Interiors magazine editor Ciara Elliott is a journalist and content creator and the editorial director of House and Home Magazine. Ciara chronicles the revamp of her 1800s crumbling country house on her Instagram, @ciaraelliott.
Get the Boho Villa look
Cool neutrals, soft layers, natural textiles – we are so here for the Marbella beach house (or Boho Villa) interiors look, which is all about layering up textures to create a relaxed, laid back feel.
The best bit is that you don’t need to live anywhere near the Mediterranean to get the look. Achieve this breezy style by keeping it simple and classic with clean lines, a muted colour palette and some unexpected accents in weather-worn wood, leather and well-washed linens. Soften walls with weaves and hangings and add in some natural elements such as wicker baskets, rattan lanterns and lots and lots of foliage and plants.
There is an emphasis on outdoor living to this look, so take a less-is-more approach to the styling. Lighting can be natural and understated.
How to style the look
Creating a restful, holiday-feel home that makes your shoulders drop the moment you walk in should be the aim here.
For a squishy natural leather sofa, with curves in all the right places and a lovely natural pigment, I love the Mazzini sofa in Utah Tan or the mid-century modern, natural leather feel of the Cordelia loveseat in Utah Blonde.
Neutral hues, ranging from warm whites to earthy beiges and warm clays, are known for their calming qualities, which is why the natural linen look always has a timeless feel. The Infinity range in Ecru Camel Mix or the Gaia sofa in Buckingham Linen Mix will both work hard to make any room feel serene.
Beach house chic has never looked so good than this season at Sofology.
Get on board with the Checkerboard trend
Fresh, fun and friendly, we love the look of the checkerboard trend that’s been blowing up on our socials right now – not that it’s ever really gone out of style. Originating from the iconic chess board, the checkerboard print is, of course, an interior classic. But this season the print, both in black and white as well as every other colour combination, has been re-interpreted everywhere. From kitchen floors, to bathroom tiles, from cushions to tablecloths and lampshades to bedding, checkerboard patterns have become one of the defining trends – both in fashion and interiors. But, without retiling your entire hallway or repainting your picture rails how do you get the look?
How to style the look
Easy! In fact this two-toned pattern provides a sophisticated look and could be used in its original monochrome format of black and white or a mix of vibrant colours. Go down the classic route and pick the standard black and white checkerboard print, or be brave and embrace gingham style versions in warmer colour ways or sunny pastels that feel fresh and vibrant for spring and summer.
Chic and timeless in its monochrome design, the checkerboard print works with a whole range of interior design styles from cottage cosy to sleek and modern. If you are going down the monochrome route, look for a strong black or white sofa. You could try the Titan in Festival Black/Bronze Mix or the Oxford range in White, for instance. Or if you are going to be brave and adopt some bolder pattern, there’s the Cricket chair in Monochrome print.
This is a joyful and playful print that will lift the spirits of any room. Have fun with it!
Create your retreat room
A home that promotes wellbeing and self-care is one of the key interior trends for 2023. In design terms this idea of ‘a mindful home’ or ‘retreat home’ translates as thoughtfully planned spaces designed to boost wellbeing. We are now more conscious than ever that our homes should cultivate a sense of stability and balance, symmetry and minimalism and also help to restore our sense of calm from the moment we walk in the door.
But while a retreat room is all about perfecting a zen interior, sometimes a minimalist, de-cluttered approach can make a space feel too cold and sterile. So styling-wise it’s important to bring warmth and calm with natural materials, curved elements and colours that promote tranquillity.
How to style the look
Think wooden furniture, bamboo flooring, wool rugs, rattan storage and marble worktops – preferably all sustainably sourced from companies that engage in ethical practices. Use accessories made from natural materials such as bamboo and jute, and opt for the Essence range or Rococo for more slick and angular shapes in your space. Mixing squared elements with curves looks great too, so you could try adding some new rounded furniture, like Sofology’s Marble Arch sofa – or a round mirror, coffee table or side table to create the new, comforting look. Clean colours like as nudes, pastels and matte pink tones will bring a chic, fresh and contemporary feel to your scheme.
Follow @ciaraelliott on Instagram for more home interior inspiration.
