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16 life & style www.yorkshireposttoday.co.uk WEDNESDAY JANUARY 24 2007 YORKSHIRE POST What will the best dressed homes be wearing this year? SHARON DALE asks the experts. Richard Grafton, managing director of interiors specialists James Brindley of Harrogate. www.jamesbrindley.com ■ Key trend: Matching wallpaper and fabric. ■ Richard says: “Wallpaper is very much in vogue again, with Osborne & Little and Colefax & Fowler both showing fabrics and matching wallpapers for the first time in very many years. “We have even made our own silk fabrics available as made to order wallpaper in keeping with this new trend. “Fabric and paper designs this year are largely floral, with some brave companies showing birds which historically were considered by some to be unlucky. “Contemporary styles have a more structured look but I think ultimately it is the palette that determines whether a scheme looks traditional or contempo- rary. It’s possible to have the same fabric and design fit comfortably into either camp, dependent on the colourway – an embroidered silk in red and gold, for example, clearly fits well within a Victorian-style period scheme but the same silk in chocolate, taupe and beige tones looks equally at home in a city loft.” James Kincaid, head of range at Habitat. ■ Key trend: Ocean inspired. ■ James says: “For spring summer 2007 our collection is called Midnight Ocean and is all about interacting with the natural environment near, above and under the sea. “Key colours including blue, white and neutral, with flashes of indigo, coral and magenta. Distressed metal and weathered surfaces are strongly in evidence, alongside layered glazes and hand-painted embellishment.” Linda Barker, interiors designer and founder of home store www.reallylindabarker.co.uk ■ Key trends: Black and white and wallpaper. ■ Linda says: “Two trends which are set to continue into 2007 are the use of wallpaper and the love affair we are having with black and white. “Wallpaper just seems to get better and better, bold designs make grand sweeping statements right round the home, not just in the living room. “Leading the pack are innovators Cole and Son and their flock wallcoverings are still among my favourites, but for those on a careful budget Graham and Brown are produc- ing some beautiful papers. “Black and white was such a strong story all around the home in 2006, I thought its appeal might be waning a little. However, the monochromatic wallpapers, china, glassware and soft furnishings that we loved last year are still bang on trend for the early part of this year. “The damask trend, though, is starting to fade, so choose some of the newer, more innovative designs in black and white.” Paula Whiteside from Prego, contemporary interiors, Sheffield. www.pregosheffield.co.uk ■ Key trend: Grey is the new cream. ■ Paula says: “When investing in great quality furniture it’s always sensible to have a neutral backdrop. “This year will see every shade of grey, from soft off-white to rich anthracite, pebble blue grey and sage green/grey, form the basis of the modern interior. “This is fantastic news, as grey works with a vibrant shot of colour. B&B Italia have introduced colour to their neutral scheme with a tan easy chair, MDF Italia and Sancal use coloured cushions or coffee tables in shades of citrus and pea green. Rich yellow and deepest glossy black are also two of the latest colours for accessories. “The new look for 2007 home interiors emphasises luxury in the use of high gloss finishes, and rich texture, and daring flashes of bright colour and bold pattern.” Abby Parker, interior designer at Wetherby-based Carolyn Parker. www.carolynparker.com ■ Key trend: Eco awareness. ■ Abby says: “One trend that will be really big this year, and for years to come, is going green and I don’t mean the colour. The deteriorating state of our planet is news everywhere and I think this year we will all be doing our bit to become eco friendly. “Furniture and accessories will play a big part in this environmental movement. We are already seeing designers creating furniture from reclaimed products, such as Mathew Butler who has just launched his flatpack seat/table/box by using recycled materials (£133, Zaishu.com). If you want to get closer to earth’s creations, visit bleunature.com and have a look at their experiments with the natural beauty of untamed driftwood. “With this environmental responsibility, we will continue to see vintage style this year. Rather than buying something new, have a look in the attic or at car boot sales and see what you can salvage and restore to its former glory. “If you do have anything for the tip, why not advertise it on reuze.com. Something that you don’t want anymore could be just what another person has been desperately searching for. “Bright colours will also be big this year.” Clare Jobson, interiors specialist at Barker and Stonehouse. www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk ■ Main trend: White and florals. ■ Clare says: “A big look this year is white and I don’t just mean walls. Wooden floorboards and beams are being covered in matt white paint. White carpets are big news, as is white upholstery. The great thing with white is you can always add an accent colour for a burst of vibrancy; and zesty lime green is a key tone. ” Zoe Jackson, buying and design director at Heal’s. www.heals. co.uk ■ Main trend: Bright colour. ■ Zoe says:“We have started this year with a gentle approach to colour featuring a palette of naturals and soft turquoise, aqua, yellow and lime. The colours are mixed with natural woods, both oak and walnut featuring prominently. “For summer, a high energy palette will be introduced of deep citrus greens, playful turquoise and yellow with highlights of deep, rich orange and gold. Later in the season, there will also be an explosion of pinks, reds and hints of mango.” HOMES The flowers and the glory Fashionable furnishings: Clare Jobson, of Barker and Stonehouse, is predicting a floral revival this summer, left; black is still big according to Linda Barker, top right; and papers and fabrics to match is a new trend, says Richard Grafton, head of James Brindley in Harrogate, above right. Soft turquoise, yellow, aqua and lime are the fashionable colours this season, according to Heal’s. You can’t go wrong with all white.
