Hummingbird
- Home Zone Studio – Toucan Colibri Monkey Forest Jungle or Deep Jungle Orange Anthurium Tail
- Prestigious textiles – Caicos Tropical
For a more edgy, contemporary look, explore the stunning designs at Timorous Beasties.
When the weather starts to warm up, consider how best to create an outside room, so you can make the most of the balmy days. There is a vast array of beautifully designed outdoor furniture on offer at high street prices. Consider rugs that can withstand our ‘spring/summer’ weather to give a more homely look to your exterior seating area. You can now also source outdoor floor lamps which really give a ‘lounge look’.
Try your local garden centre, or my favourites, Garden Trading and Cotswold Company, for outdoor furniture, lighting and accessories. Laura James has more colourful furniture options.
While we are considering the outdoors we have to, of course, think more about nature and our environment when designing our homes. There are a wealth of great companies now thinking about their carbon footprint, recycling plastics into fabrics, upcycling furniture and reducing toxic chemical use. For paints, as well as the long-standing traditional companies try Lick or Coat for environmentally conscious alternatives, both of which offer a palette of gorgeous contemporary neutral shades and can send exact colour samples that easily stick on your wall!
Locally, we are also lucky to have companies who make it their mission to ensure their environmental values are a priority. Look for those who are striving to be carbon neutral or actively engage in climate positive initiatives.
#shoplocal
If you are looking for a new kitchen, ensure you visit Puzzle Kitchens on Chipstead Valley Road, Coulsdon. They are proud to boast their kitchens are 100% carbon neutral and you can also experience your dream kitchen through VR during the design process!
Deborah Smith is the founder and design director of Menagerie Interiors. Email her on deborah@menagerieinteriors.co.uk. Follow her on Instagram.
