interiors
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hat are the biggest looks for on-trend homes this autumn and winter? Moroccan, florals, 1970s and black, that’s what. Probably. Because, let’s be honest, interiors trend forecasting is about educated guesses based on catwalk fashion, national mood and common sense. It’s like the economy: nobody really knows anything. But here we go nonetheless with our predictions, put together with the help of some super-stylish local interiors specialists...
MOROCCAN
Nothing warms up a rain-splattered northern European home like a Moroccan-inspired interior. The Marrakesh riad vibe has surged in popularity this past year – on these shores, we should add; obviously it’s always been big in Morocco – partly due to the fashion world’s current obsession with the all things vaguely Arabic (Saudi Arabia hosted its first-ever Fashion Week in Riyadh this year). This is a look rooted in beautiful, intricate patterns, from flooring to wooden furniture. So how do you create the souk look here in Exeter? “Look out for geometric patterns and ornate patterned furniture,” says Exeter-based interior designer Sophie Watkiss, aka Sophie Louisa Interiors. “Pieces are highly decorative and often use bronze as a metallic finish. “You will see this trend popping up all over some of the best-known furniture companies. “If you would like to introduce fabrics to create an overall Moroccan scheme, think wool, velvet and silks that have a luxurious feel to them. Colours that will work with this scheme are bold and bright: dark reds, bright blues, emerald and gold. “You could also choose to use Moroccan tiles for flooring or walls.” Exquisite Moroccan-style tiles are in bountiful supply at city centre tile boutique La Fabrico – but, for a cheaper alternative, here’s a solution from Market Carpets’ Meghan Radford: “Mosaic is a stunning element of Moroccan design bringing delicate detail, colour and pattern to surfaces. Our ‘Baroque’ vinyl flooring is easier to install and costs much less than tiles. The vinyl flooring has the same look as tiles but is also a lot warmer underfoot and is hard wearing too.” Adds Devon McGahey of Amos Lighting: “A Moroccan design is a bold trend not for the faint-hearted. Select lighting fixtures that can serve as an artistic focal point when not illuminated. Finish off your Moroccan-inspired space with lighting that strikes patterns and striations on surrounding walls and ceilings when illuminated.” Accessorise with lanterns and ornate mirrors for added interest and authenticity, and as many spiky, architectural houseplants as you can keep alive.
FLORALS
Florals in the home never fall out of fashion – but they do change from season to season, in terms of colours, species and size. For AW18, they’re big and blousy – literally no shrinking violets here. Find them on all the best, new season fabrics and wallpapers, such as those from Rebel Walls and Jane Churchill (this page, and overleaf). Also petal-heavy are lamps and light fittings: “Florals are suitable for most rooms in the house, “says Devon McGahey “and can be easily added into an existing interior scheme. Whether you’re looking for bright colours or more muted tones, chose a floral table lamp or hanging shade to instantly add cheeriness and a sense of comfort to your space.”
32 I exeter living I www.mediaclash.co.uk
inset: This riad-style ‘Akira’ pendant light is £25 from Amos Lighting; main image: Rebel Walls’ incredible ‘Flower Burst, Concrete’ wallpaper – from various local stockists and online at www. rebelwalls.com