[col type=”one-third”]
[/col]
[col type=”two-third last”]
Trends
While certain aspects of interiors are ‘en vogue’ at the moment, Llewelyn Bowen states that trends are all about taste and change dependent on the resident.
“Trends are very much defined by the people who live in the properties. Inevitably there will be colours that people get very excited about, everyone’s getting very excited about orange at the moment. But the big message is that anything goes, it really is about your own personality. We’re decorating in a way where hidden elements, that previously wouldn’t have been factored in, such as acoustics, are very important.
“Finishes are much softer, there are more carpets and curtains around; there are chandeliers rather than down-lighters. These things are icons of glamour and indulgence and sex is big; particularly since Fifty Shades of Grey. Bedrooms are getting unbelievably sexy.
“People are concentrating more on interiors and, if they are staying put and spending money on renovations and the fabric of the house, it will be more about creating usable space. Conservatories were never practical, they were show-off spaces; they never served a purpose. They’re not very flexible.”
DIY
He’s an interior designer so, naturally, he wouldn’t promote DIY renovations over getting professional help, but Llewelyn Bowen says people should explore their own abilities in design.
“I think you should explore the potential of your interiors using that as an outlet of creativity. There are a lot of things you should never do yourself. It’s important to bear in mind that building regulations change quite quickly these days when it comes to renovations. There’ll be some major DIY projects that you’ll need specific certification for if you want to get a mortgage, remortgage or sell. You should always consider things like that.
“The ‘D’ in DIY has come to mean ‘design it yourself’ rather than do it yourself. That’s a much more compelling and energetic exercise.”
Carpets and curtains
At the Ideal Homes Show, the well know interiors expert noted the presence of all things rich and opulent and while many may have discarded carpets and curtains since the turn of the century, in favour of hard wood floors and minimalistic blinds, it’s apparent that the comfort of tradition is back.
“In honesty it never really left the British home. I think there’ll be a real resurgence in patterned carpets. Never forget that two of the greenest things you can ever do at home is to put carpets in because they insulate; and put properly lined curtains in, they’ll stop so much heat being lost. But, critically, when you’re not at home during the day you can draw the curtains with the heating off and allow for the transfer of air. One of the problems with a lot of houses now is that they’re being made far too airtight. You want that osmosis going on when you’re not there.
“And you’ll get more privacy with curtains too, so you can get up to whatever you want to….”
[/col]
Loading ...