Every January, we head to Paris in search of inspiration and exclusive new products. Having lived there during my former career in public relations, the City of Light has always inspired me, and I love returning to the place that first sparked the idea for our business.
Whilst it’s always fun to revisit old haunts, this is no city break as we’re in town for Europe’s biggest home interiors fair, Maison & Objet. Held twice-yearly in the distinctly unglamorous surroundings of the Parc des Expositions, a vast complex of hangar-like buildings near the airport, this show brings together the world’s best designers and creators in a vast bazaar showcasing everything from palace-sized crystal chandeliers to the latest must-have potato peeler. Over several long days spent trawling the halls, our mission is to spot emerging trends, working out how they translate into our house style and selecting products that we know our customers are going to love.
To save you the legwork, over the next four weeks we'll be sharing our pick of the top home interiors trends for Spring / Summer 2016. Here's the first...
Trend 1: Summertime Blues
Perhaps it’s our nostalgia for summer days spent by the sea, or maybe a collective longing for more bright, blue-sky days than the average British summer delivers. Either way, there’s no doubt that blue tones are set to lift our spirits and brighten our homes this year. From sparkling Cerulean to inky indigo, they’re appearing on all kinds of fabrics and furnishings like a breath of fresh air. Pair them with white for a look that’s endless summer.
Get the look:
Blue Striped Alpaca Throw - £175
This light, super-soft alpaca throw is a quick and easy way to update any interior, perhaps draped over a sofa or dressing the end of a bed. In fact, it’s so addictively snuggly that some of our customers have even been known to wear it out as a wrap.
Bottle Vases - £5 each
These colourful single-stem vases are a great way to create an instant table arrangement – put one bloom in each vase and dot them casually along a table or windowsill, they catch the light beautifully.
John Derian’s Provincetown Vase - £250
An antique print of a harbour scene makes this simple cylindrical vase really special. Inspired by the view from John’s Cape Cod home, it’s hand crafted in the Parisian workshop of Astier de Villatte. Surely a future heirloom.
Marrakech Linen Cushion - £35
Like throws, cushions are a great way to update a room without having to re-decorate. In heavy natural linen with contrasting geometric design, this one’s right on trend.
Mediterranean Fragrance Diffuser - £30
When you just can’t make it to the seaside, bring a sea breeze into your home instead with this clever natural fragrance diffuser. Close your eyes and you’re on the beach.
Hope your Easter is filled with the promise of Summer!