Saturday, November 05, 2011
Carol O’Callaghan looks at how the current vogue for grey interiors can bring warmth and sophistication to the home.
SNUGGLY throws, cosy sofas and squishy cushions are so comforting at this time of year when the winds are howling, rain is falling in diagonal sheets and dark clouds seem to cover the sky more often than not. Strange then isn’t it how we’ve embraced the current vogue for grey interiors.
It’s not a colour we would have chosen a few years ago because of its association with the dreariness of spending so much of our year under a canopy of grey skies, but thanks to the adoption of grey walls instead of white in chi-chi art galleries, and a glut of grey outfits on the fashion cat-walks last year, we’ve bought into the look for our interiors with gusto. And it has to be said grey is an excellent backdrop to our art and photography as it seems to draw out the vibrancy of colour in pictures but also softens the stark monochrome of black and white photos.
The vast choice of grey tones available has also contributed to its desirability with so many of them offering ‘warmth’ or, at the very least, a sophisticated intensity that creates a chic environment. Equally, it provides a subtle ‘canvas’ to off-set your furniture and accessories especially if they have an element of strong colour.
Grey’s flatness is also the perfect foil to fussy, outsize patterns and strong colour — both huge trends in upholstery and fabric-based accessories — helping to give balance and a sense of breathing space where they might otherwise overwhelm.
Rusty shades and the burnished orange of seasonal pumpkins are invitingly attractive colours and very popular at this time of year for their ability to inject a sense of warmth, whether they’re applied to soft fabrics on cushions and linens or the hard surfaces of lamp bases, picture frames and kitchen wares.
Orange upholstery has been growing in popularity, and while it may not appeal to everyone or, indeed, be advisable to cover an entire suite in the shade, singling out a chair or a smaller sofa for the orange treatment is a more subtle option.
Or for a mere touch of the warm orange look, opt for a fashionable, homely floral fabric featuring the colour in a mix of other more neutral shades, or against an off-white background so it’s somewhat diluted and you’re less likely to tire of it quickly. Bear in mind orange works particularly well on retro type furniture, especially shapes and styles reminiscent of the 1950s when colour made a huge comeback following the drab years of the 1940s.
In the Tweenies when retro is now so popular, orange is proving to be grey’s best friend, combining to make a strong, sophisticated but cosy interior look.
Interior design buffs who want that cosy feel for winter without introducing bright colour might consider thick, luxurious throws, cushions with cuddlesome faux fur or textured home-made style fabrics.
But for a quick fix to bring atmosphere and a sensation of warmth, especially if you don’t have an open fire, fall back on our reliable, affordable friend the candle, make a pot of warming tea and wrap a cuddly throw around icy knees.
* Next week we say goodbye to minimalism and white walls, and hello to pattern with the latest on in-vogue florals, checks, spots and tartans.
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