Interior Design Trends for Spring/Summer 2014

The joys of the start of the great British Summer have begun, bidding farewell to the long winter is quite a celebration; healthy eating, entertaining outdoors and garden parties are all that seem to be on the agenda.

With daylight hours increasing, this is certainly a great time of the year to combat those neglected interior spaces and outdoor living areas. Transform, update or simply inject spaces with pops of energetic hues.

Surprisingly, a few cost effective modifications can really change your lifestyle and perception of an interior space, it need not be a painless process. So what are the current interior trends this season?

Spring/Summer 2014 fashion and lifestyle trends have influenced home décor and interior trends alike; employing an interior designer has become an increasing trend amongst the Brit Asians today.

Gone are the days of chaotic printed interiors, carpets, sofas, table décor, busy floral walls, curtains and every other surface visible to the eye creating a camouflaged interior – which was once the norm in most Asian households.

Muted tones and soft playful pastels, continue to inspire calming and yet, so versatile schemes, complemented with either neutrals to create a softer, peaceful and calming scheme. Or for a striking high impact statement, pair with bolder and complimentary hues.

British Asian, mother of three, Mrs G Khan says: “I would like to maintain the overall neutral and airy feel of the lounge. But, I would like to add a splash of colour somewhere, just don’t know where to begin. Interior design is a mystery to me so learning about what’s in or not always helps.”

If going bold is not quite your thing, and the thought of intense hues sound alarming, it need not be. Why not explore and remodel your home with selective bold and bright accessories and accent pieces; add a few stylistic design features, subtle pattern and texture via selective cushions, throws and rugs.

Incorporating simple design elements into a scheme such as, artwork, lamp shades and window treatments will allow you to add instant warmth and colour, to create an ambient and inspirational interior.

British Asian, mother of two, Mrs Hussein says:

“The curtains in my bedroom appear bulky and are preventing the natural light from entering the interior. Simply adding new curtains has transformed the room completely!”

Upcycling furniture is bang on trend this season and with the revival of post modern, retro and bespoke hand painted furniture, home interiors are setting new standards – what could possibly be more satisfying than upcycling your old dated or even unwanted furniture? It really is therapeutic, you should try it!

Neutrals continue to play a vital role in interiors this season, white on white is definitely here to stay, as it can soak up almost any colour from the spectrum. Layered with some natural textures can complete the look effortlessly.

British Asian, mother of one, Ayesha says: “I would like to create unity throughout the interior, with limited use of colour – a colour consultation has been the best investment.”

A noticeable shift towards a softer monochrome scheme continues and this replaces the formalised version of the classic take on black on white – paired with an accent colour just livens this scheme.

Flora & Fauna; the resurgence of stylised vintage florals, elements of nature, and signature designer motifs definitely appears to have a strong presence this season. Perhaps, I have set off some reactions such as, ‘chintz’, ‘granny curtains’ or something the mother would approve of? It certainly is reliving an inspirational vintage era, and summer is quite fitting, bringing back endless fond memories.

Blooming bouquets of reminiscent florals return with an interesting and contemporary twist on the delicate and classic floral. Juxtaposed with metallics, vivid hues, muted tones, and soft pastels make this the perfect marriage.

“As the more house proud second generation Asian Brits are on the increase. The demand and appreciation for interior decorating ones home has too.” Are you in marvel of how do I get started or achieve this look? It really is quite straightforward, whether you are working around existing design features or a blank canvas.

Below are a few suggestions to consider and help you get started…

• Assess your interior space.
• Assess the nature or occupants of the space.
• Outline your design objectives for that space.
• Address existing design elements/architectural features to be incorporated into the overall design scheme.
• Do not be afraid to colour your home.

A few simple and inexpensive steps can really change your outlook!