Home Updates

Dive into Deep Blue

Bring both drama and calm to your home by layering dark blues in your colour scheme. “Navy is set to be even bigger this coming year,” says Sophie Watkiss, owner of Sophie Louisa Interiors in Exeter. “Dark blue is the new black. It’s not as hard but can feel deep and moody, and has real character.”

Shades such as Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue or Oval Room Blue have been popular during lockdown and are guaranteed to create a stir this autumn/winter. If you want to tone down the vibe, try pairing it with a gentle grey or a chalk.

Think Pink

Soft, dusky pinks and tobacco and tans are the new neutrals. They bring warmth and comfort to even the most light-deprived rooms. Teaming pink with a white can add a romantic feel, while matching a pink shade with a dark colour on your woodwork creates a contemporary look.

Work Redefined

Many of us have suddenly had to rethink our office space. Whether it’s the dining room table, a cosy, study or a garden shed, the space should work for us – and the rest of the family. “It might be that several family members are now working from home,” says Caroline Palk, owner of Ashton House Design in Ashburton. “Meeting those demands will be multi-dimensional, and your home may need to expand and contract within a matter of minutes without a major upheaval.”

Keep your home workspace adaptable and practical. Choose units that hide cables and think carefully about storage. A blanket box gives you a great flat surface to display personal items on. You could paint a chest in this year’s must-have bold colours to add an accent to your room.

Bring in some greenery (try Exeter’s Hutch Houseplants) or better still – go outside. There are some great local companies who can help you create the perfect garden office. Just make sure there’s space for the kettle.

Reach for the Ceiling

Aim high and bright. “White tends to be the default colour for ceilings, but you can dramatically change the look and feel of a room by using colour overhead,” says Shelley Lincoln, style curator at Escapology Home in Plymouth. “There is an appetite for dark, dramatic colours.” Be brave, be bold and everyone will be looking up.

Work with Wallpaper

“I love working with wallpaper panels,” says Caroline Palk. “There are some fun and quirky designs out there.” Botanical prints and 1970s style geometric patterns are some of the latest trends to look out for. Just adding a panel or two to a room will bring any space bang up to date.

See the Light

Sophie Watkiss says mixing up structures and textures is the way to go with your lighting this season. “From Nordic and abstract to maximalism statement lighting, there is a diverse range of wall lights to choose from that cover all styles,” she says. It’s about much more than just flicking on a switch these days. The idea now is to play with scale; go large and shine with multiple-tier chandeliers and large dramatic light fittings.

Love Luxury

Every time you relax on your sofa, or walk into your dining room, should feel like a real treat. “Luxury has been redefined,” says Caroline. “The focus is not so much on luxury brands any more – it’s about making your home feel like a luxurious space you want to share.”

Create quiet corners with soft cushions and snug throws. “It’s not just about looks; the touch, texture and feel in our homes are all equally important,” adds Shelley. “A simple change in accessories can often be enough. Your home can feel like it's giving you a hug if you add plump velvet cushions and soft, sumptuous throws. As the autumn season brings changes in our landscape, we see that reflected in the colours and textures in our home. Shades of ochre and rust work well for warmth.” You could also try adding deep plums and reds for a more edgy feel.

Light your Fire

Keeping it simple will make a statement when it comes to that all-important focal point. “Be restrained,” says Caroline. “There are so many fantastic fireplaces around and it’s not necessarily about having the real thing.”

Lookalikes can bring your living room all the style and none of the fuss. Try Dean Forge in Buckfastleigh for the very latest technology and designs in electric and gas stoves.

Think Floors

Lighter wood flooring is in this year, which is great news if you’re planning to go down the navy walls route. “The contrast of the colour navy and the light wood creates a warm, inviting feel to any room,” says Sophie.

Future-proof Furniture

If you’re buying big items, think about sustainability. There’s a growing movement away from cheap and throwaway towards built-to-last and hand-me-downs. Being savvy about our planet starts at home. “Furniture with classic good looks will save you more in the long term,” advises Shelley. “Handmade sofas with beautiful upholstery will last a lifetime and connect you to your home every time you curl up and relax.”

Sofarooms in Exeter creates made-to-measure designs. Keeping it local is a great investment. Like with our food, more of us are becoming interested in where our furniture and accessories come from. “The provenance of things is important now,” says Caroline. “People want to know where and how things are made. We’ve always been really supportive of the people and businesses in our county. We have such a lot of local talent in Devon.”