Predictions for 2016

Working in the interior design industry it is important to keep an eye on the market trends.  What never fails to surprise us here at Aspire is the number of trends which can run simultaneously – often completely contradicting each other.  This is particularly true with our predictions for 2016.

Naturals

We are consistently seeing the trend for naturals repeated throughout interiors.  Floral and neutral fabrics with a naturalistic style are consistent best sellers here at Aspire. Naturals is a trend we expect to see continue well into 2016. It is the same across our contemporary and traditional ranges – nature always inspires.

With the environment in the news, be it global warming at the January summit in Paris or flooding in parts of Yorkshire and Cumbria, in the UK we care about our environment and our homes reflect that.

Geometric and Nostalgia

In her article of December 2015, Gabriella Bennett describes how nostalgia, particularly for the 60’s is predicted to be a key trend for 2016.  The retro theme is something which we have seen growing amongst purchasers of made-to-measure curtains from the Aspire Curtains and blinds website.  Indeed the new range from iLiv due to be launched online in February 2016 has a selection of abstract fabrics such as Sketch which have a decidedly sixties feel.

Spring into Bold

With Cherished Gold named as Dulux’s colour of the year – this bold, strong yellow will be featuring on many a wall across the UK.  Used as an accent colour, striking a real contrast with the trend for naturalistic tones bright, jewelled colours are the perfect spring pick-me-up to lift the mood and stimulate the mind. 

Working particularly well in a kitchen, against the monotone of kitchen units bold bright colours will bring relief in 2016.

Consider some of the following in your home:

      

Texture to add atmosphere

We have five senses and great interior design engages all of them.  Imagine the smell of a soft-leather suite, the touch of luxury fabrics, the hushed sound of footsteps muffled by a deep pile rug and the taste of freshly baked bread. Well OK, perhaps not the bread, but you get the idea. Appeal to more than that which our eyes can see and suddenly your room has atmosphere and ambiance.

KEY IDEAS

1.   Before starting on your room, include a variety of textures in your mood board
2.   Rough stone floors, deep pile rugs or minimalist matting – instant atmosphere
3.   Vintage furniture may bring the aroma of its history – are you comfortable with that? Or would a bit of restoration mask some of the charm – but all of the smell!
4.   Exposed brick work may look fab in your loft apartment – but warm throws on the sofa and furs on the floor will get you through a British winter
5.   That gentle click of the slow closing cupboard – quality will show through in your furniture.  If you want a luxury feel make sure your sofa springs don’t squeak and your cupboard doors don’t slam.

 However you choose to decorate your room, make sure the atmosphere you create engages all your senses and that it a perfect reflection of the aspirational you.

Feel-good Interior Design

More than a synonym for luxury, the word luxe extends the concept from expensive and high quality, to the condition of being elegantly sumptuous. So where on-trend, nature inspired interiors could drift into looking ‘rustic’ or even ‘worthy’, bringing in a luxe element allows rooms to glow and the warmth of comfort.  The addition of luxe to a nature-inspired room is particularly useful when for in bedrooms or living rooms.

Ways to add luxe to your room:

Accessorise, Accessorise, Accessorise

Adding golden or bronze objets to your room brings instant luxe.  Work within the context of your surroundings – but be prepared to go big.  Big works best when it comes to luxe. Think mirrors, metallic sculptures and door furniture.

Fabrics and Furnishings

There are some fabulous lustre fabrics available. And hanging next to the window means that the shiny fabrics will give off a lovely glow. Made-to-measure curtains will ensure a quality finish and lift any room to elegantly sumptuous.

We can all benefit from nature, but bringing a little luxury into our lives helps us feel even more special.  The nature luxe is a really feel-good way to decorate your room.

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THE EVOLUTION OF GREEN IN 2015

 We might not all be able to afford to use one of the Times Top 30 Interior Designers to make our home look amazing. It's up to us to make the space around us fabulous. With a little knowledge the alchemy of attractive design can be ours for a fraction of the cost.

The major key trend from 2015 was nature, with green being the dominant hue.  It’s easy to see why when you think how many of us have to spend our days in an office or commuting through built up areas.  Who doesn’t get a lift from green?

Pale, subdued greens were the focus at the beginning of the year.  Think sage, eau de nil, moss and pastel tones.  Green feels tranquil and restful, and is often associated with fertility.  It is very wholesome and there are very few houses in the UK which wouldn’t benefit from a green room.

Things spiced up as the year progressed. In summer we saw energy levels rise with the inclusion of lime,pistachio and bright green among the best sellers.  Green blinds in conservatories were a popular choice as people attempted to bring the outside-in.

As the autumn leaves fell, so we see the shades of green take on darker tones.  Olive, teal and hunter green come to the fore as we all snuggle down for winter. Comfort and reassurance with tactile fabrics and soft-furnishings led us all a cosy end to 2015.

The trend for green looks set to continue with Spring 2016 seeing the introduction of bright, fresh greens, emerald and lustre fabrics. Watch for the launch of new fabrics from iLiv and Belfield in early 2016.

Dark Nights are drawing in - snuggle up with these warming ideas

It’s that time of year.  The weather in the UK is damp and foggy, we’ve all switched our heating systems on and daylight hours are becoming noticeably shorter. Is snuggling up a British guilty pleasure or winter survival technique?

Hygge is a thing

Broadly translated as "cosiness," "togetherness" or "well-being" and closely related to that “Christmassy” feeling we all get. Hygge is what gets Northern European’s through their long, dark winters.

Originally a Norwegian concept, it is thought that Hygge is responsible for Denmark topping the European Commission's well-being and happiness index for 40 years in a row.

Hygge is more than snuggling up on the sofa with a good book – but that’s a great place to start. You can Hygge your home by making it warm and inviting. Candles are great Hygge - so are luxurious curtains and cushions.  Spread Hygge amongst your friends by offering intimate and special moments together.  Host candle-lit suppers, board game evenings or mince pies and mulled wine, for the ultimate in Hygge hospitality.

More on Hygge on the Visit Denmark website.

Great Food and Great Company

Nothing warms the soul more than a fabulous seasonal feast eaten in good company.  This time of year the UK boasts an enormous array of vegetables in season. Think along the lines of large bowls of casserole, with crusty bread or even dumplings – followed by crisp apple pie.

Vegetables can be delivered to your door using an on line service or take a trip to your local farmers’ market; you may even be able to harvest them from your own back garden. Fresh produce will give you a vitamin boost to keep colds at bay and increase fibre intake aiding digestion as you become more sedentary.

However you get hold of them, seasonal vegetables will nourish the body as well as the soul when you snuggle down this winter.

Keep Moving Keep Warm

In cooler weather the temptation is to get warm and stay warm.  Close the curtains and settle down in front of the TV or with a good book.  But we must make an effort to get outside each day and brave the weather.  Keeping active during winter will help us maintain our vitamin D levels and keep our spirits up.

Oder people, in particular, need to make the effort to get out and socialise.  Can you help a neighbour or relative by offering to take them out for an hour or so? It will boost morale for both of you.

Far from a guilty pleasure, snuggling up this winter and spreading Hygge amongst your friends and family is definitely a great way to survive this winter.

Four reasons I use blinds in my kids’ rooms

Decorating a bedroom for a child is great fun.  With the enormous range of fabulous products on the market it’s hard not to go overboard!  However, there is one thing I always choose. I always buy blinds for the windows.  And here’s why...

1 They’re Practical

The practical side of me want my child’s room not only dark at night – but also at nap time.  So blackout blinds are essential.  I tend to go belt and braces here buying both black-out curtains and blinds to ensure everyone gets to sleep soundly.

2 They Protect

With the light on passersby can see directly into your home.  If your child’s bedroom or playroom is at street level, protect them from prying eyes by fitting translucent blinds.  These will allow the light in whilst at the same time protecting them from unwanted attention.

3 They’re Safe

Fitted close to the window, blinds do not cause a trip hazard unlike long curtains. Ideally use cordless blinds or make sure the cords have a cleat and breakaway fixings. There is an enormous range of child-friendly designs on the market and all are designed with child safety in mind thanks to standards brought in during 2014.

4 They’re Stylish

Pick a colour, any colour and you can get a blind to match.  Made-to-measure blinds are easy to buy online and blinds can be made from any fabric to suit any room. Delivered in less than two weeks blinds are the perfect choice when decorating a child’s room.