It starts at home – how The Grey House Yorkshire can help you to find calm by making your home a sanctuarySneak peek: Richard Grafton Interiors reveals new-look Harrogate showroomHarrogate interior designers share their top spring trends

(Above: Farrow & Ball, Design Alchemy: Kevin Miyazaki, Walls: Setting Plaster No.231, Cabinets: Bamboozle No.304)

Spring has officially sprung, and if you’re looking to spruce up your living space this season, here’s what’s trending right now.

Earthier tones

This year has been a rise in the popularity of rich, natural browns, a trend that was recently seen at London Design Week 2024. These can help to bring warmth to a space and can be used in different shades throughout the home, such as through the choice of flooring, wall colour and soft furnishings.

Rebecca von Achten from Just So Interiors in Harrogate describes:

“Earthy colours like chocolate, clay and nutmeg add warmth and cosiness and this year are forecast to supersede paler neutrals.”

She also explained how colour drenching – painting walls, ceilings and woodwork all in the one colour – remains in vogue, and has replaced feature walls as a way to make a statement and impact in a room.

(Zoffany Paint, Raw Umber)

Rebecca Thomas, junior interior designer at Richard Grafton Interiors in Harrogate, details how the colour can be implemented in homes:

“Browns can be introduced gently using natural wood floors or tables, chocolatey-hued mohair throws, rich tortoiseshell accessories, as well as local artisan latte-toned ceramics while dark mahogany and walnut will bring warmth and richness to interiors, making the space feel cosy and elegant.”

(Richard Grafton Interiors)

Bright and bold colours

In total contrast, as well as there being a step away from neutrals – especially greys ­– in recent years, there has been a move towards colour.

(Richard Grafton Interiors)

Bright hues can add the wow-factor and the use of colour can be implemented through various schemes; whether its through statement key furniture pieces or simply with cushions that can be rotated as the seasons change.

Rebecca Thomas explained how the use through of colour in an interior space can lift your mood when needed, promote joyfulness and creativity but also sooth and calm. She went on to describe the colours that are standing out for Richard Grafton Interiors at the moment:

“Pinks, greens, reds and yellows are very much taking centre stage for the more daring of us. Being colour confident is not a trend that’s going ‘out’ anytime soon.

Go all out with maximalism

As well as this year being all about unconventional colour combinations, patterns and maximalist décor are also becoming big in the world of interiors. Rebecca von Achten explains:

“This spring we’re seeing a chintz revival with ‘Nancy Meyers’ style interiors, floral patterns, contrasting textiles and vintage pieces dominating the interior world. It’s all about surrounding yourself with things that spark joy and displaying them to look carefully curated.

(Farrow & Ball, Design Alchemy: Kevin Miyazaki, Walls: Setting Plaster No.231, Cabinets: Bamboozle No.304)

“Don’t worry if extravagant wallpaper, lavish wall art or floral sofas isn’t in the budget though; start small by adding checkerboard, gingham or striped patterns, ruffled cushions, scalloped edge accessories and a variety of vintage finds that evoke the feeling of nostalgia.”

Shapes

(Richard Grafton Interiors)

There has also been a move away from angular square and rectangular furniture that can often look harsh in spaces, with homeowners looking more towards organic, softer contours for their pieces, even down to the finer details such as vases and display pieces. Rebecca Thomas elaborates:

“The more rounded silhouettes bring natural flow, complementing harsh architectural straight lines of the typical home. From puddle shaped relaxed dining tables, curved sofas to wavey cabinetry and bobbin handles, organic shapes continue to trend this spring.”

Don’t forget… peach is back

(Farrow & Ball, Walls: Setting Plaster No.231)

Pantone has declared its 2024 colour ‘peach fuzz’, a hue that’s aimed to evoke a sense of kindness and ‘warm fuzzy feeling’ to a space, and it also marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Colour of the Year.

And finally, your outside space…

(Susie Watson Design)

As the weather starts to warm up, there’s more and more opportunity to socialise outside, giving the perfect opportunity to dress the garden table for the occasion. Tracy Stark, head of retail at Susie Watson Designs in Harrogate says:

“At this time of year, I tend to favour the softer pastel colours at home and in the garden and am always thinking of pretty table arrangements such as our Fritillary pottery collection that’s perfect for spring entertaining.”

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Harrogate interior designer’s jubilee styling tips

As we approach the Queen’s platinum jubilee, many of us are starting to scroll through Pinterest and Instagram to get some inspiration on how to decorate our homes.

The monumental royal celebration is the perfect excuse to string up the bunting, blow up balloons and do a spot of baking to host unforgettable parties throughout the long weekend.

We asked Harrogate interior designer Joan Maclean, who has launched a new online course, for some styling tips to help make your jubilee party one to remember.

Use a teapot as a display

“Isn’t tea the most quintessentially British thing? So dig out that old teapot, but use it instead of a vase and fill it with flowers. Here it is sitting on a bread board which is made of oak – the most English of trees.”

Think red, white and blue

 “You don’t just have to wave a flag – add a few red, white or blue touches. Here the Union Jacks just add a nod to the celebrations.”

Use a tray as a frame

“A tray is always a great way to contain your pieces – it acts like a frame. Here, alongside some bubbly and champagne flutes, I’m using the coronation glasses and mug for my red, white and blue flowers.”

Start at your front door

“I’ve planted up some perfect red flowers and with the addition of some tall silver branches and a couple of flags in my tall concrete planters,  here’s a stylish way to embrace the jubilee spirit at your door.”

Keep it simple – but striking

“If you just want to make a nod to the festivities, then raid your garden for some seasonal leaves or branches. With the addition of some red and white roses, here’s a striking, but simple, display in my hallway.”

Use a cake stand to display treasures

“A cloche or a glass cake stand, with its dome, is the perfect way to display a few treasures. Here are three pieces of coronation memorabilia.”

Raid your attic

“My family has treasures in the attic that don’t often see the light of day. These lead figures, with the incredible gold carriage, are part of a complete set from the coronation that are still in perfect condition.

“This window sill is the perfect spot – in fact window sills are the perfect place to display all kinds of treasures.”

Display memorabilia

“Here’s an old biscuit tin, which has found new life on my mantlepiece.”

“We used to get commemoration mugs and coins from school and here are some little things my mum had squirrelled away at the back of a cupboard.

“Dig out your family’s treasures and put them out – they stir fascinating memories and are a reminder of quite how long it is since 1952.”

Set the table for a traditional British afternoon tea

“A perfect British occasion calls for a fabulous afternoon tea – champagne, anyone?”

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