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We ask Barnt Green interior designer Mary Barber Fray for her autumn forecast.

It’s usually springtime when people get inspired to redecorate and update their homes, but autumn is also a good time to take advantage of the new trends and make sure the house looks its best for the forthcoming festive season.

Barnt Green interior designer Mary Barber Fray says that, as ever, trends in interiors appear to follow or at least correspond to what’s happening in the fashion world. For example, this autumn sees the return of tweeds, satins, animal skins, and velvets.

“These hark back to a more gracious age of elegant lifestyles, inspired by the glamour of 1930s Hollywood, the opulence of 19th century India, and the faded grandeur of English country homes,” says Mary.

“Nostalgia, glamour, and elegance  are the key trends underlying the new fabric and furnishing collections, continuing the theme of indulgent sophistication and luxury we saw in spring.”

Textured and flocked wallpapers seem to be making a comeback, with pattern, plains and stripes all making an appearance. For upholstery, whether contemporary, traditional or a mixture of old and new, there are hardwearing tweeds and chenilles, with corduroy and twills also being introduced.

Luscious silk in all its forms adds a touch of luxury – taffetas, satins, brocades and silk ottomans combine well withsumptuous cut velvets and flocked fabrics. It’s not all extravagance, though – printed linens, cottons and chintzes with overblown florals or smaller, pretty patterns are also around.

“The colour palette is quite autumnal,” Mary says. “You’ll see slate greys, sludge browns, berry, magenta, ochre, rich olives and forest greens, but these are enlivened with tropical lime, mango, and aqua which were so popular this summer.”

‘Nostalgic’ colours, as Mary calls them, add up to an additional palette of dusky pinks, corals, creams, duck egg blues and soft yellows.

Mary also has inside knowledge of  the trends in lighting, which she says is becoming more decorative again: “Think chandeliers, sparkle and mother of pearl.”

And you can continue this theme with decorative accessories such as vases, sculptures, and picture frames  “They are a simple way to update your room with organic shapes or embellished surfaces.”

Meanwhile furniture shapes are starting to soften, with sleek rather than hard lines, and gilding making a comeback. Carpet continues its resurgence, providing warmth and comfort underfoot – ideal for the dropping temperatures and frosty nights to come.

Mary Barber Fray 

The Coppice, 23 Plymouth Road, Barnt Green, Birmingham B45 8JF 

0121 445 6500

www.marybarberfray.co.uk

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