Brighten up your homes for summer

Sarah Fox. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

DEBBIE ABERCROMBIE
TRINITY INTERIOR DESIGN

Nesting is so winter. As we anticipate summer our focus should be away from the cosy fireplaces and more on vibrant go-get-'em furniture. Three interior design experts share their tips on what's hot - and what's not - for summer.

What is the hot colour for summer?

Colour is back with a vengeance. Blues and greens will be big, adding a splash of colour to rooms in accessories such as cushions, throws, placemats and vases. There will also be a lot of jewel colours about, such as emerald, sapphire, topaz, ruby and aquamarine.

What item do you have to have?

A fun occasional chair covered in a playful fabric. A favourite of mine is the Starry Night chair we have in the store at the moment. It makes me smile each time I look at it.

What can't you wait to throw out?

Old tablecloths and placemats. Create a summer feeling with jewel-toned candles, new placemats, and beachy napkin rings with shells. Simple pieces like this can create an uplifting atmosphere, ensuring that every time spent with friends is a celebration.

If money were no object, what would you buy?

I have my eye on a beautifully handcrafted console here at Trinity. It's like a timeless piece of art. It has combined classic-style solid timber legs with soft curves and a polished modern mirrored finish on the top and drawers.

What's the secret to updating your home's interior?

We are seeing a return to a bit of opulence. Don't be afraid to add a little glam and colour. We should be allowed a little luxury in our busy lives. Try adding a few beaded cushions, a lampshade with beaded trim, or some silk cushions. Then mix in some glass, mirror and chrome to make your home appear fresher, and create an inviting environment.

What's the trend in wall coverings - plain or patterned?

Definitely patterned. We're moving away from feature walls into papering special areas such as an entranceway, hallway, dining area or alcove. There are some beautiful wallpapers around, including a wide range of stylised floral prints, slick patterned metallic forest prints and textured patterns.

Are shagpile rugs still in?

Rugs are sumptuous and textured with a gorgeous lengthy cut pile. A mixture of different coloured wools, cottons, linens and silks can all be blended in one divine rug. This allows you a lot of flexibility when pulling colours together, and the ability to throw in a wild colour if you want. 

JAMES PETERS
DEBECE HOME

What is the hot colour for summer?

As a designer I do not consider using fashionable colours pertinent in an interior concept. Colours, like many aspects of fashion, date too soon. We all remember the orange and purple combination of the 70s, the grey and pink of the 80s, the all-white kitchen look of the early 90s. Within a short timespan the colours become dated and, not too long afterwards, laughable in retrospect. I prefer to keep to an understated and muted colour palette. Many years later clients inform me how they are still receptive to the colour range I introduced.

What item do you have to have?

The Gerrit Rietveld Red and Blue Chair designed in 1918 and still as modern as today.

What can't you wait to throw out?

Throws. They always look superfluous and too much the predictable decorating look. Throw out the throws.

If money were no object, what would you buy?

The new Cassina MISTER Sofa by Philippe Starck, incorporating audio speakers under the armrests and woofers at base of sofa. Style, comfort and music all in one.

What's the secret to updating your home's interior?

Discover your own style preference, choose a designer as a facilitator to reflect that style and add a quirk or folly for a touch of humour.

What's the trend in wall coverings - plain or patterned?

Heavy flocked Florence Broadhurst bordello style wall coverings, chinoiserie and toiles reworked in witty juxtapositions.

Are shagpile rugs still fashionable?

Definitely not. But interesting, textured, muted coloured rugs can still be shagadelic.

SARAH FOX
EON DESIGN CENTRE

What is the hot colour for summer?

I think we'll be seeing a lot of greens, both soft and vivid, and dusky blues, all teamed with linen and oat colours.

What item of furniture do you have to have?

I would have to have a Touch entertainment unit - either in a white high-gloss finish with walnut drawers, or one in solid bamboo with gloss-white drawers, because the bamboo is such a hard-wearing material. It is a really elegant unit, the line is not interrupted by handles as the drawers simply pop open by touch, and I really like the richness of the glossy white.

What can't you wait to throw out?

My old outdoor furniture, to be replaced with outdoor floor cushions in bright colours, and Coast beanbags. They can also be used as casual extra indoor seating when not out on the deck.

If money were no object, what would you buy?

Realistically, a New Sling by David Trubridge- a beautiful timber recliner of particular simplicity and elegance. In my fantasyland, it would have to be in my own ensuite.

What's the secret to updating your home's interior?

The easiest place to start is with a really thorough spring-clean and chuck-out, and a rearrangement of your furniture. Then you can bring in seasonal colours easily and inexpensively with cushions or a decadently reupholstered armchair.

What's the trend in wall coverings - plain or patterned?

Patterns will continue to be popular and there are some truly stunning designs to be found. I think we will see a move towards textured papers with natural finishes such as silks and grasses, along with the more traditional embossed wallpapers.

Are shagpile rugs still in?

I've been really enjoying using the new take on the shagpile theme. Cronz have been doing rich, thick, looped-pile rugs in felted wools that still give a plush feeling, though with a cleaner look. It's a style suited to a greater variety of interiors and furnishings. Colours can be introduced to work around other colours in the interior or to build up texture.