PRINT RUN

The decoration of human spaces started way back in time with mark-making, where hand-drawn notations and images were used to create narratives of the creators’ lives. The use of patterns and pictures on our walls has continued to dominate, because these are ways of expressing our inner character and ownership of the places we call home. Here, three interior designers tempt us with their own approaches to pattern...

Patterned fabrics or wallpapers are a great way of adding interest and character to a room. The injection of patterned and multicoloured fabrics can change the dynamics of a space. Careful selection of something as simple as a cushion can often be the trigger point, allowing you to introduce more colours into the area.

For some, there is a reluctance to mix patterns but with careful selection you can reflect your personality in your interior design. Here at Bracey Interiors, we believe that to be successful the design of a room should reflect the occupants. We embrace our clients’ preferences while injecting colour.

Pattern and design doesn’t have to be overwhelming –it’s all about the colour palette and the contrasts you use. Wallpapers are becoming increasingly popular and whether it be small universal patterned designs, or mural designs, they can help define a room. Our advice would be to go braver than you think, embrace pattern and you won’t go wrong – go for it!

• braceyinteriors.co.uk; 15 Waterloo Street, Clifton, BS8 4BT

Using patterned tiles in the home is an instant way to add character and style. In bathrooms, for maximum impact choose one patterned tile and use on both floors and walls. Consider tying in the style of patterned tile with the age of your property or overall interior scheme. Perhaps a more vintage, floral style for a country home or a bold, geometric design for a contemporary feel. While there’s plenty of choice, don’t be tempted to use multiple shades of patterned tiles in one space, just one or two shades will feel far more timeless and sophisticated. Alternatively use patterned floor

Manuel Canovas wallpaper

tiles and opt for a plain wall tile in a complementary shade. For a more subtle approach use patterned tiles in feature areas such as in the shower area or as an eye-catching splashback. Hallways are a great place to use patterned tiles for packing a punch when you enter a property. Whether that’s more decorative Moroccan-inspired designs or classic black and white chequerboard.

If actual patterned tiles seem too much, more subtle pattern can be achieved in other ways. Marble, or marble effect porcelain tiles have their own patterns of veining and shade variation or perhaps using a textured tile or chevron or hexagon shape could create just the right amount of interest. Other ways to create pattern is by using mosaics or simple brick-shaped tiles that can be laid in many ways to create stylish patterns. From herringbone to staggered brick layouts, creating your own bespoke tile laying patterns is an easy way to personalise a space with pattern.

Thinking visually, you can paint the back of the shelf in a different colour or wallpaper it to give added interest. Flat-pack units can also be easily customised, for example by adding a wood trim to the top or sides.

• mandarinstone.com; 15 Regent Street, Clifton, BS8 4HW a scheme, working together to evoke the overall emotion we take away from a space. Lighting, for example, can make or break what would otherwise be a great scheme; colour and texture are hugely important and immediately have an effect on our mood; effective spatial planning and the form of a space give a sense of balance.

Then there’s the question of pattern; a word that elicits a range of emotions, from panic to excitement. At Woodhouse and Law, we very much view pattern as a source of energy within a scheme and something you can dial up or down as appropriate to give a space a real sense of depth and character.

People often hang on to analogies such as ‘never more than one pattern in a room’ but the reality is that’s not the case. Pattern can be evident not only in a conventional sense in fabrics, say, but also in the brush strokes of a painting or framed print.

Within a smaller space, it can be that bit more daunting when considering the prospect of bold pattern within a scheme; often people are fearful that this will somehow make a space feel smaller. In a design for a cloakroom, we wrapped Cole and Son’s Fornasetti wallpaper over the ceiling, where the design’s rolling pattern of clouds disguises the break between the walls and ceiling, giving the effect that the space is bigger than it actually is. In the same cloakroom, we used monochromatic tiles in the same palate to avoid the feeling of several patterns competing.

This month, Gardiner Haskins’ Marketing Assistant Sophie Smith stepped into a freshly renovated Stoneham kitchen, designed by one of their interiors experts. Here, Sophie shares her thoughts on the luxurious renovation. Photography by Carine Butcher.

Ican describe Sally and Peter’s kitchen as nothing less than deluxe. As I observed the freshly renovated room, I could appreciate how much time and consideration was put into the design. Natural light seeped in through the large, Crittall-style doors resulting in a bright, open and welcoming space. Once we’d settled in and had a chat, I started to dig a little deeper to find out more about Sally’s experience with Gardiner Haskins.

Sally already knew of Gardiner Haskins through a relative, and really got a feel for the company when she came to one of our cooking events. Upon visiting us again, she was able to come in and wander around the showrooms at her leisure. After soaking up the surroundings and getting some inspiration she spoke to Alec, one of our expert kitchen designers, to get the process started.

The kitchen was originally smaller and in a galley type style. The plan was to extend it to the full width of the house and include a central kitchen island. This was hard to envision at first, but Sally was able to create a picture in her mind upon seeing an island unit in our showrooms. She also wanted a “free flowing” space which Alec helped her achieve with cabinets running along only one side of the kitchen to create more space on the other side.

It was clear that Sally didn’t shy away from pink tones. An excellent choice for the décor, really making the interior pop. From pink pineapples to beautiful bouquets, she had it all. So understandably, she fell in love with the pink island we had on display in-store, and it simply had to be part of her new kitchen. To compliment the subtle pink, Alec suggested navy blue and gold to complete the colour palette.

The gold brings warmth to the kitchen, as well as a touch of luxury. The handles contrast nicely against the blue and pink cabinets and match the gold tap, chairs, lights and plant pots. To finalise the golden aesthetic, Sally has a gorgeous selection of gold cutlery, an upgrade from your standard silver knife and fork. It’s clear that Sally had put a lot of thought into the smaller details.

By making the kitchen larger, there is now a lovely Crittall door looking into the lounge. This gives the feeling of an open plan space yet avoids cooking smells occupying both rooms. The kitchen also

feels very social, a space perfect for “having friends round to sip wine while I cook dinner.”

As Carine took photos and Sally and I chatted away, we had a fourlegged friend called Floyd trotting around. Sally’s friendly Labrador enjoyed taking regular intervals to sunbathe and made a fantastic model when posing for the photos.

By far, Sally’s favourite feature of her new kitchen is the built-in, double door pantry and from a glance inside, you can see why. The storage of her dry food is impeccably organised, either in glass containers or placed strategically in drawers giving a minimal and uncluttered appearance. Additionally, the pantry fits the microwave, scales and coffee machine meaning space is freed up on the counter-tops and island.

The gold Quooker tap also gains brownie points. When Sally’s working from home and needs to jump on a call, she can make a quick cup of tea in no time using the hot water feature. It’s the small things that count.

Peter’s favourite feature would be the plug sockets built into the kitchen island. The intelligent design means they are hidden beneath the surface and need to be gently pushed in order to flip round and be revealed. When the sockets aren’t in use they blend seamlessly into the island. Sally even said, “everyone always asks me what this is!”, so it’s a big crowd pleaser. Finally, they made the move from a traditional hob to an induction hob by Rangemaster, called ‘Nexus’. It’s far easier to use, clean and is generally safer which is convenient for when the nephews visit. The rest of the kitchen appliances are by Neff, a range our designers work closely with to supply our customers with the very best products. n • To follow Sally’s kitchen journey, find her home renovation inspired account on Instagram @itstartedwithapinkceiling. Is your kitchen in need of some vibrancy? Bold colours are now trending in the world of interiors, get ahead of the game with Gardiner Haskins. Visit their Bristol showrooms for some well-needed inspiration or book your free consultation; 01179 292 288; gardinerhaskins.co.uk