Now that winter has well and truly arrived, we are all spending considerably more time at home. That’s extra time curled up under a woolly blanket on the couch looking around the room at all the things that don’t quite fit the space.
It’s time for a little update. Buying luxury items that will help cosy up your living room and kitchen but also last throughout the year. That means mixing things up a little, creating an eclectic look where you pair new items with the old.
That’s why the team at Holloways of Ludlow, the interiors experts, have teamed up with City Matters to bring this winter interiors guide. They work with a range of designers across the globe, picking and choosing their very favourite bits.
A few of these trends could slip their way into your Christmas gift wish list too – just casually leave this page open around the house to drop the hint!
Sheepskin
Natural materials and fibres have never been more desirable. In a world where we are trying to reduce our impact on the environment, avoiding man-made materials, especially all forms of plastic, is more important than ever. Investing in high quality natural materials and treasuring those key pieces for life dramatically reduces what we buy and so what we throw away. We have a whole series of stunning pieces of furniture which are finished in luxurious sheepskin and will stand the test of time through their quality of design and materials. Also, as winter approaches, they are so cosy that you might be able to turn down the heating a little!
Ceramics
Handmade ceramics are well and truly trending right now. Plates, cups, bowls and jugs don’t have to be uniform any longer. Accessories of all different shapes and colours work (especially paired in very simple spaces) and offer up some more character. There is more depth and vitality in ceramics and that helps breathe life into your home. For our Alcoa range, we partner with a small pottery studio situated in the region of Alcobaça, whose skills and knowledge of the material and craftsmanship have been passed on for centuries. Every piece is thoroughly inspected and finished by hand. The aim of the Alcoa line has been to walk a tightrope of contrasts. The taut, geometrical design expression challenges the organicness of the clay. However, the slightly gritty exterior reminds us of the tactility of nature versus the sleekness of that which is man-made.
Aymara Textiles
The Aymara plaid is inspired by travels in Bolivia. It was an interesting meeting with a rich and colourful culture with a long tradition and expertise within alpaca fibre. The impressions and respect combined with our Nordic design background resulted in a textile line in soft colours and a simple graphic expression. Use this textile in your blankets, pillowcases and throws to make your home cosy and eclectic. The muted tones will work well most people’s interiors inspiration.
Lighting
Lighting is too often overlooked. Or just thrown in at the end. Too many homes are lit by downlights or very basic lamps and pendants. Invest in a designer feature light in the dining room, entrance way or even bathroom for a big impact. Go big, colourful or abstract in design to totally lift a room. Keep the furnishings simple and let it stand out as the main attraction. And, the extra bonuses is that it can totally change a room as you move from day to night – turning it on and letting the room transform. And, as the days are getting shorter, there’s no better time than now to invest in high end lighting.
The Scandi Look
We have always had a love for simple, Northern European design. The use of wood and other natural materials gives every piece of furniture a unique quality and, with timeless designs, new pieces can sit effortlessly next to designs of the past. This trend is the understated look that makes a big impact. This paired-back look is perfect for creating an effortlessly stylish decor. For this season the ever-popular Scandi look is layered up with different textures to give the look depth – creating an inviting space to retreat and switch off from the world outside. Key brands we work with include Finn Juhl, Fritz Hansen, Design House Stockholm and many more. If you see things elsewhere, we will almost always be able to source it for you and we will always give you a better price.
