Go digital with prints and patterns for the New Year says interiors expert Justine Kirkham
Bright colours are back with a vengeance in 2014. They can seem daunting, so change one bit at a time until you feel comfortable with the result. Team a bright tap with a grey kitchen unit, a splash of fuchsia accessories with an otherwise neutral palette. Vibrant floral designs on fabrics can be used to upholster chairs or cover sofas, making a piece of furniture in your home eye catching and strong. Personally I like to use contrasting coloured piping on upholstery, adding that little extra colour to lift a scheme without overpowering it. At the moment I love mustard with dark grey and teal with pale grey.
Talking of grey, it’s the new taupe. Team grey with lime green or cream for a crisp modern look or a deep red to add modernity to a traditional scheme. The Little Green Paint Company has launched an entire range of grey paints, very inspiring for 2014. This neutral palette also allows the texture and touch of materials to take front of stage in schemes.
Digital prints and patterns are increasing in popularity and we’re not just talking walls here – although Linwood and Zoffany have some fabulous Venetian scenes on their new wallpaper collections. Both florals and bird prints were seen throughout 2013, but they are expanding even more in next years’ collections. From wall coverings to curtains, lampshades to flooring, nearly any surface can receive this treatment. Sharper images can be produced on fabrics now and make for very individual schemes. They are most effective on a larger area, like a sofa or big reclining chair. n
Justine Kirkham is head of design at James Brindley, Harrogate
