Colour and Curves

Spa-up your bathrooms

For a room that’s part of our daily routine, bathrooms can often be stark, cold and way down our list of vamping up priorities. “A bathroom really should be a sanctuary,” says Julie-Ann Clements of In Ex Design in Lympstone. “Why settle for boring when you can easily gain that spa-feel-at-home look?” Spa-style bold marble is in, and it’s a seriously elegant choice for bathroom walls, be it in slab or tile form.

A more laid-back, Mediterranean look is also an on-trend option. Heritage tiles are here to stay and there’s a gravitation towards geometric and patterned tiles for 2023, including hexagon, chevron, herringbone, and more. Geometric patterns can also be used to create a vintage or retro-style floor.

Be bold with colour – loud terracottas or deep greens and blues will make you feel as though you’re lying on a beach in the sunshine, rather than a quick soak in the tub before Eastenders is on.

And, lighting, lighting, lighting. “You want your bathroom to feel special, and IP-rated lighting or even spots on a dimmer will help set a more relaxed vibe, even for those quick showers,” adds Julie-Ann.

Mid-Devon-based interior designer Emma Turner agrees. “Bathroom lighting shouldn’t be an afterthought,” she says. “Ditch the downlights and go for something bolder. For a luxurious look, go for outsized lighting pieces or statement wall lights. Introducing statement lights is a good way to update a bathroom without overhauling the whole room.”

Get the look: Amos in Exeter for beautiful and bold lighting. Totnes Tiles has a great range in the latest bathroom looks. Visit Annie Sloan for terracotta shades.

Green with kitchen envy

“Green is the undisputed kitchen colour hero of 2023,” says Emma. “This nature-inspired hue has a calming effect on what is generally the busiest part of the home. If you’re not ready to immerse yourself in the colour, consider green-toned surfaces, such as Brazilian granite, a green tiled splashback, or a pantry interior to embrace the colour trend.”

Soften the hub of your home by bringing in some curves. Furniture design at the moment is all about the wave and this can easily be brought into the kitchen to encourage people to gather round and socialise.

“Consider a softer, curved island,” continues Emma. “They work particularly well in open-plan spaces that lead on to softer living areas. If a statement island is a step too far, introduce curved seating at an existing island to soften the space.”

Get the look: Lowe & Bespoke in Crediton creates bespoke kitchens. David Glover in Barnstaple has a selection of curved islands on its website. For wall colours, how about a nod to nature, if you’re not brave enough to go full-on green just yet: Farrow & Ball’s new French Gray is really much more green than grey, but flits between the two, depending on the light and time of day.

Sanctuary living

The current desire for opulence at home should extend to every room, elevating the mundane into something special. Achieve this by bringing a touch of art deco magic to your living space with your choice of fabrics and blankets, as well as sideboards and cabinets.

Once again, curves are key. Sofas are big and bouncy looking, but it’s easy to introduce this trend without splashing out on a whole new suite. Ashburton-based interior designer Siobhan Hayles says: “Add a small, curved side table to a living room scheme. You can have fun with pattern and texture too.”

Go for rich, golden tones or a warm neutral palette on the walls. Polished plaster is a decorating trend that can add warmth and texture while making focal points, such as a centrepiece fireplace, really stand out.

Many of us will be using our living space not only for relaxing, but also as part of our daily family and work routines. “In 2023, multitasking remains a priority,” says Emma. “Spaces that can cater for more than one function are still top of our wish list and the living room is no exception.”

Emma says good cabinetry is crucial – creating transitioning spaces to house the television, drinks and the Monopoly board. “A large, upholstered ottoman table is a flexible option to use as a table or extra seating when you have guests.”

Get the look: Fredmans furniture store in Paignton has an impressive range of curvaceous Ercol furniture. Pick your opulent textures from Ultimate Fabrics warehouse in Kingsbridge which has hundreds of fabric rolls at low prices.

Spicing up the bedroom

Add some spice with a touch of paprika to your walls – this ramped up, earthy colour is an exciting new design trend that will make your bedroom feel warm and welcoming. “It works well with red-based brown and honey tones,” says interior designer Demi Keenan, based in Torquay. “I would go all out here and combine all these tones together – so instead of contrasting, it feels as though you’re getting a hug as soon as you walk into a room.” If paprika is just a little too hot for your tastes, try a soft pink tone to fit with the more laid-back luxe style.

Once your walls are sorted, pattern clash fabrics and ruffled textures will update any bedroom in line with this year’s trends. Siobhan says: “We have already seen a few ruffles creep into bedrooms with a nod back to the style of the 90s. Mix it up with bold patterns, stripes and florals to give it a 2023 feel. “Don’t be afraid to pattern clash using colours that work harmoniously together.”

Then, add in your meaningful objects, a term designers like to use to describe the ‘curated clutter’ you can bring to liven up a room. This has been highlighted as a must for 2023. Colours, tones and fabrics can calm the mind, but our collections of bits and pieces add real meaning to a room. Demi suggests: “If you have an item of memorabilia your grandfather gave you, or even a collection of feathers you’ve added to over the years, frame them and create a meaningful talking point.”

Get the look: Farrow & Ball’s newly released Bamboozle shade is an ideal, paprika-style hue, or try Dead Salmon (more pleasing than it sounds). Lawsons (with shops in Tavistock, Ivybridge and Totnes) has a wide range of bedding and some clearance discounts.