Earlier this month, our Interior Designer, Nicole, went to Decorex in London. Decorex International is Europe’s leading event for interior design professionals. Each year, the show presents a selection of some of the finest designs and talent from across the world, exhibiting products, projects and experts in the industry. Inspired by her trip, Nicole has pinpointed some of her favourite pieces for the season in line with this years autumn winter interior trends...
Visiting Decorex is always a pleasure. Year on year, I am inspired by how the interior industry interprets annual and seasonal trends. When I return to the showroom, I find it so interesting to see how these trends make their way into retail over the coming months. As the seasons change, so do the desires of my clients. Decorex offers insights into what I might expect and how I might use pieces in upcoming schemes.
I am always drawn to neutrals within autumn interior design schemes, especially those that create a cosy and luxurious atmosphere. One of the first pieces to jump out at me at Decorex was the chandelier pictured above by RV Astley. I'm not sure if it was the glow of light through the textured glass or the irregularity of the bronze finish fittings that drew me to this light, but I know that it is a piece that my interior clients will adore. The dark background certainly showed the beauty of this piece in full light, a feel evocative of this years Warm Neutrals trend. Many of the brands exhibiting at Decorex this year made full use of the Warm Neutrals trend, layering a neutral canvas with darker tones and hints of metallics to create a luxurious feel. Libra's stand looked stunning and I am always a fan of their large wall clocks.
"I am always drawn to neutrals at this time of year."
One of my particular favourites from Decorex this year was the marble console pictured in my mood board above by Loom Furniture. Just down the road from PB HQ, this Worcestershire-based business create a variety of beautifully proportioned tables and wall mirrors. The delicate forms evoke a sense of elegance and balance which are great for interiors of a variety of styles and sizes this autumn. Similar proportions can be observed on the Lennon Tray Table in a beautiful bronze tone in-keeping with the cosy and inviting aesthetic of a neutral living space. Although not truly marble, the marble effect ceramic on the Icaro Dining Table by Calligaris proves one of my favourite pieces for this season. The warm tones of the wooden base beneath offer a stunning contrast that I could see sitting elegantly at the centre of luxe dining spaces this autumn and winter.
From auburn and burnt orange to mustard and crisp yellows, these warming, autumnal tones are particularly fitting for smaller or north-facing interiors at this time of year seeking ways to make an interior feel warmer. One idea would be to go for bright accessories like Parlane's Sunrise Vase, an ochre toned blanket like our new Nevis Throw or check scatter cushions like the York. These accessories add an instant autumnal feel to an interior, especially if you treat these accessories like you would seasonal decorations. Alternatively, you could put together a more rustic autumn interior design scheme like that created by Eichholtz in my mood board above. The warm tones of the furniture evoke a sense of cosiness and relaxation, making a particularly great space to be on autumn Sunday afternoons.
"A chosen interior scheme that hints at an individual's personality looks much more stylish than those who try to squeeze too much in."
The diversity of my role is what makes me love being an interior designer so much. Whilst one client might seek one style of scheme, the next could ask for something entirely different. And while there can be style overlaps, every project is entirely unique. For example, in-keeping with this year's Autumn Safari trend, a client with a passion for travel or all things animal might seek exotic or eclectic touches. The important thing is not to overdo it (unless your intention is to create a wild interior!). In my experience, a chosen interior scheme that hints at an individual's personality looks much more stylish than those who try to squeeze too much in. Here, the phrase 'less is more' really applies.
How could I miss the blue and white tones of Robert Langford's stand this year! I love the look and think the contrast of pattern is executed beautifully. In fact, the wallpaper Cyrus Cane and scatter fabric Daintree by Thibaut are available for purchase from our Fabric and Wallpaper Library on the first floor of our Tewkesbury showroom if you visit us in-store. The contrast of tones creates a coastal vibe, aided by the addition of coral ornaments, ceramics and veneered finishes like that of the Eichholtz Lazarro Sideboard.
"I'd recommend warming things up with hints of gold."
As we've identified in this years autumn winter trends, blue is a bold choice for winter and autumn interior design. Establishing the balance is key in order to not make an interior feel cold. That's why I'd recommend warming things up with hints of gold like Eichholtz in my mood board above on the far left. As you can see, the touches of gold are slight but really bring this living space to life. Choose dark blues to contrast alongside vibrant gold finishes to achieve the best effect with blue this autumn.
I was really impressed with the range of lighting on display at Decorex this year. RV Astley and Heathfield & Co are two brands I use regularly within my interior design projects and their stands were as spectacular as ever. The cluster pendant by Elstead Lighting included in my mood board also caught my eye, reminding me of some of our stunning pendant lights on display in the showroom like the Eva and the Tango.
"Take a softer approach by blending neutrals with nudes and soft pink accessories."
With it's pink geometric wallpaper, the Elstead stand got me thinking about the nude tones of this year's Soft Minimalism trend. Take a softer approach by blending neutrals with nudes and soft pink accessories or a single statement armchair with blush pink upholstery. I love this year's autumn winter selection of glass candle holders from Parlane. Contemporary upholstery from the likes of TA Studio matched with the ashy wood tones of our best-selling Cotswold collection are great for creating a warm autumn interior design scheme that will look just as good during the winter months.