Maureen Whitemore
A trip to an international interiors show inspires our Penrith-based interiors expert
Problem solved
Guest rooms are rarely large – it’s natural to keep smaller bedrooms for visitors. But, when you do have people staying, they often need a bit of hanging space. It seems a shame to have a large wardrobe or cupboard taking up valuable space for occasional use so an easy solution is to use hooks and hangers.
Pretty, covered padded coat hangers or good quality wooden ones appear as welcoming as a wardrobe and a few attractive hooks fixed on a wall come with the advantage of taking up minimal space. Try More Handles in Carlisle or local blacksmiths such as Oakbeck Forge in Appleby for hooks, and Laura Ashley for pretty coat hangers.
Every year, I make time to visit the Decorex interna- tional design show in London. This is the place where you
discover what’s new in the interior design world. I never fail to be surprised by what’s on show and enjoy adapting new trends to my Cumbrian projects. This year was no exception and I spent an exhausting but fabulous two days meeting suppliers and capturing ideas on camera.
Last year, one of the big surprises was the re-emergence of brass, copper and bronze for lighting, in bathroom fittings, on handles and trims and even on furniture frames. That trend has continued although it’s
Margot Shelby’s fabrics show the impact of geometric designs
Moss green sofa, bright spot colours and strong brass influences are bang on trend this autumn
Rugs from Ptolemy Mann offer great combinations of colour and pattern
now more about brass, antique gold, more brass and a little bronze! The finish is rarely shiny. Instead there’s lots of brushed effect and antique brass which brings a warm subtlety to the finish.
The trend for velvet is stronger than ever with a range of fibres and prices, from great value 100 per cent polyester velvets at the cheaper end of the price range to exquisite 100 per cent cotton or even silk versions. In between, there are mixed fibre velvets of polyester and cotton which don’t crush and are even washable. They all come in beautiful rich colours suitable for upholstery, curtains and cushions.
The surprise of the show was muddy moss green. To me this shade comes with a risk of looking like sludge but moss green was everywhere across the show and every designer had something in it. I’m not a big fan, even if it is earthy and autumnal but, with the right contrasts it can look very smart. I saw it paired with brass-finished light fittings and smaller furniture and splashes of much brighter shades.
Orange was a popular contrast at Decorex and the new citrine yellow shade was everywhere – on fabric designs, walls and upholstery.
Away from the moss green and citrine, patterns were geometric, ranging from monotones to bright and brash colour combinations. This is especially true of rugs and I loved the selection of designs from Ptolemy Mann. I have to admit that colour is much more me – it makes me smile.
In summary, if you want to make on-trend changes to your home, then take inspiration from Decorex. I can see lots of
potential for this season’s colours in Cumbria – just imagine that citrine yellow in a room with a bare slate or limestone wall, for instance. Whatever your approach to the fashion of interiors, enjoy your plans for the coming months and be sure to adapt the trends to your home.
With her busy workshop and showroom in Penrith, Maureen has been in the interior design trade for more than 48 years. See her blog at maureenwhitemore.co.uk
CUMBRIA LIFE / NOVEMBER 2017 / 87
FURNITURE BY CHARLOTTE JAMES