Metallic colours and fabrics are still popular with shimmering Voiles and metallic paint effects adding instant glamour to many a scheme. Inspired by the catwalks, gold is enjoying a revival and blends well with all the ethnic influences still around - Laura Ashley offer a wonderful selection of sumptuous and exotic beaded and tasselled cushions to complement such a look.
At last deep colours such as Damson, Mocha and Raspberry are becoming readily available in Matt Emulsion paint for spicing up your walls.Gloss paint is also making a comeback in combat to the chalky matt paints and adds a further textural dimension to more contemporary interiors.
Classic Neutrals are woken with the addition of dark woods such as Wenge ( long the designer favourite ). This rich dark wood looks fantastic when contrasted with chrome.Add texture with Hessian wall coverings or lambswool and shag-pile rugs. Gaskell carpets have recently introduced �Retro� , a wonderful chunky version of the traditional shag-pile carpet.
Leaf patterns remain popular and continue to evolve. The Red Matador range from �Nono� is both exciting and inspiring with fabrics being treated with large scale digital images of leaves and tulips. These can create stunning wallhangings.Also making a comeback are Florals - small panels of romantic vintage prints used sparingly and offset with checks and plain fabrics.
Leather is no longer confined to furniture. If your budget will not stretch to some extra large beanbags - how about recovering your tired old placemats in some faux leather.
A favourite of mine, Melin Tregwynt ( Royal Arcade Cardiff ) have supplemented their range of cosy woollen blankets and cushions with matching hot water bottle covers, dressing gowns and slippers. So now you have no excuse for looking messy as you slump in front of the fire - sorry TV - this Winter !!!. Their throws can easily be made into curtains with the use of curtain clips.
With such a wide array of beautiful accessories easily sourced , there has never been a better or more exciting time to give your interior a new lease of life. I hope these few observations will have given you inspiration. As for me, other than investing in some wonderful crushed velvet throws and Mongolian lambswool cushions to spruce up our neutral living room, I�m off to order this seasons must-have essential - a pair of Tartan Wellies from my Boden mail order catalogue !