Cornwall LivingIssue #66
Homes in vogue
We look ahead to 2018 to see if Cornwall intends to ‘toe the line’ when it comes to global interior design.
For some, home décor is a matter of function, for others a reflection of personality. For all of us, however, there comes a time when it’s time to oust the old and update the space in which we live. But how to keep it on trend?
“The recent trend for grey is gently being nudged into a more colourful phase.”
Instead of resting on our laurels, we thought we’d get ahead of the game and see what lies in store for Cornwall’s interior design scene
as we approach the new year, all in the hope that we can help you make those all-important decisions to keep your home current.
HOW CORNWALL VIEWS GLOBAL TRENDS
Since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has declared a ‘Colour of the Year’, something that’s been taken to the bank every year since by design companies across the globe. This year, the colour was announced as greenery. Symbolic of new beginnings, according to the Pantone website, greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring. As you can imagine, it has featured prominently in Cornwall, perfectly complementing the stunning stretches of countryside that abound this part of the world. While we eagerly await the announcement of 2018’s official ‘Colour of the Year’, one trend that’s set to continue is an infatuation with iridescence.
However, being so close to the coast, Cornish designers tend to do things a little differently. For instance, Elaine Skinner, owner of Camellia & Co tells us: “The trend for rich dark colours is still very relevant and can really make a small coastal space feel special. Inky-blue teal and Ochre continue to be key colours for us. Both are refined and warm, working well in period spaces as well as contemporary coastal settings.” www.camelliainteriors.co.uk
We also catch up with Isabel, owner of interior design firm Coastal Scandi. At a
time when hectic lifestyles are increasingly becoming the norm, Pantone’s prediction of a continued obsession with iridescence, while pertinent, isn’t necessarily true of homes here in Cornwall. In fact, Isabel explains: “As our lives become more hectic and reliant on technology, our desire to reconnect with nature and a simpler way of life can be reflected in the design and style of our homes. Here at Coastal Scandi, we love the timeless Scandi minimalistic look, combined with the simplicity of Japanese aesthetics – also known as ‘Japandi’ – as both cultures have similar design philosophies.” Essentially, it’s all about creating a feeling of calm, tranquillity and wellbeing. The use of plants can really help achieve this, especially when you choose sleek elegant plants rather than those from the jungle, with simple pots.
Fancy adding some Scandi Christmas style to your home? www.coastalscandi.com
KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS
Our kitchens and bathrooms are areas that, with the right touch, can be the difference between a good interior design scheme and a great one. However, as predicted, it would seem that the jury is divided when it comes to what will be hot next year.
“We’ll be using burnt black oak, which can be used for worktops and shelves.”
Megan at Newlyn-based Interiora informs us that as heating and sustainable living become more of a priority, and as underfloor heating becomes more affordable and readily available, there has been an upsurge in the use of porcelain tiles due to their ability to retain and conduct warmth. Such materials have allowed timber effect and natural stone effect tiles to become much more realistic. “The marble effect is currently very popular,” Megan explains, “and we’ve found that white modern marble effect tiles work especially well with the recent development of gold taps and brassware.” www.interiora.co.uk
In contrast, Leigh at Arnold’s Kitchens, although agreeing with the prominence of brass and copper, tells us: “Black taps, sinks and appliances will begin to feature more in our kitchens. We’ll be using burnt black oak, which can be used for worktops and shelves. In terms of texture and colour, natural textures will begin to feature strongly in the coming year, including rough planed timber and stained dark colours such as charcoal grey, navy and dark moss green.” www.arnoldskitchens.co.uk
And then there’s Kettle Co., with its team that holds design perfection, craftsmanship and sustainable practice at the core of its work. Sophie explains that a lot of rose gold and brass accents can be found in their kitchens. “Gold finishes have been around for eons – they’re classic, beautiful and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon!” She continues, and this is where it gets interesting: “Metal interiors have been trending, however undoubtedly the biggest colour trend is the desire to have blue in the kitchen. This trend is set to really take off next year and will certainly be popular with those looking to make a statement in their home!” www.kettleco.co.uk
Whatever your chosen kitchen or bathroom style, you’ll want to choose the right tiles. Tamsyn Rowe, owner of JT The Tile Collection visited Cersaie 2017, the world’s largest annual tile exhibition in Bolgna. There, she unearthed the upcoming trend of large format tiles, particularly for floors and walls, where a seamless, contemporary look is the aim. Offering muted colours, these tiles have a very ‘time-worn’ charm about them – the result of graphic details such as stones and cracks. Some ranges have a strong urban appeal, working especially well in contemporary coastal homes. www.jt-thetilecollection.co.uk
FURNITURE AND SOFT FURNISHINGS
Getting your soft furnishings right can really bring out the best in your home décor, making it that much more enjoyable to spend time in.
Acknowledging the continuation of Scandinavian style, furniture specialist Julian Foye suggests the Scandi movement is indeed set to continue but with less structure, with a stronger inclination towards lighter wooden tones. “Layering with different textures
will be the key. Beds can be layered with a combination of crisp white bedding, over which can now be thrown chunky wool knits, soft linen throws, cosy fake fur blankets and cushions.” www.julianfoye.co.uk
When it comes to the significance of Scandi style, Cotton Mills is in full agreement. The team insists that while some trends peak and then disappear entirely, there are those that develop and mature. For instance, while the cool greys, sheepskins and light wood tones of simple Scandinavian styling have featured heavily of late, Scandi is steadily moving more towards Nordic. This is where the Cotton Mills team differs in approach. “The shift into what is being termed Nordic style sees the wood tones darkening to walnut and mango with deerskins, introducing more warmth.” www.cotton-mills.co.uk
Weighing into the discussion, Penny from Merchants and Makers tells us: “The recent trend for grey is gently being nudged into a more colourful phase. Fortunately, as grey is such a wonderful foyle for colour, there’s no need to have a complete refurb!” www.merchantsandmakers.co.uk
Of course, there are those who will always prefer a traditional approach to interior design. Fortunately, against the backdrop of an increasingly throwaway society, several companies have embraced a resurgence of traditional craftsmanship here in the Duchy. Take Kador Upholstery. Set up with the desire to help keep the craft of traditional upholstery alive, Steve of Kador explains: “There’s been quite an upsurge in upcycling old furniture. People buy an old piece and want it restored to its former glory. Stripping back a chair is like stripping back history, and we want to make sure we’re true to the heritage of each piece we work on.” Kador Upholstery is supported by business start-up experts, Outset Cornwall. To find out more about Outset, turn to page 25. www.kadorupholsery.co.uk
On the contrary, for those who really want to bring their home into the 21st century, a visit to Westcountry Blinds would certainly be worthwhile. An expert in window shading solutions, Westcounty Blinds is a pioneer when it comes to dressing our windows, with technological innovation at its heart. A range of innovations, including SmartCord, TrueFit and LiteRise are all designed to make the use of blinds sleeker, easier and more stylish. And the addition of PowerRise has successfully placed home-
technology worthy of James Bond within easy reach of those living in Cornwall. Utilising powered motors and remote-control, these blinds are great for homes with lots of big windows. www.westcountryblinds.co.uk
LIGHTING
On those darker evenings and greyer days there’s a need for functional and equally stylish solutions to bring light into our homes. According to Mark at Stylehome, 2017 has seen some fabulous lighting trends, the most notable being the popularity of copper as a finish and the continuation of the vintage style into the domestic kitchen. He predicts that, in 2018, “The desire for metallic finishes will continue to grow, and we may see more Corten lamps – a fantastic stable rusting effect – along with other rich brown anodised options.”
Geometric patterns are also set to make a strong comeback, so be prepared for some fabulous pendant and wall lamps based around these themes. www.stylehome.co.uk
Emily from Rustic House tells us: “Lighting is the perfect way to update a room. For a more coastal feel, using driftwood inspired pieces and rustic wooden elements can
help, as can combining these with distressed metals, ceramics and linens in neutral colours.” Indeed, lighting can change how you use the space, and Emily suggests adding a floor lamp next to a favourite chair to create a cosy corner in a living or bedroom to retreat to. www.rustichouse.co.uk
All this is but a snapshot of what Cornwall’s interior design scene has to offer and there are plenty of other local companies that can bring something special to your home. Any Old Lights (www.anyoldlights.co.uk), for instance, are fantastic if you’re looking for a vintage alternative to lighting your home, while Jo & Co Home (www.joandcohome.com) offers a wealth of inspirational homewares that have been handpicked with you in mind.
For those of you looking to update your kitchen or bathroom, perhaps Helston-based Now Kitchens can help (www.now-kitchens. co.uk)? Or, if you require a fully personalised design service that’s always in touch with your individual needs, Eve Hughes Interior Design (www.evehughesinteriors.co.uk) comes highly recommended, specialising in bespoke curtains, blinds, soft furnishings and wall coverings.
Whatever part of your home you have in mind, it seems that Cornwall’s interior design has its own ideas of what we can expect in the New Year, and it’s a good thing too, because it means there are plenty of options and ways for you to keep your home on trend. There is, however, one quote that we’d like to leave you with, which comes from Camellia & Co’s Elaine Skinner: “While it’s useful to seek inspiration from interior design trends, it’s important not to copycat. Your home should reflect you, your personality and your style.”
"The recent trend for grey is gently being nudged into a more colourful phase."