There is nothing like the New Year to re-evaluate and re-style our homes with a fresh pair of eyes. The way we have all had to adapt our lives during the past two years, spending so much of our time at home, has really helped us to reflect and identify what is important to us. Home is somewhere we need to be nurtured and nourished, whilst still creating a practical space for everyone’s personal needs.  

And this ethos is very much reflected in this year’s design trends, building on both the physical and emotional foundations of our homes.

Authenticity

I find myself increasingly being asked to style my clients homes with their existing belongings.  This is so encouraging as I’m not a fan of waste, and buying new for the sake of it. Quite often I find, for example, that a bookcase can be given a new lease of life with a little re-ordering. This might be with heirloom silver or ornaments, a small selection of pictures frames, books ordered by size and colour. The shelves need to be seen in relation to each other so they are balanced.

The point is that our home is made up of items that have sentimental value and a story to tell.  In a time when we are plagued by uncertainty, we need the reassurance of this history behind us.