Yes, colour is back in the home at last and it brings with it its flamboyant partner – the pattern.

Proof of that were the two exhibitions that took place last month in Paris ( Maison & Object ) and in London (100% Design).

It’s very interesting to track the swings and shifts of colours and shades and to track where colours have come from and more importantly where they are going to….every designers dream!

After many years of decorating our homes in 50 shades of beige, magnolia, cream, and truffle we can now let our personalities shine through in decoration. Our homes are our castles and we can revel in the potential that every room can hold.

We are experimenting more with colour and pattern although most people’s venture into the world of pattern have been with the feature wall. It’s a brave bold statement, but not too much of an investment if we get it too hideously wrong.

We feel quite at ease putting fashion palettes together with the latest styles and fabrics. So it shouldn’t be such a great leap to put that creativity into choosing home furnishings combinations.

Now we can begin to assert more authority when choosing home furnishings as we can relax and choose more what we actually prefer rather than what someone who is about to buy the house would like.

Co-ordination is vital to next year’s trends. Not so much in covering everything that doesn’t move in the same pattern and slap on a border kind of way, but with a more  casual and cohesive execution.

By carefully considering a good base of neutrals we can link rooms and areas together with colourful patterns and accessories. Stripes and mini prints will marry colour schemes together, fabrics, wall coverings and furnishings will not match exactly but they might have one key colour in common.  We’ll also be making more considered purchases. We will want sustainability, longevity and style from our products – something worth investing in. Pieces with history, a story or re-salvaged element will provide anecdotes for dinner parties conversations. As staying in is the new trend, we find ourselves entertaining more in our homes and our decor is our stage. Boast of local craftsmen, items made in England and all recycled material will be the right compliment to a glass of Pinot! The key look will be to provide a welcoming backdrop, comfortable, warm and inviting.

We’ll also see a bohemian approach to decor with an eclectic mix from far and wide with oriental influences. Rich exotic colours from fern and moss greens to thistle and fig berry tones will mix delightfully with warm caramels and mink neutrals.

We are all aware how colour can influence our moods and such a ‘heady attach’ of colour and pattern in the home it is hopefully an indication of the moods to come….an uplifting era!