HOME EDITION
Don’t be frightened This season, there’s a noticeable shift towards spicier colours that traditionally have been considered difficult to live with. “We’re seeing a 60s and 70s vibe coming through with shades of mustard, cinnamon and aubergine,” says Cambridge-based interior designer Catherine Harhalakis. “These are lovely, warm colours to work with; you needn’t be afraid to use them.” Catherine is an advocate for colour drenching; when the walls, ceilings, doors and woodwork of a room are all painted in the same hue. “I’m not a fan of the single, signature painted wall,” she explains. “If the intention is to be colourful, I say go for it and do the whole room! It can have a dramatic, yet surprisingly calming effect.” A good way to try out this trend is to adopt it in a smaller room, such as a downstairs loo, utility room or study. If it feels right, you can then extend it to larger spaces too. Play with patterns While large blocks of strong colour can feel overwhelming, patterned fabrics and textiles offer a milder way to usher in bold shades. These can be mixed and matched for an eclectic, boho mood. “The general rule is to pair large patterns with smaller ones that use the same colour palette, so it’s not jarring,” Catherine adds. “I would go for three to five large and small prints, linked together with a common colour theme. Flow and continuation are important in creating a harmonious space.” High-street stores such as Dunelm, H&M Home and Zara Home are good sources of inexpensive soft furnishings, ceramics and art prints to help achieve the look. Designer Sophie Robinson’s new collection for Dunelm pairs riotous colours and exuberant patterns in rugs, runners, bedding and small pieces of furniture,
while H&M and Zara both offer a choice of darker, earthier shades such as chocolate, ginger and deep purple. The only rule? Go with your instinct. “I wouldn’t rule out any colour for any home in any iteration,” says Neptune’s Pauline Fox. “You might need to be mindful about north- or east-facing rooms and the effect on interior light, but otherwise my advice is to just lean into it.” Her words are echoed by Catherine Harhalakis. “I encourage clients to be playful and bold with colours, whether they live in a period or a contemporary home,” she says. “If something is calling to you to do it, be brave. Your surroundings will have so much more personality if you do.”
Stockists
Annie Sloan anniesloan.co.uk Dunelm dunelm.com Lime Lace limelace.co.uk Neptune neptune.com Pooky Lighting
DARING DECISIONS Taking the first steps towards such colourful interiors can be scary, but with tasteful decor from brands such as Dunelm (above) and Pooky (top left), you can be confident
pooky.com Sofa.com sofa.com
76 MARCH 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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