Ring out the Old, Ring in the New

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.

The Old Bakehouse - chest of drawers
Lucy Marsh Interiors - Pibworth drawing room

Sustainability

Our clients are increasingly enquiring about responsible manufacturing, and we actively seek out suppliers who share the same values as we do, who where possible use reclaimed materials, such as wood, recycled glass and metal. We’re also frequenting the auction rooms to find antique pieces, with a provenance, and their own story to tell.

A Mindful Home

As so many of us have been working from home,  we have had to compartmentalise our spaces. A move against open plan living. With the reality of more permanent working from home we need to move away from working from the kitchen table to create a dedicated, quiet and uncluttered workspace.

In turn, we need to create some areas which are comforting havens, away from the workspace. The drawing room and the bedroom can be a sanctuary, without laptops and other technologies, and with less clutter. The palette should be soothing, with subtle lighting and comforting textures, soft bedding and cushions.

Lucy Marsh Interiors - Old Rectory Hampshire, bedroom
green office

The Natural World

Increasingly we need green in our lives, a response to last year’s lockdown when so many people were left trapped indoors without the freedom of being in the open air. There is a demand for natural textures, jute, linen, seagrass and sisal. Green as a paint and fabric colour will be important this year, and sumptuous soft velvet will still be key.



green boot room
The Old Bakehouse
decorative wallpaper in hallway

Pattern

Pattern will continue to be embraced on cushions, fabric and wallpaper. We’ll see it in many forms – retro, modern, bold.

Lighting

There will be a trend towards statement decorative lighting, sculptural pendant lights, vintage lighting (sustainable agenda) and colourful lighting (we need colour for positivity during the uncertainties of the pandemic). Lighting is seen very much as a focal point in a scheme.

Cottage style

Country living and period cottage style will be important this year with our need to connect with nature, sustainability and the natural world. This style reiterates our need for hope and positivity within the home which is our haven. We’ll be using organic textures and looking for artisan skills to affirm this. Timeless skills such as foraging and baking will be important, as we embrace our heritage and become more in tune with nature and our surroundings. 

cottaage style

I am looking forward to this more considered approach, and helping my clients create their own personal havens.

For more information about Lucy Marsh Interiors please contact the Studio at enquiries@lucymarshinteriors.com  and to view the Lucy Marsh Collection please visit our online shop at lucymarshinteriors.com  

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year

Lucy  X