Just like the fickle world of fashion, interior design trends are constantly changing and evolving. Staying on top of current looks is a career must for interior designers, but knowing where to start can be a daunting task for homeowners. Stacey Sibley, design director at Alexander James, kindly agreed to give What House? the low-down on this season's key trends, colours and textures
There are two strong looks this winter, which lend themselves to certain colours. The country look is in vogue at the moment and the colours following through to autumn/winter are navy blues, soft greys and tan browns. At the other end of the spectrum, the current bold geometric
trend is all about crisp black and whites, pea greens and luxurious purples. Gold is making a big come back with a lot of designers introducing it into fabric and wallpaper designs.
Patterns and textures
The country trend has moved on from the soft floral patterns and stripes of the summer, changing to bolder stripes, tartans and paisleys in linens and wools. Faux leathers are being used to create a worn vintage feel and the popular textures are tactile.
Wallpapers are huge at the moment with trompe l'oeil patterns everywhere and people are loving the faux wood panelling effect. The geometric trend has exploded in wallpapers and fabrics with bold designs and colours inescapable.
Trends
The masculine vintage industrial look is popular this season, particularly with furniture. You'll see a lot of oak mixed with wrought iron, and silver metal panelled chairs combined with vintage leathers.
Upholstery is all about comfort at the moment, with large soft sofas in linen slip covers or sumptuous velvets and large winged beds with deep button and stud detailing, covered with cushions and throws to sink into and wrap up in.
Lighting is all about big statement pieces. With most people having downlight in their homes, they want feature lighting over their dining tables or in their hallways. The designs are getting quirkier, for example wrought iron birdcages that have crystal chandeliers inside them.
Cushions are very quirky in their designs. The key looks are signage, animal pictures, arts and crafts designs and French linens.