From statement furniture to soft pinks, warm wood to a chrome revival, designers everywhere are embracing 2024's hottest decorating trends.
Victoria Twinberrow, Neptune by Holloways design specialist, shares her predictions for this year's most covetable interiors.
Earth tones
From warm neutrals to calming blushes, earth tones are in this season. Out – finally – are cool greys, in are earthy beiges, heritage whites and subtle taupes which sit beautifully in contemporary and period homes alike. On plastered walls, on panelling, on furniture – they're soothing and homely, and redolent of the changing landscape outside.
"Potters Pink is a favourite," says Victoria. "It's surprisingly neutral, works incredibly well in sitting rooms and bedrooms, and introduces real warmth to spaces without feeling either too feminine, or twee. With undertones of yellow and grey, it's reminiscent of setting plaster and sun-soaked Tuscan villages, and is fabulous paired with apricot linens and dark wood."
Holloways stocks planet-friendly paints by Neptune and Edward Bulmer. Explore the range and pick up sample pots in our Neptune store-in-store and Interior Design Studio.
Statement furniture
Out with blend-into-the-background filler furniture, in with conversation-starting statement designs.
"Even the smallest side table can make a huge impact in a room," says Victoria. "Neptune's new Stratford table is striking and elegant with all those mid-century vibes. It's castellated base is beautifully contemporary, and works in smaller dining spaces, or at one end of a living room. In our showrooms, we pair the Stratford with spindle-backed Kenilworth dining chairs in Paprika, and a stunning red Kelso rug."
When it comes to dining tables, it doesn't get much more statement than the Twinny. Made from state-of-the-art HPL, with a gorgeous metallic sheen, its elliptical shape is fantastically sociable and the modern lines of the leather Ivar dining chairs complement it perfectly.
Bedrooms, offices, compact sitting rooms...the 60s retro vibe of the Tilly will make an impact in even the smallest of rooms. Or try the 70s curves of the Grenada swivel chair and matching footstool in this spill-resistant Aquaclean fabric, or tactile leather.
Warm wood
Intentionally mixing lighter and darker wood pieces is a key trend this year. It brings a homely, lived-in look to interiors – yet it's timeless and unifying. Natural wood adds character and warmth to a scheme, from dining tables to chairs and accessories.
"The natural beauty of oak speaks for itself," says Victoria. "So whether you're looking for a traditional table with a subtle blonde oil finish, or a striking dark smoked look for a contemporary dining table, you know you'll be buying something that'll look good for generations to come."
We love the Moreton extending dining table, paired with these rush-seated Wycombe dining chairs and benches, which looks as at home in a country kitchen as it does in a formal dining room. The Teme extending dining table, which seats up to 16, was made for modern spaces, while the moody good looks of the Detroit dining table and its matching sideboard is perfect dressed for dinner in a big, modern space.
Frills
From silk lampshades to wicker ones, like it or not, frills and ruffles are in this year. Whymiscal and playful they add a sprinkling of fun to proceedings.
"Neptune's new Athena collection of lamps, pendants and wall lights embody two of this year's key interior trends: frills and natural wicker," says Victoria. "And for more traditional country interiors, the Henry pleated lampshades are perfect. You'll find a huge range of designs in our Lighting Showroom and Neptune store-in-store."
Natural stone
In keeping with the warm wood trend, natural stone is having a resurgence. From lamps to tables, candlesticks to pots, it's all about taking comfort from nature and the landscape around us.
"Marble-topped tables like the Resto or the Boscombe are can be incorporated in interior and garden schemes alike," says Victoria. "They're timeless and hardwearing, and come in a variety of finishes. The natural markings mean you'll always have a one-of-a-kind piece."
Stone lamps and vases help connect your interior spaces with the outside world. Try one of the Hanley lamp bases, which come in candlestick or rounded shapes.
L-shaped and chaise sofas
"As our lives have had to adapt and become more flexible, so has our furniture," says Victoria. "Many of our clients are seeing the value in one extra-large piece of modular furniture for their sitting room, rather than a selection of sofas and armchairs."
The Rocco is the ultimate modular sofa and the biggest in the Holloways collection. Add corner units to middle pieces and footstools and configure your own for even the largest of open-plan spaces.
More edgy and modern spaces suit the Hampton or the Brandon. The Oscar – with its moveable chaise – is great for smaller rooms. And the more informal lines of the Devon and Jasper work well in relaxed, contemporary, country homes.
Updated sofa silhouette
Sofas were made for lounging, and this year, comfort reigns supreme.
"Lower backs, lower arms and super-comfortable cushions are the hallmark of this year's must-have sofas," says Victoria. "We love the Richmond, available in a choice of fabrics from rich velvets to family-friendly Aquacleans. And the Jenson is both smart and comfy, and available in a range of sizes to suit every home."
Chrome
"It's all about glamour, lustre and light," says Victoria. "And chrome furniture and accessories add a Hollywood sheen to interiors. While chrome has always been a staple of bathrooms and kitchens, we're now seeing it used to fabulous effect in home accessories and furniture. We love the Manhattan coffee and console table collection and chrome drinks trolley, and these Keats wall lights."
This sleek, Italian leather Felix sofa is in our Clearance Sale – a great centrepiece for a glamorous living scheme.
Curtains as room dividers
Naturally, curtains have long been a staple in British homes – for privacy, warmth and decor. But this year, they're in full flight as room dividers and a replacement for doors in kitchen cabinets for a homespun, country farmhouse look.
Pippa Burns is Holloways curtains and blinds specialist. Read her expert advice here on choosing the right curtains and blinds for your home. You can book a FREE interior design consultation with her on 01886 884665.
