ARTS

If you’re concerned that a neutral palette or a look dominated by natural materials might be too uninteresting for you, then take time to seek out finishes and fittings that are more textural. Jute, recycled glass, wool, hand carved wood, rough-hewn timber, plants, linen fabrics, all offer a degree of texture that will add interest, depth and dimension to your scheme. Crucial Trading has a great selection of jute, coir, sisal and wool rugs that can be created in any size to suit and there are those that combine sisal and wool in chunky weave designs that are both beautifully tactile and aesthetically interesting.

The success of your design scheme will be dependent upon how well balanced it is. In organic interiors, offset hard concrete, shiny steel and structural stone with large, soft sofas upholstered in boucle fabrics, side tables covered in faux shagreen, tactile throws crying out to be touched and deep pile carpets or rugs thick enough to sink your toes into.

In a small kitchen, there may be less opportunity to add softness using upholstery and rugs so consider softening accessories instead. Add cushions to dining chairs or drape a small blanket over the back of a bar stool. Incorporate a wooden butcher’s block on your island or have a separate worksurface such as a breakfast bar made of wood where the rest of the surfaces are granite. The light reflecting, shiny finishes of quartz, marble and polished metals will help glam up an organic scheme if it’s what you desire, whilst darker woods, heritage paint colours and heavy wools will bring warmth and cosiness to a scheme that’s at risk of becoming too stark and sterile.

Very often designing to an organic brief will enable you to be sustainable too. Reclaimed materials add colour, interest and texture and by repurposing an old material you’ll be helping the environment by not buying new. Sourcing pieces that have a history can provide a talking point. Rather than shouting about the bold pattern or colour, instead you can describe where you found the piece, how you came to be able to repurpose it for its new use and the method in which it was restored.

Designing with a natural brief in mind can be as wholesome for the designer as it is for the end client. It is highly rewarding to know that the scheme you’ve successfully created and incorporated into your client’s home can offer them a relaxing calming escape from the digital world, bridging the gap between the natural and the man made, whilst also being environmentally mindful and sustainable.

Gary Walton, artist: See the world with a fresh perspective

The work of Gary Walton is full of character, imagination and joy. Describing his own style, Gary says it is: "Very whimsical, romantic and happy; quirky, two-dimensional with a slight intriguing air of fantasy combined with a twist of reality within." This fantasy world he creates draws us in, reflecting our own reality - particularly the coastline he loves - while offering an opportunity to consider unusual ideas and perspectives.

Born in Worcester in 1962, Gary enjoyed exploring his creativity while at school before entering the world of work as a graphic designer. He continued to paint, deepening his skills and developing his style further. He has been inspired by the works of surrealists including Salvador Dali, a connection we can see in his unique world - with recognisable elements and yet often so different from our own.

In 2004 Gary earned a position as finalist in the DeMontfort New Artist competition which earned him a publishing contract. Through this relationship, new collectors came to appreciate his work and - having been able to commit to his work full-time - Gary has been able to explore his interests and inspiration. While Gary Walton’s work can be described as quirky, fantastical and surreal there is a comfort in the facets we recognise which combine to invite us into his world and explore.

As well as original paintings and limited editions, Gary recently released a new collection of block mounted prints featuring the quirky harbour scenes, lighthouses and hot air balloons typical of his style. The artwork is beautifully presented - they are printed onto fine art canvas then bonded to board and varnished to replicate the look and feel of an original painting.

At the Rose Gallery, we love to be able to share the joy of new pieces by popular artists and the work of Gary Walton definitely falls into that category. If you’d like to know more about these works we’d be happy to help – do get in touch, or pop into the gallery.

Natalie Trembecki Gallery Correspondent www.therosegallery.co.uk