Turquoise, florals and coastal chic are the key trends in stylish interiors this spring.

It may still be cold outside but there are plenty of ways to bring a sense of spring warmth indoors. Hot colours, fresh florals and seaside breezes are the inspiration for this season’s trends in interior design.

Tropical tones

Turquoise has been named “colour of the year” by Pantone, the international authority on colour, and interior designers have followed suit with a host of tropical hues for our homes. Perhaps the easiest way to dip into this trend is with textiles. For a dramatic, luxurious feel, look out for Indiska’s dark turquoise cushions and organza curtains, or pale turquoise chintz bedding from Stockmann’s Casa range.

A popular choice for the bathroom, turquoise also works unexpectedly well in the kitchen, adding a fun twist to modern tableware, such as Iittala’s new ‘water green’ shade for its classic glass, bowls and storage jar designs.

Other tropical shades, such as tomato reds, corals and pinks, are also key this spring. Add a punch of colour to a neutral room with Habitat’s hot orange ‘Deena’ side table (available in Stockmann). For a budget version, try Ikea’s ‘Lack’ table, which comes in a wide range of block colours at the bargain price of 9.95 euros.

Modern botanicals

Floral motifs are once again a major trend for spring interiors, and while it may be a cliché, introducing fresh patterns inspired by nature into the home is a great way to banish the winter blues.

Bold botanical designs are everywhere this year, predominantly on textiles and wallpapers, but also embellishing crockery and tableware, as in Arabia’s new ‘Runo’ range inspired by the different Finnish seasons, by young Finnish designer Heini Riitahuhta.

Finnish design legend Marimekko remains a classic choice for striking floral patterns, and has released a new version of its signature Unikko print in glowing pink and orange tones for its spring range. For those on a budget, Hemtex’s spring textile collection also abounds with schematic floral prints in contrasting shades of hot pink, mauve and coral.

Coastal chic

Nautical and seaside themes were prominent features of the fashion collections this spring, and are also making their mark in interiors. The look is simple to achieve, and can provide an understated outdoors feel to the home without breaking the bank. Pair natural linen and cottons with navy blue accents and simple wooden or painted furniture, for a fresh, classic look. Cushions and throws featuring simple prints and checks, such as those by Pentik, work well with this theme.

If you like the classic combination of blue and white but want to introduce a bolder, more exotic flavour to your home, look out for azure-toned, oriental-print textiles and home accessories by Indiska. For a fun, upbeat version of the seaside trend for balcony and garden furniture, look for textiles featuring seaside stripes in ice-cream shades, such as Ikea’s ‘Grenö’ floor and seat cushions.

LOUISA GAIRN - HT
HEMTEX