HoF HITS BRUM: INTERIORS UK AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC

24 Jan 2012 POST BY HoF_Holly

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a good feeling about 2012. Don’t get me wrong, 2011 was brilliant, however when you’ve experienced dreary weather for the past couple of months you look to the future with a somewhat fresh anticipation.

As the January sales come to an end, the retail world welcomes breezy summer designs that are destined to brighten up the high street… so with the upcoming summer months in mind, I hopped on a train and headed to Birmingham for the Interiors UK Trade Show at the NEC.

It’s always exciting to see what’s to be expected for Spring Summer 2012. After staying in, cuddled up on the sofa throughout the icy climes, it’s nice to think about vivid summer colours, quintessentially British garden parties, and seasonal ways to update your abode.

Whilst strolling through the endless stands and product demonstrations within the exhibition centre, there were a few trends that certainly stood out.

SUMMER BRIGHTS

Bold and beautiful colour is always a key story for the warmer months, and 2012 is set to be no different. From rich chartreuse to fluorescent florals, lively shades dressed a host of home accessories. Plush cushions and various home accessories were transformed for SS12 in tropical pinks, electric blues and regal purples.

CANINE COUNTERPARTS

I’m very much a ‘dog person’, so it was great to see a little pup on practically every homeware stand. French bulldogs, dachshunds, greyhounds and pugs (who could forget that fashion favourite?!) appeared on an array of homeware pieces for a contemporary but cute look. My particular favourites had to be the sausage dog chairs (see below) and some Winston Churchill-inspired bulldog cushions that I was unable capture on film *weep*

GO RETRO

Let’s face it, you either love or hate retro homeware. Those that adore contemporary clean lines and minimalist chrome will grimace at the thought of designs inspired by a bygone era – so I recommend you look away now. Whether its sixties bubble chairs or atom-esque coat hooks, I love it all. It’s no surprise that this theme made me smile, and there were a few style spots that I just had to share…

TOP TIP: SWAP YOUR MODERN HOUSE PHONE FOR A CLASSIC DESIGN FROM THE GOOD OL’ DAYS – FORGET ABOUT PRACTICALITY AND FOCUS ON STYLE THIS SEASON.

STATEMENT GLAMOUR

Lavish gold mirrors, gleaming metallic finishes and over-the-top accents were everywhere at Interiors UK, a theme that’s a must for those with a ‘more is more’ approach to interior design. There were no magnolia walls insight, with the majority of brands opting for in-your-face visuals and accessories on a grander scale. Looking for an understated wall clock? Forget it. If this event was anything to go by, then a large silver grandfather clock is much more fitting.

HOME SWEET HOME

Vintage white finishes are popular in many households nowadays, and this story looks set to stick around for the next few seasons. Feminine French details and gently washed wood were a key focus in many of the collections I viewed, with large wardrobes and oversized chests designed in this clean, crisp style – pieces that would certainly brighten up rooms with less light.

DUST & RUST

For those that despise chintz and prefer their homeware to be a little more industrial, this theme is sure to please. ‘Gasoline’-emblazoned wall art, aging clock faces and items with plenty of wear and tear were made centre pieces in many displays in the exhibition hall. Worn, salvaged wood made wonderful dining tables, whilst chunky vegetable crates and potato sacks were reworked into useful storage and soft furnishings.

WEIRD BUT WONDERFUL

Quirky? No. Eccentric? Definitely not, but regardless of my personality, I still managed to seek out a few gems that couldn’t be ignored. Whether you love them or hate them, you have to admit these are certainly something…

My day ended with a lovely couple of hours watching upcoming homeware designers pitch their ideas to our panel of Mary Portas experts – Peter Cross, Mary Portas’ business partner, Roderick Williams, House of Fraser Homeware Director and Alex Dimitriu, House of Fraser Director of Buying (Womenswear). The winning designs will appear alongside the Mary Portas & House of Fraser collection.

Here are a few of my favourites…

Tina Crawford and her hand-sewn dolls – look there’s Mary…