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Interior and Garden ideas for your home from Newcastle and the North East of England.
Coastal cool
Mar 6 2010
With warmer weather on its way – we hope! – Claire Hornby puts us in the mood for holidays and days out.
by Claire Hornby
IT is usually this time of year when we can start to plan ahead to the warmer months and make any changes to our houses in readiness for the spring and summer months.
That generally means more delicate fabrics, lighter colours and more natural materials.
I know it’s still wintry outside but a project which means looking forward to the summer is bound to make you feel a little warmer even when the weather is miserable.
Nautical looks fill the catwalks and high streets every year and this year is no exception. This time around however the look is much more laid-back. Think calm coastal retreat rather than quirky and kitsch. Banish any gimmicky accessories as this look has no space for shells, fish or lifebelts.
This spring sees whites and greys take over from blues and reds. Gold and brown tones are the highlight colour of choice and there’s salvaged products in abundance.
This look is definitely more elegant than the nautical designs which have gone before it and possibly even a little more homely too.
Barker and Stonehouse has lots of options if you want to go coastal cool. Firstly there’s the beautiful new Kirkley sofa which will be available in spring. It’s got heavenly beige and cream stripes which will give your room a definite laid-back yet glamorous feel.
There is also the Tegan Gun Barrel coffee table which is made from 100% reclaimed timber and is very lovely.
In terms of accessories go for natural and rustic. There’s a choice of large and small root teak balls, round wood art and rustic root bowls at Barker and Stonehouse, all of which are sure to finish off the room to perfection.
To make sure your room has that great laid-back feel try to keep clutter to a minimum. Choose accessories carefully and if you are unsure start off slowly, adding in one or two at a time until you have the desired effect.