Vintage-syle tropical prints, teamed with bamboo and cane, evoke the faded grandeur of colonial Cuba. Découpage is an impressive way of creating a bespoke piece of furniture that can be tailored to suit your room scheme.
Decorating with pastel shades needn’t mean going entirely pale. An accent wall in a darker colour, such as the deep blue used here, serves to balance lighter tones. To add depth, introduce subtle textures with wool upholstery and curtains and rugs in patterned weaves.
Photography/ Paul Raeside
Polished concrete flooring offers a smooth, subdued contrast to organic-shaped furnishings, while a smart grasscloth wallcovering lets dramatic artwork do the talking.
Photography/ Damian Russell
Serene greens, monochrome patterns, tactile weaves and rich textures combine to deliver an inviting colour palette for a considered living space. As seen in Japanese homes, a freestanding wall acts as a divider, zoning a large room. Natural flooring and delicate paper lights complete the look.
Photography/ Damian Russell
We embrace our inner nomad with a considered mix of Eastern, African and South American patterns with natural materials, rich textures and bold hues for an elegant, worldly look at home.
Photography/ Damian Russell
A black cane sofa arranged with palm leaf-motif cushions against plain ochre linen lends an elegant exotic feel to a classic scheme. Dark-wood flooring and a table of leafy plants complete the look.
Washed linens and the eye-catching open design of the rattan sofa bring a relaxing mood to this inviting space, which is enhanced by unlined curtains that gently filter the sunlight. Taking inspiration from the room’s palette of raspberry and citron, our moodboard offers further ideas for creating a fresh, stylish look.
Photography/ Emma Lee
A feature wall in a striking wallpaper was the starting point for this vibrant hallway design. Plain upholstery and curtains in complementary shades prevent the look from overpowering, while a textured rug adds depth.
Photography/ Davide Lovatti
A daybed layered with mattresses gives an Eastern flavour to this reading corner where a sense of adventure is suggested by books and maps.
Photography/ Paul Raeside
Opting for curtains and walls in the same pastel shade creates a subtle backdrop, allowing a choice abstract upholstery print to sing out.
This trellis wallpaper speaks of blissful summer days in the garden. Working geometric motifs into the scheme gives the finished look a modern edge.
From subtly textured embroidery to richly decorative designs, Indienne-style motifs can be used to bring depth and interest to a simple, contemporary scheme. Softly coloured paisley chairs sit well within a pale scheme that blends linen, taupe and charcoal.
Photography/ Catherine Gratwicke
Using a variety of motifs in one hue and keeping pattern to the upholstery, while walls and floors remain plain, brings depth to a scheme without it feeling too busy. In this room, a striking wave design on the sofa offers a contrast to the more subtle prints elsewhere.
The lustre of brass elements shine brightly when set against a calm backdrop of cool greys. A deep emerald green velvet sofa adds to the sense of drama and richness.
Upholstering a sofa in a lively combination of plain and patterned fabric creates instant character. Pair with walls in clashing hues and finish with a riot of colourful cushions.
Concentrating furniture and accessories featuring strong pattern and brightly coloured plains in a confined space is a good way to define a seating area within an all-white room.
This series of foliage prints set against a vibrant emerald-green wall offers modern take on the botanical theme. Sparse accessories and the clean lines of the furniture add to the contemporary flavour of the space.
Blending fresh tones of ocean blue and lush botanical green with natural materials strengthens this scheme’s affinity with the outdoors. A delicately coloured sheer provides privacy while filtering harsh sunlight for a softer look.
A sofa upholstered in a multicoloured graphic print takes centre stage in this contemporary living space. Additional blocks of colour work well with the strong linear shapes of dark furniture, while walls in pale grey allow the abstract artwork to sing out in this confident look.
Panelled walls painted soft grey provide a sophisticated backdrop for this scheme, which artfully balances black and white upholstered furniture. Blocks of pattern, in the form of tailored cushions and artwork, add interest and personality to the modern look.
