If you're looking for home decorating ideas this year, simply rustle through your wardrobe. Chances are you've already picked up on some of the most fashionable looks and colours - whether that's colour blocking, blues, sorbet shades or florals - and those trends are being echoed in our rooms.
These days, where those couture catwalks lead, our homes will surely follow, but there's no need to slavishly reflect those new looks. Even dedicated decoristas are more likely to opt for a 'make it work' approach rather than full-on 'makeover', as we've all got budgets to consider.
So simply be inspired by the latest looks, then decorate and furnish to suit your personality, lifestyle and purse.
Home design experts from leading high street stores forecast the trends and share their tips on creating the latest looks for rooms.
BOLD & BRIGHT
Colour will banish the dull days of winter and it's being used in dramatic splashes in both florals and abstract patterns, says Sue Roberts, head of home design at House of Fraser.
“We're tired of doom and gloom and are looking for a more positive outlook and rediscovering our sense of humour,” she says.
“That's making us all more creative and there's a real trend for bold brights or blocks of colour which add fun into our homes. Florals will still predominate, whether chintzy, modern or echoing an Eastern theme.”
GET THE LOOK: Layering is a great way to freshen a room without breaking the bank, she advises. “Use throws and rugs, as well as fabrics, for blinds, curtains or upholstery echoing your theme.
“If too much pattern makes you nervous, experiment by featuring it on cushions and bedding, and introduce more colour on table settings with charger plates, placemats and coloured glassware.”
GO OVERBOARD
Get shipshape with coastal chic or bring the outdoors in with florals, says Sally Bendelow, head of home design at Marks & Spencer.
“There's a desire to make a statement in rooms with key pieces which don't break the bank but have impact,” she says.
“It's easy to pick up on trends with cushions and other accessories such as lighting. Take a tip from the stylists who use one 'hero' piece to create impact.”
Florals never go out of fashion, she believes, but this year they're being interpreted in a softer, less dominating way, and they also work well with pastel shades, which are gaining ground.
Bendelow believes coastal's appeal endures as it's a fresh, informal look that can be dressed up or down.
GET THE LOOK “Make it smart and chic by contrasting whites with deep blues and having painted furniture, or opt for a more 'beach hut' look with natural wood, bleached cottons and soft blue accessories,” she advises.
“An easy way to adopt this style is with blue and white bedding as the shades are ideal to create a calm atmosphere.”
INDUSTRIAL CHIC
Functional furniture, vintage style and a strong neutral palette combine in the up-and-coming trend for 'industrial' style, says Claire Hornby, creative stylist for Barker & Stonehouse.
“The industrial chic look links in nicely with the recent trend for period pieces and early 20th century styling, so have fun choosing traditional items which will never date, and basing your look around them,” she says.
“Industrial doesn't have to mean shiny chrome and minimalism, the new way to do this chic style is an altogether subtler and more sensual experience. It's all about rustic and timeless.”
GET THE LOOK The look is achieved by mixing natural materials, so combine distressed leather with rustic wooden pieces for a practical but sophisticated result.
“Soften this look with cushions in complimentary fabrics and colours,” says Hornby. “But if you accessorise, ensure pieces are functional with nothing purely decorative on display.”
SORBET STYLE
Be inspired by soft pastels and stripes for a look that sums up summer, says Suzanne Beechey, homeware buying manager at Bhs.
“Homes are no longer simply properties, they are individual spaces whose style should express your personality and taste,” she says.
“There's a trend for soft, sorbet shades and an effortless easy-to-live-with approach which conjures a cool, serene and sophisticated setting.”
GET THE LOOK “Take inspiration from Miami summer nights,” advises Beechey. “Decorate and accessorise with soft pinks, muted lilacs and mint greens which pair well with contemporary furniture in soft greys and chalky whites. Keeping this look minimal with clean edges is key.”
WIDE BLUE YONDER
Nothing beats blue this year and fashion's passion for every hue from sky to turquoise is being echoed in the home, says Gillian Anderson, trading director at Heal's.
“There's a renewed sense of optimism as we, hopefully, start a post-recession period and people want cheerful colour messages,” she says.
“From deep and mysterious navy and teal to bright and crystal clear turquoise, blue is set to take us in a new colour direction. Turquoise is creating the biggest splash on interior decor this spring, closely followed by light blue.”
GET THE LOOK Sea- and sky-inspired hues pair well with pristine white and traditional oak, and can be contrasted with statement pieces in indigo, which is the 'new black', says Anderson.
“It's all about creating understated luxury and rich peacock blues can add depth to a scheme.”
HOME & AWAY
Celebrate the culture of far-away lands or look to the seaside for decor design, says Mockie Harrison, head of home design at John Lewis.
“Tribal's also a key look and we're celebrating the nomadic culture of distant lands with strong, colliding patterns, dark woods and high energy prints,” she says.
“Coastal's a classic summer theme, making use of nostalgic imagery and natural materials. It instantly evokes happy memories, thoughts of holidays, and conjures a restful atmosphere.”
GET THE LOOK For tribal she advises using a mix of materials, such as wood, glass and fabrics featuring dynamic patterns and motifs.
For a 'by-the-sea' look, opt for deckchair stripe fabrics on upholstery and rugs, pale wood furniture and coastal accessories. Pick up blues in lighting and cushions. -
Belfast Telegraph