Keeping it Real for a Timeless Appeal

Whether it’s a total refurbishment project or simply a bathroom refresh, Christiana Tollast brings you the key interior trends this autumn that won’t date.

The good news is that as far as today’s interior trends go, there are no hard and fast rules, merely a few simple pointers for getting the basics right to achieve a home that is both contemporary and timeless. 

Getting the bones right is the first place to start, and, if budget allows, you can’t go wrong with classic materials - think real wood, stone and slate floors paired with natural fabrics such as wool, cotton and linen for rugs, curtains, carpets and upholstery.

“Limestone and slate are beautiful materials and can really add to a space. Cheap alternatives can look poor though, so invest time to compare products and prices to get the best result for your money,” advises Mel Meale, senior designer at Steer Design.  “For kitchens, you could also consider polished concrete which is hard wearing and easy to clean”, adds Mel.

Reclaimed pine floor boards or parquet blocks are also classic choices, the latter having become extremely popular in recent years, as Mel explains; “Parquet is hardwearing, versatile in design and a classic. If you are lucky enough to find this gem under another floor in your home, then research how best to treat the wood as you may need to re-sand, fill and protect it.” Most importantly Mel says; “Wood needs TLC - with the right care it can look stunning and last a lifetime.” 

Add a natural wool rug, sheepskin or cowhide to a stone or wooden floor to break up large areas and cosy a space up.

Moving onto colour, things are more black and white, quite literally. We are still seeing black and white schemes dominate, punctuated with splashes of bright orange, shocking pink and electric blue. Meanwhile, over 50 shades of grey have replaced beige as a more contemporary and sophisticated take on the neutral palette. “Monochrome was a feature in 2013 but has surged throughout the year with high gloss and dramatic patterns being used. There are more and more fabrics, papers and pieces of furniture now available as a monochrome finish.” says Mel.

And as we head towards Christmas, gold, copper and silver are making a reappearance, adding instant glitz and glamour to any room or scheme.  

Nature inspired wallpapers, fabrics, cushions and rugs featuring botanical, bird and animal motifs and prints also continue to be key trends with a classical Steer and Sanderson and Farrow and Ball are both championing this look as we head into 2014.

Also, look out for good old fashioned country tweeds, which, says Mel, are also creeping in.  However, Mel cautions, it’s important not to overdo it where strong pattern and colour is concerned. “Used sparingly on accessories, these patterns and fabrics can add a quirky feature to an otherwise simple room.” 

“Minimalism is also coming back in small waves,” continues Mel, “appearing with other trends to clear up designs, making them less fussy.” 

By keeping a fairly simple backdrop against which your chosen items and furniture will sit, means spaces will avoid looking cluttered.  And remember, less is more - you only need just one or two bold or statement pieces or prints in a room to achieve a striking effect. 

The effortlessly cool Scandinavians set an example to us all with their strong ethos of choosing authentic classic designs with timeless appeal, only upgrading fabrics, throws, and cushions as trends dictate. Ignoring high fashion in this way will ensure you end up with a beautifully contemporary interior that won’t look contrived, self-conscious, and most importantly, one that will stand the test of time. 

For further information about the services that Mel Meale offers at Steer Design contact her via email: steerdesign@live.co.uk or telephone: 0800 069 6060. Alternatively visit www.designsteer.co.uk