As we wrap up warm during winter and look forward to milder climes, our homes editor Ben Kendrick is here to forecast the top country-inspired interior design trends for spring 2018. From pastel tones to vintage florals, Ben summarises each look and suggests where we can go to shop for what we need to replicate them in our own homes…
3 country homes interior trends for spring 2018
1. Gentle pastel tones, in particular pale powdery pinks, soft mint tones and duck egg blue
Pastels are big this year and have a soothing quality in our homes when projected through painted walls and signature pieces of furniture. These shades are great if you love colour but prefer lighter hues. The black undertones in their composition make them gentle and restful and always team well with greys.
Use shades together that are a balance of warm and cool – shades of pink and blue go well together as do yellow and grey. All these hues combine with natural colours and materials easily.
2. Motifs of spring blooms such as tulips, daffodils, violets, hyacinths and muscari
These are appearing on everything from wallpaper to fabrics next season and are perfect for decorating a country cottage interior. They have an uplifting quality that can enhance your mood, so are good for refreshing your home and giving it quick revamp. Try a pair of new curtains or paper on a bedroom wall. Like most designs they combine with other country furnishings and of course natural materials.
3. Classic patterns including hares, hens, vintage florals
Country images are back in fashion and appearing all over cushions, fabrics, wallpapers and in artworks. Rather than realistic, detailed renderings, they are simplified, linear designs based on lino-prints or woodcuts that draw inspiration from the 1930s and 40s.
AND FOR SUMMER…
Looking past spring and into summer, one of Ben’s top picks for summer interior design trends is:
1. Faded stripes, checks and florals with a weather worn effect – blues, reds, turquoise and sea glass tones
This style is really appealing as it gives a home a time worn, relaxed beach house feel. The classic colour combinations include blues and reds and pink and florals, all with a slightly sun-faded, knocked back appearance. Mix together utility fabrics, like denims and tickings, with impressionistic contemporary or vintage florals. Pale wood or driftwood-style furniture and seaside style are perfect for this look.
