HOME EDITION
hether it is Apricot Crush – named colour of 2024 by trend predictors WGSN – or Viva Magenta – Pantone’s colour of the year for 2023 – the latest trends in tone might start on the catwalk, but they quickly translate to our homes. This year, the Barbiecore frenzy, which celebrates all the shades of pink in homage to the blockbuster Barbie film, has seen the hue introduced across all types of homeware, from kitchens to textiles. Whether you opt for a soft orange sofa or simply a bright red toaster, referencing in-vogue colours in your home can instantly update any room. Sam Pye, creative director at visionary design studio Echlin, gives his insight: “Interiors and fashion are closely intertwined, and there is a strong late-90s influence returning to interiors in the same way it has in clothing. We are seeing more chrome and silver take over from brass and bronze, which have been go-to metals in the past few years.” Kitchens are perhaps the largest investment in our properties and, where once the fashion was to stick to neutrals for longevity, homeowners are now opting for bolder choices. Bryan Turner from Cambridge-based Bryan Turner Kitchens agrees: “Clients are now favouring deep rich tones such as olive green, dark brown and burgundy,” he explains. “These shades go
Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May, on why yellow is a plus LET THE SUN IN 1. Yellow tiles are versatile and brighten up any space. 2. Pairing our Sweet Yellow tiles alongside a neutral tile creates a sophisticated checkerboard scheme. 3. Match sunny yellows with lighter blue and pale green tiles for a refreshing colour palette.
beautifully with burnished brass handles and Carrara marble worktops with old-gold veins. Pattern is also making a comeback, with wallpapers and hand-drawn murals in demand.” Allison Lynch, senior design consultant at luxury kitchen company Roundhouse Design, also comments that dark colours such as navy blue, charcoal black and forest green are currently gaining in popularity. “We have always offered any colour in our kitchens so clients have the freedom to go with what suits them. Some are braver than others. For those who don’t want the full commitment of a bold scheme, we provide different suggestions to add a pop of colour, for example a worktop with a rich variation in its design.” When it comes to bathrooms, it is often the case that a bold design works well in smaller rooms. Small cloakrooms have traditionally lent themselves particularly to flamboyant finishes. Pay attention to the details if you don’t want an overpowering look; tiling and accessories can be used to give a nod to the latest trends. Stand-alone tubs from The Albion Bath Co come in a rainbow of colours and work well as a room’s focal point. “There is a definite shift away from greys at the moment,” says Phil Etherden, managing
72 SEPTEMBER 2023 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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