Spring Summer - SPACE TOWER

The second of our biannual report trend newsletters kicks off with the latest looks for spring/summer 2019. From the must-have colours to the latest in covetable materials and decorative accessories, we uncover what’s about to drop into some of the biggest high-street stores in the first half of this year. Writer: Ysanne Brooks

	Shades of Spring While pastels remain a mainstay of spring, this year they are a little punchier and come partnered with bolder, earthier shades of mustard and terracotta... (Trend image: Dulux Spiced Honey) 2 minute read Read more >
While pastels remain a mainstay of spring, this year they are a little punchier and come partnered with bolder, earthier shades of mustard and terracotta... (Trend image: Dulux Spiced Honey) 2 minute read Farrow and Ball Sulking Room Pink Although soft, pale blues, greens and yellows are still perennial spring/summer favourites, it seems that plaster pink is likely to be this season’s must-have pastel. A paler, more restrained version of Pantone’s 2016 colour Rose Quartz, it works beautifully as both an accent and a neutral, making it a great investment as a base on which to build a scheme and for accessories as an accent. Farrow & Ball’s ingeniously named Sulking Room Pink is a gorgeous dusky rose that we’d bet a pile of cash on appearing at least on walls, if not cabinetry as well, very soon. Rockettstgeorge French Ochre, Grohe Hard Graphite L-Spout Spray, GROHE Minta in Black Velvet The global trend that’s been running for a few seasons (see Decorative Touches for an update) has resulted in a renewed taste for terracotta and ochre tones, creating an earthy feel that’s an intriguing mix of African savannah, Mexican fiesta, Moroccan Kasbah and American prairie. It’s a trend that’s reflected perfectly in Dulux’s Colour of the Year Spiced Honey, which is, according to most interiors magazines, set to become another new neutral in conjunction with pales shades of stone and – whisper it quietly – beige! Surprisingly, black is also warming up to be a major player for the foreseeable future as it filters through to influence, among other things, decorating trends such as the aforementioned global, as well as continuing to appear as a finish on appliances and taps. Close ×
Texture and Pattern Copper and gold have their sights set on replacing steel in the kitchen, while the look of texture, if not the feel, is a growing trend for worksurfaces... (Trend image: Caesarstone UK rugged concrete) 2 minute read Read more >
Copper and gold have their sights set on replacing steel in the kitchen, while the look of texture, if not the feel, is a growing trend for worksurfaces... (Trend image: Caesarstone UK rugged concrete) 2 minute read Dekton by Cosentino Stonika Taga Kitchen Faux marbles and stones have been all the rage for some time – mostly because of their pattern reliability, durability and ease of cleaning. While marble patterns are still in favour, particularly bookmatched on a splashback, the rise in islands with amazing waterfall, or drop edge, worktops is now driving the increase in statement stone composites. Dekton’s Taga, echoes the earth tones we’re seeing more of right now, and was inspired by Taj Mahal quartzite. Ah, the romance. Concrete surfaces are also great for adding to that industrial aesthetic and work beautifully on floors and walls as well as worktops, particularly in kitchen extensions featuring Crittall or Crittall-style windows. Ceasarstone’s Rugged Concrete composite surface is all about the illusion of texture without the dinks and holes of the actual thing, and without the on-site pouring and polishing. Smeg Meanwhile, steel seems to be slightly loosening its very firm grip on the kitchen, with taps, handles, light fittings and even appliances all receiving a welcome touch of warmth from brushed copper, rose gold and burnished brass finishes. Adding texture – or at least the illusion of it – is also growing in popularity. This can be as simple as layering several materials together or creating in indoor garden feel with a profusion of potted plants. Even parquet floors seem set for a makeover with searches for painted parquet rising 1276% on Pinterest as people look for inspiration on bright colours and geometric patterned painting techniques to adorn wooden flooring. Debenhams Glassware Finally, textured glass is making a welcome return and helping to add splashes of colour to monochrome schemes. The latest offerings from Oliver Bonas hark back to the Seventies with the heavily crystal-cut pieces in retro oranges and blues, while the raised herringbone patterns on glassware from Debenham’s echoes the latest wall tile trends. Close ×
	Decorative Touch The Global traveller trend gets a monochrome make-under, green’s growing in kitchens and florals, both big and small, continue to feature on soft furnishings... (Trend image: Sainsbury's Global Monochrome) 2 minute read Read more >
The Global traveller trend gets a monochrome make-under, green’s growing in kitchens and florals, both big and small, continue to feature on soft furnishings... (Trend image: Sainsbury's Global Monochrome) 2 minute read Argos Global Monochrome Monochrome Nomad… The world traveller look was a big player on the autumn/winter interior catwalks and so it continues in spring/summer. While some collections are still all-out rock the Kasbah affairs, with kilim patterns, rich textures and riots of rich colour, there is a subtler look breaking through. Black, as we’ve already established is a key colour for spring/summer and it’s employed beautifully in the latest spin on global – monochrome nomad. Black and white (with a dollop of mustard to spice it up) are a more subdued take on this old favourite. John Lewis & Partners Swoon Wren Side Table, Belgrave Large 3 seater Sofa, Hendricks Accent Chair in Amaryllis Painterly Floral… Monet inspired florals are still going strong, with both Bluebellgray and John Lewis featuring large-scale watercolouresque patterns in their offering this spring. Meanwhile, Oliver Bonas are celebrating all things Japanese with their pretty blossom prints and bamboo accents. Sainsbury’s Coastline Coastal Living… Always a popular look for spring summer, nautical themes abound again in 2019. While some high-street stores are taking the theme literally with collections featuring lots of nautical blue stripes and fish patterns, others are adopting a different, more subtle, approach. Sainsbury’s Coastline trend and Dunelm’s Waterways employ broader brush strokes, using familiar watery colour palettes to illustrate the trend. Magnet Emerald City… Greens, in particular lush velvets, were pushing themselves through in autumn/winter and now we’re starting to see them appear on kitchens cabinetry again. Gone, however are the pale apple shades so popular a decade ago and in come jewel-like emeralds and olives. Trimmed with copper and gold, they’re an sophisticated addition, particularly in an open- or broke-plan space where themes and tones can run through the whole space to provide a sense of connection. Close ×
A Few Key Pieces See the light this spring with fabulous floor lamps or Netflix and chill on a sofa packed with squishy cushions while admiring your latest wirework shelving... (Trend image: French Connection) 2 minute read Read more >
See the light this spring with fabulous floor lamps or Netflix and chill on a sofa packed with squishy cushions while admiring your latest wirework shelving... (Trend image: French Connection) 2 minute read Dunelm and sainsburyshome Global monochrome pillows *1. Cushions…* Never, ever underestimate the power of a freshly plumped cushion. They’re a quick and easy fix for a dedicated follower of fashion – a couple of new additions to a sofa can completely change the look of a room. No self-respecting spring/summer collection is without several and this year the focus is on texture, tassels and earthy ochre and terracotta tones. Next Brooklyn Floor lamp 2. Floor Lamps… Statement pendant lights are a great way to stamp a little of personality on a room, particularly in kitchens or above dining tables. In an open- or broken-plan room, though, there’s often a need for subtle task lighting, beside a reading area for instance. While pendants or spots can produce a harsh overhead glare, floor lamps can create a softer, more directional illumination. Cuckooland and String shelving 3. Wirework Shelves… A continuing key look, open shelving is a great way to display special pieces. This season, the focus is moving away from thin picture rails for showing off typographical posters and towards wirework box shelving. From industrial style magazine or cookbook racks to black wirework boxed mini shelving units, there’s something that will suit every scheme. Sainsbury’s Spring Summer and Cuckooland Garden Trading Bar stools 4. Rattan… It was only a matter of time before the 70s rattan and wicker trend came full circle. While we might not be fully embracing peacock-backed woven chairs just yet, rattan, cane and wicker are hugely versatile and can be seen all over interiors this season. Adding a home-crafted, slightly country feel, pendant lights, bar-stools, baskets and even drinks trolleys clearly illustrate this natural material is no longer just for outdoor furniture. Close ×
	Design for Living As the potential pitfalls associated with open-plan living become more evident, there’s been a move towards a happy compromise known as broken-plan living... (Trend image: Neil Lerner) 1 minute read Read more >
As the potential pitfalls associated with open-plan living become more evident, there’s been a move towards a happy compromise known as broken-plan living... (Trend image: Neil Lerner) 1 minute read Barbara Genda Rational The idea of broken-plan design is to retain all the things you love about open-plan – particularly the light and openness – while at the same time zoning the space to allow for more privacy should you need it. Rather than do this with colours and textures as would be traditional in a true open-plan arrangements, broken-plan employs structural elements such as half-walls, dividing shelves, changing levels, walls of glass and even mezzanines to delineate and formalize areas for different uses. In its simplest form, broken-plan living can be realised in an already open space by creating ‘walls’ using open boxed shelving units to define the space between a kitchen and chilling out area for instance. To avoid regressing back to small poky rooms, don’t cram the shelves full of books – instead, artfully arrange a few favourite pieces to signal the change between one room and another and leave some of the shelves open to allow light to freely cascade from one zone to another. Close ×
Fashion Forward These days, you don’t have to visit a dedicated interiors store for your new trend fix. Inspired by the likes of Next and Zara, an increasing number of fashion retailers are jumping on the interiors band wagon... (Trend image: ASOS Supply 3 pack bamboo bowls) 1 minute read Read more >
These days, you don’t have to visit a dedicated interiors store for your new trend fix. Inspired by the likes of Next and Zara, an increasing number of fashion retailers are jumping on the interiors band wagon... (Trend image: ASOS Supply 3 pack bamboo bowls) 1 minute read ASOS Set of 2 Oragami tumblers, ASOS Home Supply ASOS HOME Supply Global Traveller tea towel Interiors are officially hot. Instagram accounts for lovers of all things home are booming, with a growing love for hastags like #myhousethismonth and #howihome. Accounts such as @the_girl_with_the_green_sofa, and @mad_about_the_house have thousands of followers, eagerly awaiting their next post showing their beautiful homes. It’s something that’s not gone unnoticed by high-street fashion companies that see interiors as their next logical move. The market’s going from ‘selfies to shelfies’ as The Guardian so cleverly put it when online chain ASOS recently released their inaugural homes collection, Supply. H&M Spring ASOS are by no means alone in the market though. Last September fashion retailer River Island launched a 160-piece collection, which they promised would allow customers to shop the latest look from just £6, allowing them to invest in affordable seasonal updates. H&M and French Connection have had small home offerings for a few seasons now, while Zara and Next have several dedicated homes stores around the country. Close ×

Shades of Spring

While pastels remain a mainstay of spring, this year they are a little punchier and come partnered with bolder, earthier shades of mustard and terracotta... (Trend image: Dulux Spiced Honey)

Texture and Pattern

Copper and gold have their sights set on replacing steel in the kitchen, while the look of texture, if not the feel, is a growing trend for worksurfaces... (Trend image: Caesarstone UK rugged concrete)

Decorative Touch

The Global traveller trend gets a monochrome make-under, green’s growing in kitchens and florals, both big and small, continue to feature on soft furnishings... (Trend image: Sainsbury's Global Monochrome)

A Few Key Pieces

See the light this spring with fabulous floor lamps or Netflix and chill on a sofa packed with squishy cushions while admiring your latest wirework shelving... (Trend image: French Connection)

Design for Living

As the potential pitfalls associated with open-plan living become more evident, there’s been a move towards a happy compromise known as broken-plan living... (Trend image: Neil Lerner)

Fashion Forward

These days, you don’t have to visit a dedicated interiors store for your new trend fix. Inspired by the likes of Next and Zara, an increasing number of fashion retailers are jumping on the interiors band wagon... (Trend image: ASOS Supply 3 pack bamboo bowls)