36 HOME IMPROVEMENTS & FINE FURNISHINGS
MY PROPERTY, MY HOME 1 APRIL 2018
ALEXANDER JAMES Country cool is back
The rise in popularity of traditional craftsmanship means country chic is having a renaissance. Words: Barnaby Dracup
Like the world of clothing, interior design trends evolve at a reasonable pace, with home interior trends for the year ahead looking set to break from the norm. Predictions include more colours being
incorporated into the home: copper is said to be fi rmly out, while gold is fi rmly in. Gone are the days of the all-white kitchen, with cabinets and doors in contrasting colours making a statement and adding dimension. Fans of the country-coastal look might be in for considering a change too, with white painted, or plain, fl oorboards heading out, and classic herringbone parquet fl ooring looking set to be a good choice for 2018. Chris Vincent, managing director of Surrey-
based V4 Woodfl ooring, says: “Responsibly sourced real wood fl oors really do bring nature inside, they are unique, rustic and can look beautiful in any home. Choosing a new fl oor is a big decision, not only from the cost point of view, but also the style and durability. There is a huge choice of colours and
fi nishes in both wood and engineered wood to suit both ultra-modern spaces and period properties.” Perfect for those countryside vibes is the
use of dark woods in home interiors is also set to be big this season. The rich colour pallets off ered by walnut or dark oaks can look very fetching when complemented with simple patterned or textured rugs. So, if you have an eye for modern trends
and crave the relaxed feel of a countryside interior all year round, what can you do to add value and country-quality to your interiors? While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to interior design, if you are searching for that country home look then there are certainly steps you can take to achieve your dream home.
TOP TIPS
Stacey Sibley, creative director at award-winning Alexander James Interior Design has a few pieces of advice to share:
COLOUR COMBINATIONS “The classic combination of crisp blue and brilliant white is a timeless country home decor look,” says Sibley. “Fresh and utterly charming, you can use a blue and white scheme in your pottery, linens and accessories. Try adding a driftwood coff ee table with glass top to act as a statement piece, while adding an organic, earthy feel to your living room design.”
INSPIRATION FROM NATURE “Country home decor would not be complete without bringing themes of nature into the home and referencing inspiration from nature throughout your interiors,” she explains. “In a Cotswolds barn conversion, I used an avian themed dining area which was symbiotically styled with the exterior of the property, refl ecting elements of nature.”
RELAXATION IN MIND
“When we think of the country, we imagine escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life, recharging and enjoying a spot of relaxation. Decor must therefore be designed with the utmost relaxation in mind. I used gentle tones of ivory and muted teal to enhance the light, airy design of a contemporary Surrey barn project, creating a haven of relaxation with luxurious Romo and Zoff any fabric cushions.”
ORGANIC ELEMENTS “Incorporate natural elements from the outdoors to create an authentic country home look,” says Sibley. “Use organic elements that induce a sense of calm such as topiary pots, rustic wooden furniture, fl orals and soft furnishings.”
A WARM WELCOME “Design every space in your home to emit a warm sense of welcome. It’s the little touches that count; the scented candle emanating a beautiful fragrance throughout the room, the display of magazines on the coff ee table and the luxurious throws ready for an afternoon of reading on the sofa. For a rustic kitchen diner setting, an antique-style metal framed wall clock and framed prints can all add to the country charm, while a soft colour scheme and vibrant lavender plants can off er an enlivening, spring-like feel.”
A SPOT OF LUXURY
“Just because we associate country home decor with rustic character doesn’t mean that luxury need be neglected. On the contrary, luxury plays an important role in off ering comfort within a country home. Why not try adding something like a
bespoke ottoman in a Kirkby Design fabric? This will add another layer of luxury to a master bedroom.”
A BRITISH INSTITUTION BRITISH HOME STORE
The lighting hero of the British high street, BHS, is back, reinvented as an online-only store and delivering high quality, bold British designs for every home. Its latest collection beautifully encapsulates the move towards grown-up glamour, with golden brass fi xtures elegantly mixed with rich, dark wood and soft cream shades. The store has lights of all sizes and at surprisingly good prices, off ering an easy and cost-eff ective way to update your home. The Beryl really catches your eye — the size makes it a perfect bedside lamp, as well as a decorative piece to enhance a space.
Bhs.com
FIND MORE SPACE AT HOME SMART GARDEN OFFICES
The leading manufacturers of garden rooms in the UK has launched their exciting new catalogue for 2018. Off ering intelligent tools, inspiring designs, and customer stories, the catalogue is the perfect start in helping you to fi nd more space at home. Order yours today for free at: smartgardenoffi
ces.co.uk
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