Interior Trend: Coastal Grandmother

First we had 'Cottagecore' now we have what's known as the 'Coastal Grandmother' aesthetic - in fact, you may have noticed the #coastalgrandmother hashtag on social media for the last few months, and seen nautical styles creeping into homeware shops on the high street. It’s an aesthetic that’s really caught the imagination - but don’t think it means fuddy-duddy granny-style, this is all about stylish minimal easy-living, timeless cosiness, simplicity and elegance. 

The pandemic spurred a lot of people into dreams of living live life at a slower pace - to have outside space, be away from city life. The wish for space, nature, fresh air, calmness, a bit of peace and tranquillity. Apart from country style living, the other aspect to this lifestyle trend is one for waterfront, beachside or riverside living. Picture the scene: working from home and looking out of your window at the sea or a river. Ending your day with a stroll on the beach or along the riverbank... bliss!

The look can be smart and elegant with a tailored feel, or it can have a cosy and casual, lived-in feel. The beauty of it is that you can make it your own style, there are no rules, and (most importantly!) you don't have to live at the seaside to achieve it. The look is all about relaxation, friends and family, an easy-going life and escapism - the feeling of holidays and days off, even when you're not doing either of those things! Sitting back and relaxing is the new adventure day.

Here's a few lovely things I found on Folksy which all fit the Coastal Grandmother theme perfectly:

Sellers featured (from left to right, top to bottom): Janiemade, Pocketful Creations, Cornish Craftwork, WhiteCottageSoftFurnishings, Adrienne Hughes Art, the crimson rabbit, Velvet Moth Creations, Red Dog Sews, Lizzie Mabley Fabric & Home, and AliDufty 

Along with this new lifestyle wish has been a trend for interior decor and colours to reflect the waterside living. Basically, the look is a more modern and minimalist version of the traditional and oh-so-lovely farmhouse aesthetic. It's grown up but relaxed, with a nod to heritage. It's the opposite to the maximalist style (dark colours, florals and heavy patterns) - instead it's all about simplified colour palettes, and pattern is often limited to basic lines and checks. It's a look that works all year round too, creating a cosy and calming interior for the home.

Neutral coastal colours of creams, whites, sands, soft blues and smart navy are the basic shades to build on, combined with textures such as wicker, rattan and wood. Touches of natural rope, checks and stripes, driftwood. Keep it soft by mixing in a little ochre yellow or coral, or perhaps a pale turquoise or gentle green - or add a smart contrasting deep red or yellow for a real pop of colour against the neutrals. Black also makes a brilliant contrast colour against the neutral beige, sand and white colours.

Bringing a little coastal charm to your home is a classic, timeless look that can be enjoyed in any home, bringing a touch of calm with a straightforward easy palette and simplified lines. A look that makes you feel that you're in your 'happy place'.

Check out the Instagram accounts for more inspiration:

• the.coastal.grandmother_
• theinspiredroom
• northforkdesignco
• coastalinteriors
• casually.coastal
• Tharonandersondesign

Key takeaway for this look: Keeping this look contemporary means nodding towards the style, rather than shouting about it and filling your room with nautical-themed knick-knacks. Instead keep lines and colours simple, pared down and refined, use natural materials, tonal neutral colours, and don't go overboard (pardon the pun) with seaside decor. Let the overall design do the talking, adding little subtle touches that have a more 'found' feel rather than by design.

Take a look on PhotoFairytales for some great inspiration for this timeless interior look:

Oh, and if you want the ultimate inspiration, watch the Nancy Meyers movie "Something's Gotta Give" starring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton - and search the #nancymeyersinteriors hashtag on Instagram!

Sarah :)

The 10 Big Garden Trends for 2023

We're used to seeing trends in fashion and interiors, but there are some big themes taking centre stage in the gardening world this year - so with Chelsea Flower Show happening this week I thought it would be an ideal time to do some research for you to unearth the latest directions and key looks I'm seeing in the gardening world... (hint: gravel is going to be huge!)

1: Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Gardening

Climate change is forcing gardeners to carefully consider their planting choices, with rising temperatures, harsher weather, and often summer water shortages. Gardeners are in touch with sustainability by nature, so shopping locally, choosing plants that are able to cope with climate changes, and adapting your plans to suit the new conditions are all at the forefront of garden design this year. Drought tolerant plants, the use of mulches to retain moisture in the soil, and Mediterranean style planting is all bang on trend this year. Also plants that flower later into the season as summers go beyond August. Finding tough plants that can tolerate weather extremes, from droughts to floods, is important - the RHS have created a useful list of plants suitable for awkward conditions - click here

2: Colour Trends

Designers are predicting a move towards dark planting colours, intermingled with bright bursts of colour. Combine plants with deep purple, bronze, brown and darkest green stems and foliage, with bright meadow style flowers. For a softer combination, think about mixing smoky purples and soft grey foliage. Mix dark blue, grey and purple hues with small flashes of colour such as vivid pinks or bright yellow. Also terracotta is becoming huge: not just in planters and landscaping, but in plant colours too. Sun baked soft terracotta, and slightly more punchy paprika shades, are popular for interiors right now and are making a move into the garden too. Dahlias are going to be a popular plant for 2023, as they're perfect for small spaces and come in an abundance of colours.

3: Greenhouses & Propogation

The cost of living crisis is driving more gardeners to grow their own - and while having a lovely big greenhouse would be lovely, we don't all have the space. Utilise a windowsill, or create a simple mini greenhouse by cutting down an old plastic drink bottle. If you can afford a greenhouse though, the trending styles will be romantic, intricate Victorian designs, creating a beautiful feature in the garden rather than simply a practical growing space.

4: Mulches, Patios and Pathway Trends

Water retention in flower beds is becoming more and more important, so the use of mulches will be growing hugely in 2023. Not just restricted to the flower bed though, these useful materials can also be used to create gentle pathways through the garden. Think gravel, crushed concrete, and natural materials such as nut shells, bark and fruit pits. Using gravel instead of pointing between paving slabs on the patio will give a softer look and also allow for drainage too. The use of dark natural stones for paving and landscaping will be big this year, and is the perfect off-set to dramatic greenery. Think dark greys, warm buffs and browns. The rise of patterned flooring in the home in kitchens and bathrooms is spilling out into the garden, with patterned patios in small urban spaces becoming popular and creating a bold modern statement. 

5: Consider wildlife - and your life

Whether it's encouraging insects with a bug hotel, or keeping your garden hedgehog friendly, we can all see the importance of finding innovative ways to include wildlife habitats into the garden. Encourage those all important bees into your garden by planting pretty cottage garden and native wildflowers in large drifts to provide nectar during the growing season. The WWF have some great tips on encouraging bees on their website - click here for details. Water features and ponds are still going to be hugely popular, and a lovely way to while away a few hours watching visiting insect life. 'Biophilia’ is a buzzword this year, which means the theory of humans wanting to interact or commune with nature - find ways to share your garden with wildlife to improve your own sense of wellbeing, take a moment to walk barefoot or lay down and gaze at the birds flying overhead, meditate and contemplate as the bees buzz... 2023 is all about encouraging wildlife, but also about using your outdoor space as an escape from life and a way of helping your own mental wellbeing.

6: Houseplant Trends

Expect to see lots of exotic plants in the home this year: orchids in particular. As we dial down the temperature of our homes thanks to rising fuel bills, we are actually creating great climates for growing unusual exotics which prefer cooler environments.

7: Wildflower Lawns

While the perfectly manicured lawn is a thing of beauty, 2023 will be seeing more of the trend towards letting parts of our lawns have a wild meadow-like feel. Lawns will also be getting smaller as we make way for more planting. The rewilding approach will be coupled with a structured design though, keeping gardens tidy and also productive, but allowing us to feel more in touch with a less groomed naturalistic feel. Tapestry lawns will be big, dividing larger lawns into designated patchwork areas: giving up parts of their lawn to pollinators, parts to low-lying flowering plants and mini wildflower meadows, embracing dandelions and clover in other parts.

8: Decorative Garden Screens and Panels

Using screens and garden panelling either in wood or intricate metal designs is a great way of creating privacy, but also creating individual zones or areas in your garden - and they are going to be a popular trend in 2023. We want to use our gardens for all sorts of activities, from relaxing with a book, to eating alfresco, to giving the children a play space, and the use of screens allows you to create rooms in your garden in a contemporary way and at the same time provide an area to train plants against. Vertical gardening is also going to be big for 2023, and is a great way of combining planting and screening with the use of climbers or adding small planters and troughs to an existing screen or boundary fence or wall.

9: Cottage Garden Style

The cottagecore trend is still as popular as ever, and it is encouraging gardeners to opt for an old fashioned cottage style in their garden plans, combining functionality and practicality, with aesthetics. Mix native colourful flowers with vegetables and herbs planted in the same bed, encourage insect life, start making your own compost, add a water butt, and let the edges of your plot soften and run a little wild (in a nurtured way)!

10: Mediterranean Garden Style

The popularity of gravel and drought loving plants all adds up to this classic garden style. Greece is having a big impact too, with artfully placed statues, archways, natural stone, a shaded bench in white under some bougainvillia, evergreen box and agapanthus. Think blues and whites, mixed with natural stone and terracotta, and pops of vivid pink. It's a holiday destination in your own back garden!

Take a look at my Garden Trends for 2023 board on Pinterest for some more inspiration. 

I also have a board dedicated to Boho Garden Styles which you might find interesting!

Sarah :)

Pretty in Pink - embrace the latest new decor trend this spring

Spring is in the air at last (although I'm writing this in the middle of a thundering downpour, because the weather hasn't received the memo yet) - and what better way to celebrate the new season than by adding a touch of pink to your home? It's a colour I'm seeing everywhere at the moment, in both homeware and fashion. Such a pretty, confident and positive colour, it speaks of fresh blooms and happiness, looking forward to the warmer days to come - no wonder it's becoming such a trend! 

Pink is the perfect way to add a pop of color and cheer to any room. Here are a few ideas for incorporating a splash of pink into your springtime decor:

Create a gallery wall: Choose a mix of pink artwork, from abstract prints to floral watercolors, and arrange them in a cohesive display on a blank wall. This is a great way to showcase your favorite pieces while adding interest to your space.

Add a statement piece: If you want to incorporate just one print, a personalised design will make a truly unique and personal artwork for your wall or shelf.

Mix and match: Don't be afraid to mix pink art with other colors and patterns in your decor. Don't just think of wall art and prints, consider introducing different materials and textures too. A gallery wall made up of traditional prints, wooden wall art, hangings and decorative pieces gives a delightful ecclectic feel. Pair a pink floral print with a striped throw pillow, or hang a pink abstract painting above a bold patterned sofa. The key for mixing pinks is to stick to the same shade family - whether it's salmons, cerises, blue-pinks, etc, they should all have the same level of warmth or coolness in order for them to work together.

Use pink as an accent: If you prefer a more neutral color palette, you can still incorporate the pink trend into your decor as an accent color. Choose a few pink accessories, such as a vase, mug or cushion, and scatter them throughout your space for a subtle touch of springtime cheer.

Don't forget the garden: Introduce a splash of pretty pink in the garden too, with some gorgeous handmade decorative pieces to bring some real individuality and charm to your outdoor space...

No matter how you choose to incorporate pink art into your home decor this spring, remember to have fun with it! Spring is a time for renewal and fresh beginnings, and your home decor should reflect that. So go ahead: embrace the pink, and enjoy the beauty of the new season.

Discover lots of gorgeous personalised pink homeware and wall art items on the PhotoFairytales site today - all handmade to order and with free UK delivery too!

Sarah :)

The Cabincore Trend

I'm sure you're familiar with the popular cottagecore aesthetic - and now that the weather has turned chilly and autumnal (very foggy in Norfolk this morning!), I thought it was the perfect time to tell you about another 'core' that's taking interiors by storm this season: Cabincore.

Cabincore is all about rustic, natural living, but where it parts itself from cottagecore is that it takes a step away from the pretty pastels and florals, and sets it's sights on a simpler, pared-back feel. Think wooden cabins in the woods, with roaring fires (and the lovely smell of wood smoke), fresh bread or a cake baking in the oven, warm blankets, wood panelling on the walls, natural wood floors with cosy sheepskin rugs, candles, organic cotton and linen. Picture sitting under a cosy throw beside a simple earthenware jug full of dried flowers, whilst sipping hot cocoa and making toast over the fire on a toasting fork after coming home from a hike in the forest…

I know, it may not sound like the actual place where you live - but there’s no reason why you can’t recreate this fantastically cosy look, or embrace the feeling in your life this season! You could even recreate it in your garden shed if you fancy...

A simple natural wood door hanger to show how much you love your home!
Available in a choice of colours, handmade to order - £10.99

Forget tartan and antlers though, this is a much simpler and organic look. Cabincore is all about simplicity: the interest comes from beautiful textures, natural wood (pale or dark, either works), simple colours, earthy tones. The colour palette is one that should bring warmth and depth to your room, so think moss green, russet and mustard shades, or a hint of cranberry, set against neutral shades of oaky brown, smoky grey, black and cream. There are hints of Scandi in the style, but more rustic and homespun.

A little Cabincore Inspiration found on Folksy.com

The cabincore keyword has got to be 'cosy' - it's all about nods to nature, pared down life, simplicity, and warmth. Perfect for this time of year! it works beautifully in the garden too - an outdoor fire bowl, logs stacked in a basket, lots of throws, twinkly fairy lights, and toasted marshmallows.

Embrace the cabincore look this Christmas with handmade natural wood decorations. Personalised Sign, choice of colours, designs and sizes - from £15.95

How to have a Cabincore Christmas: Decorate your home with natural foliage and plants, fir cones and wooden decorations. Keep your colour scheme within the soft cabincore colour palette, and choose handmade decor pieces that have real meaning. Dot your home with candles for that cosy glow, and use brown paper to wrap your gifts (or better yet, reusable fabric gift bags).

How to dress Cabincore: Think cosy wool sweaters, denim and corduroy, thick handknitted socks, fingerless gloves, working boots, knitted beanie hats and messy buns.

How to be Cabincore: Go for a hike in the forest on a misty day, and take a flask of hot tea or cocoa. Grab some blankets and head into the garden to sit beside an outdoor fire. Forage for mushrooms, autumn leaves or blackberries. Get cosy at home with some baking or book reading in your favourite chair (I can highly recommend The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey to get you in the mood!). Try your hand at knitting or crocheting, or head out on a clear night for some star gazing.

Cabincore to watch: While you're under your blanket you might as well stick something good on the telly... Here's some cabin-style related ideas: Sleepyhollow, The Shining, Twin Peaks, Secret Window, The Evil Dead, On Golden Pond, The Waltons, Harry Potter, The Hateful Eight, Misery, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Great Outdoors, Calamity Jane.

Get even more Cabincore Inspiration: I've created a gorgeous Cabincore Pinterest board for you, full of evocative images that will definitely get you in the cosy, cabin-lifestyle frame of mind - just click here to take a look.

Right, I'm off to snuggle under a blanket with a good book!

Sarah x

Top 5 Key Interior Trends for 2022

2021 is definitely the year that should be labelled “The one where the 90's came back” - the Friends Reunion made us all feel nostalgic for the good pre-covid times! Aviator glasses, bootleg jeans, and high-heeled shoes giving way to crocs (lockdown comfort!)

With the year drawing to an end in just a few week's time, I thought it would be fun to look forwards to 2022 and think about what will be happening in terms of interior and lifestyle trends. I subscribe to loads of interior blogs, trend reports and style commentators, so thought I'd put together a breakdown of where I think the directions are going. (If you don't know your Royalcore from your Cottagecore, read on..!)

I've created some special boards on Pinterest for you to illustrate each trend - so if you need some inspiration click here to take a look!

Maximalism & Opulence - The opulent look can go one of two ways: rich vibrant colour palettes, luxurious finishing touches, richness: think 'stately home' mixed with art nouveau decadence (upstairs at Gosford Park!) and a touch of 1970’s glamour - or alternatively there's the new 'Royal Core' style influenced by majesty, historic romanticism, ballrooms and French drawing rooms of the Belle Époque era (basically, think 'Bridgerton', either rich colour tones or muted pastels, Venetian mirrors and candelabras, and lots of gold and silver!) . It’s a style that's been around for a while (although I've been seeing more 1920's influences coming in recently, along with the flamboyant new royalcore style) but, I think because it's all about pushing away the grind of real life and having a bit of fun, escapism and luxury on a daily basis it's still a style trend that will continue to be popular for quite some time. 

Rustic Cottage - Soft colour palettes, gentle and homely, mixed patterns and prints, nostalgic and whimsical: think retro Laura Ashley from the 70's, mixing up floral and subtle stripe prints, handmade accessories, flowers, layers of warm white, creams, pinks, blues and greens. The Cottagecore aesthetic has been huge for the past year, mostly because it harks back to gentler, more familiar times, with the emphasis on tranquillity and a cosy, simple lifestyle - taking time to pour tea from a teapot, read a book, grow your own veg or bake... 

Japandi and the New Minimalism - Japandi is the fusion of Scandi and Japanese style, where east-meets-west: think relaxation, neutral colour palettes and natural materials: calm, nature, wellbeing - think open windows, work-life balance, plants and fresh air, visual quietness and space. The new minimalist style is one that focuses on lines, simplicity and space. It’s about clean lines, functionality, and clearing away the clutter so that you can live a more peaceful life. It isn’t about being clinical though - it can be soft and warm, but it must be simple and uncluttered. Include colours like pearl grey, sky blue, natural wood (light or dark), touches of black, pale chalky pink and white. Let key, favourite pieces of furniture or décor be your guide. If you've been a fan of the Scandi or Hygge style for a while now, it will be an easy leap to start incorporating Japandi into the scheme. Keep walls simple, perhaps picking out just one to be a focus in the room. Which leads me on to...

Feature Walls - they're back! The trend is for boldness, whether it's geometric, botanical prints, texture, colour, whatever - it's about impact! Keep the rest of the room simple however, so that the impact isn't lost or muddled. The beauty of this trend is that it's one of the easiest ways to make a big impact in a room relatively simply. Introducing one striking focal point in your room can have a really big effect on an otherwise simple (dare I say, boring?) room. We recently created a panelled wall in my daughter's room and the impact it has made to the room is incredible.

Solace and Calm - Soft, neutral colour palettes made up of complimentary creams, soft clay pinks, cool grey and beige, smoky soft brown, opaline green, and clear pale blues (eg, Dulux Colour of the Year, ‘Bright Skies’). Mixed with textures like limestone, plaster and stone, suede. If you want to introduce metallics keep them soft and oh-so-pale - nothing brash: think translucent, pearly sheen and lustre rather than shine. Have minimal use of pattern, let texture say it all. Organic shapes and curves, and just a hint of bohemian. Picture sitting on a rocking chair in front of a faded craggy plaster wall, watching the sun set over Arizona... there, you've got it!

Micro trends for 2022: 

• Matt Black - on the walls, or home accessories, this is a statement that will work fantastically with the maximalism or Japandi trends!
• Bright Yellow - uplifting and the complete opposite to matt black, it can be used as a simple accent, or to give a serious pop of quirkyness and attitude in a room, or given an elegance when mixed with grey or the matt black trend. Let the sun shine in! Look at Farrow & Ball’s Babouche No.223 for inspiration.
• Green - in all shades, from fresh barely-there shades, to deep velvety opulent greens. It’s the influence of nature, combined with the kick back from lockdowns and indoor living - and it will work in pretty much any setting or style.
• Polka Dots - expect to see spots and dots, small and large, everywhere...
• Bees - of all kinds, from monochromatic vintage style to fun pops of colour or metallics; the bee emblem is definitely hot at the moment and I think it'll still be around in 2022!
• Faux Greenery & Dried Plants - they've been around for ages and show no sign of leaving, although as we move into winter think about swapping out the leafy green faux plants for bundles of dried flowers, architectural dried grasses, and wall wreaths for a softer country look.  
• Textures & Metallics - mix textures to introduce a cosy feel to any room, combining wood and stone with softer knitted or velvet textures, and combine with metallic shades (bright and brash, or soft and aged)
• Sanctuary - a few years ago it was all about knocking down walls and open-plan living, but lockdown life has made many of us hanker for a little solitude and personal space. If we can't have a room of our own, we might want to create a private quiet oasis in a little corner of a room: think a comfy chair, a cosy throw or a beautiful cushion, a thoughtful piece of wall art and a carefully chosen lamp or piece of home decor that we love. Or if you don't have space indoors, create a little corner in the garden - complete with a wood burner or outdoor pizza oven, some candles, plenty of warm blankets - and maybe an outdoor bar! 
• Work from home - it’s obvious why this has become so important for millions of people over the last 2 years, and lockdowns have created their own take on life, with many of us reviewing the idea of commuting to a workplace and trying to juggle work and home, and instead opting for a flexible work environment if possible. This means there’s a need for a comfortable and functional work area - the space has to blend with your interior, not jar against it. Organisation and storage is key, along with natural light, comfort (vital from a health point of view), and accessories to make our work feel more inspired, joyful and fun.

And finally...

Gifting trends this Christmas:

This Christmas it's all about handcrafted - everything plastic and mass produced is out (which is just as well as it's probably stuck on a container ship anyway). This year it's all about thoughtful giving: think 'quirky, original, handmade' - but 'quality' too: this is about mindful gifting, with longevity and thoughtfulness in mind. Think creative and inspirational.

Christmas 2021 trends:

It's all about family this year - coming together (hopefully) in a way we couldn't last year. Conviviality, closeness, a sense of belonging and sharing. It's not about all-out partying (because we don't actually know yet how this Christmas is going to go), but it's about being together even if we can't be in the same room. Connections, family traditions, rituals. Decorations will either be all out maximalist (because at the end of the day, Christmas fits that particular trend perfectly!), or about calmness and nature (greenery and a simple colour palette). This year think about introducing creative and unique touches: decorating your tree with blossoms and leaves perhaps, for a botanical look rather than all out glitter. Consider starting a new tradition of buying a single special decoration for the tree each year, something that sums up the year and will evoke memories in future Christmases. Involve the children and make your own paper decorations, recycling card and paper, even newspaper. (Click here to see my special Pinterest board: Easy Christmas Makes)

Sarah x