Natural and Earthy

Living is easy

Lighter wall finishes and bare, textured plaster for that unfinished look are replacing the cosier, flat and darker palettes seen in previous seasons, according to local interior designer Elaine Woodcroft, owner of The Woody Fox.

Earthy tones are also here to stay, although Elaine adds that when the leaves start to turn, we all tend to want to darken the mood. “I wouldn’t go out and revamp your entire space with white walls and washed wood,” says Elaine, who is based near Exeter. “Combine natural tones with some deeper, earthy choices on various walls and you’ll achieve a look that will see you through the coming seasons,” she advises, adding: “Think Scandinavian colour schemes and style, crossed with rustic, bohemian finishes and you won’t go far wrong.”

Natural tones, such as olive and avocado, will keep things interesting in your living space while still being practical (especially if there are kids and dogs around). Furnishings should be really soft. Justin Roach, owner of Gaff Interiors & Upholstery in Cockington, thinks rounded chairs and sofas are here to stay, and can be easily incorporated with extra squishy cushions or elegant bolsters.

You don’t have to buy new. “Reupholstering is super eco-friendly,” says Justin. “Choosing natural and recycled fabrics are a big tick in terms of green credentials.” He suggests reorganising to save money: “Having a little reorganisation of favourite items you already own, moving things around and grouping in different configurations, can have a massive impact and cost nothing.”

Make a meal of it

Keep things just the right side of natural and rustic with upcycled furniture and robust fabrics in your dining room. Hardwearing, outdoor-suitable materials are starting to appear inside, as we try to make sure our homes stand up to the everyday wear and tear of life.

“Although outdoor fabrics are slightly more expensive, I’m finding that clients are investing in durability,” says Elaine. “Outdoor fabrics have improved hugely in quality and choice, so say goodbye to sticky, wipe-down plastic and hello to sumptuous, hardwearing luxe/plush alternatives.”

Marie Hewitt at The Window Dresser in Plymouth has an extensive and creative range of natural-looking outdoor fabrics. Upcycling and using available materials are still key to all aspects of interior design. “It’s becoming increasingly challenging to source reclaimed items, but it is high on my list of priorities,” says Elaine, adding that a recent project involved transforming fallen elm trees from the grounds of a Devon estate into a conference table. “It gave everyone that warm, fuzzy feeling and a sense of looking after our beautiful planet,” says Elaine.

If you don’t have the time or the skillset to upcycle (that applies to most of us), why not pay for it. Creative pieces, such as dining tables and dressers, which are finished to a high standard can transform a room.

Warm it up

Honeyed tones are a key look across all interior colour trends and work well to make you feel warm and well cared for in the bathroom. Spread it across your walls, fixtures and fittings or just dab it here and there to give a nod to this versatile shade. Double up on sinks and accessories to create calm and easy-on-the-eye finishing touches.

Forest bathing rules apply in the bathroom. Surround yourself in greenery with a few plants and succulents – a natural look that’s going nowhere. The Potting Bench in Totnes has a lovely selection. Less green-fingered types can choose from the incredible array of faux botanicals available out there. The Range (branches in Torquay, Plymouth and Exeter) has a good, er, range.

Mix up a storm in the kitchen

Mixing materials creates depth in the design of your kitchen. Try combinations of wood, metal, stone and glass. Concrete floors (still a thing) and wooden units are a stylish match and can be softened with fabric coverings. Use metal bar stools with a wooden island or set off a stone countertop with a glass pendant light.

Peter Vatcher, one of the designers at Ashgrove Kitchens in Crediton, says islands continue to be popular. “But especially those that incorporate seating and entertaining spaces, so they are more than just a breakfast bar,” he adds. “Also popular is using contrasting door sections for the island, keeping lighter tones for tall storage.”

As with the rest of your home, it’s important to incorporate some personal style with those all-important finishing touches, such as open shelves to show off an ornament collection, or a DIY splashback with handpicked tiles.

Rugs break up the room and are bigger than ever right now. There are some gorgeous washable examples around that will cosy up hardwood and tiled floors. Go for simple designs, favouring texture over pattern, unless you want your rug to be the star of the show.

Time to hibernate

Beds have become real statement pieces, not just somewhere to lay your head. You spend half your life in it (if you’re lucky), so it’s worth splashing out on a king, queen, or even a superking that will command the room. Devon Bed Centre in Exeter has a comfortable mix of fabric beds and divine divans, and ercol has a classic-looking, eye-catching wooden framed bed that will look great with any furniture.

Rachel Galbraith, creative director at ercol, says she’s noticed how people are furnishing their bedrooms in a much more eclectic way this season. “They’re not necessarily buying from one range; they’re mixing and matching their bed, chests of drawers and bedside furniture across different ranges,” she says. Browse the collections at Padfields in Barnstaple or Potburys in Sidmouth.

Don’t be afraid to splash out on this season’s colours – powder pinks, radiant reds, and apricot is the new terracotta, apparently. And really go to town – blurred edges work well in the bedroom.

Elaine adds: “Finally, people are embracing the trend I’ve been encouraging for years. Clients are now finding the confidence to paint walls, woodwork and ceilings in the same colour, giving the feeling and illusion of more space, while cocooning you.”

It makes you feel all snug just thinking about that.