Design inspiration doesn’t need to come from interiors. Getting outside can bring new looks into the home, from nautical themes to woodland wonders.
And the best news is, finding that inspiration is great for both your health and your budget.
So if you’re struggling to decide on a theme for your latest interior design, pick up some ideas from us. From forest hues to ocean blues, here are our favourite ways to pay homage to Mother Nature.
Seasonal colours
One of the most challenging steps in interior design is selecting a colour palette. You want to move away from the same old neutrals, but how can you be sure your green velvet sofa won’t clash with the curtains you’ve been eyeing?
Seasons offer Mother Nature’s own colour palettes and they essentially provide a cheat sheet for interior designers of all levels.
Spring – soft pastel colours
Spring brings new life and calm, with those longer evenings lifting everyone’s mood. Go for a calming, delicate look – think of soft and mellow yellows, pastel and pale greens and blues. A opulent sofa like the Maya, which has a beautiful floral fabric upholstery, is ideal.
Summer – bright and bold
Summer brings big, bold and boisterous colours. Flowers, fields and forests are all at their lushest, with bright flowers and rich green leaves. Give your living room some impact with bright yellows and golden oranges – and some big house plants. Go for a big sofa like the Le Mans Amber Collins – throw on some contrasting, patterned cushions for good measure.
Autumn – warm and natural
Cosy autumnal hues are some of the best. Give yourself a neutral base – and yes, while grey might be the new magnolia, off-white walls still have their place. Against that backdrop, try teak furniture and a warm brown sofa. Opt for the curvaceous Bronco sofa in Utah Tan leather for something grand yet subtle, or go for the elegant Perle with contrasting scatter cushions.
Winter – calm and light
A winter-inspired look can feel both calm and deeply cosy. Think of midnight blues, natural materials and thick sofa throws. Oddly, a colder, bright-white theme can work wonders in summer, giving you a sense of a much cooler space.
Nautical touches from the seaside
If you long for the ocean but rarely visit the coast, why not experiment with nautical decor?
Make ocean blues and wooden cabin panelling your base, then add wall art in line with your tastes. Anchors, ships and steering helms are just the beginning – round mirrors can replicate portholes and bulkhead wall lanterns create a below-deck look.
Try a green blue sofa and you’ll feel like you’re floating as you drift away in the evenings. Or, opt for navy stripes to bring something of the sailor look into your lounge.
The Cricket Sofa comes in an oceanic shade of Lavish Teal.
Mysterious hues from ancient forests
Wooden surfaces are your friends for this ethereal, forested theme. Whether it’s an oak floor, wooden wall panels or statement furniture, experiment with warm shades of brown. If you have a fireplace, placing your chopped firewood on display in a glass container is a great way to maximise the woodland effect.
When it comes to walls, keep the base tones earthy. Choose accessories in emerald green, wicker and midnight blue.
Brown leather sofas pair well with this theme – try the Italian leather, Italian-designed Fellini for a choice of deep shades.
Experiment with cityscapes
From London’s skyline to the iconic views across Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, you might have spotted hints of the urban seeping into home design schemes in recent years.
Hanging cityscape paintings is a popular way to bring dining rooms and lounges to life, especially when those cityscapes evoke vivid holiday memories.
It’s not all skyscrapers and glamour, however. Cities are also industrial and gritty – and there are ways to hint at glassy skyscraper facades without hanging photographs of them. Invest in a string of bi-fold doors and make the most of exposed brick walls.
A sleek black sofa like the Demure is perfect for this type of design, offering a touch of class against the harshest of backdrops.
Do you still need help with your latest home makeover? Read these blogs to find inspiration:
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