Rattan and cane
Rattan and cane is the latest design trend to undergo a revival.
Back in its [first] heyday in the 1970s it was predominantly confined to outdoor and patio furniture because of its weather resistant properties.
These days it’s still a key design element on many back decks and in outdoor ‘rooms’, but it’s also finding its way indoors in everything from storage to light fittings and side tables.
Nothing says Bali-inspired relaxation like a beautiful rattan lounge chair to recline in. Add some comfortable cushions, position yourself under a shade umbrella and your summer days are taken care of.
There are still plenty of the traditional cane chairs on the market but the outdoor staple has been given a modern twist with some creative new designs, shapes and colours.
You can bring that relaxed vibe inside with a day bed in a sunny spot, a feature chair and side table in a cosy corner.
If you don’t want a full dining suite inside, high-backed cane chairs look stunning with a beautiful timber table.
To add a touch of the current trend without a full makeover, you can’t go past rattan storage boxes, foot stools and baskets – use them in the bathroom, laundry or pop a pot plant in an oversized basket.
Floral wallpaper
Looking for a way to bring the outside in but don’t fancy yourself as a green thumb? Floral wallpaper could be your answer.
Modern wallpaper designers are far from the gawdy velvet-embossed patterns that once graced the walls in hotel foyers everywhere, and floral designs are particularly popular at the moment.
They can be used in just about every room in the house, adding a feature wall or two, or to cover the entire room. You can go moody, bold, bright, romantic and subtle – the pattern design and colour choice will add a whole new feel to your room.
Bold, dramatic florals will add a striking point of difference to a dining room, bring some life to a forgotten stairwell or bring a sense of calm to a bedroom.
Black
and white
Monochrome decorating is not going anywhere soon.
The use of black and white in interiors has inspired for decades with its ability to transform the feel of a room.
It can bring a fresh, clean look to any room, be bold and modern or bring some warmth to your decorating.
You can dive headfirst into all white floors and walls with pops of black in light fittings, furniture and accessories. Or introduce the monochrome palette with layers of cushions, window dressings, rugs and photo frames.
Add a bold, black and white patterned tile in the bathroom. You’ll get a striking effect using it either as a feature wall or on the floor.
Bring a forgotten corner to life with a black feature wall and a montage of your favourite black and white prints, or a black-framed mirror.
