Scandi chic

Style notes

If your space is all about visual calm, then we’d bet a sweet, heady scent probably isn’t your thing. Look to the heart notes - these are full-bodied, longer-lasting scents that linger beyond the crisp top notes, but don’t have the depth or longevity of the base - forgoing the floral for wonderfully fresh, herby ingredients. Thyme, basil, bay (and anything you’d stick in a window box) are a great place to start, with a base of moss, leather or spa favourite clary sage to round out a restful scent. And stick to three or so notes – the beauty of these botanical scents can be subtle.

Fragrance notes

Top
Sea salt, sweet mint, sea grass, aloe, tomato leaf, thyme, bergamot, eucalyptus, spearmint, basil

Heart
Green tea, bay leaf, chamomile, rosemary, artemesia, galbanum, cardamom, juniper, geranium

Base
Wood sage, leather, clary sage, moss, guaiac wood, white musk, oak moss, valerian, resin, ho wood

Quirky cool

Style Notes

If you’re all about artisanal detail, quirky prints and searching out design with a difference, don’t settle for simple in the scent department. Orange blossom, peony and tuberose might be staples, but what about orange bitters, pepper and tobacco? Cue the artisanal candle. These are fragrances with a bit of bite - the result of global travel, endless experimentation and a heavy dose of good old imagination. Candles based on creative concoctions make great gifts, too (if you can bear to give them away, that is).

Top
Redcurrant, neroli, bitter orange, coriander, black tea, elemi, peppermint, green mandarin, apple

Heart
Black pepper, fennel, violet, milk, chestnut, cashmere, pink pepper, pine, iris, tea tree, liquorice, honey

Base
Rosewood, caramel, tobacco, praline, nutmeg, labdanum, ambergris, clove, bamboo, tonka bean

1. HIDDEN GEMS

In their modern iteration, these wonderfully rich, pigmented hues – think forest greens, petrol blues and glamorous clarets and aubergines – stormed straight to the top of every interiors trend round-up around 2016, and never left. Along with the decade-defining velvet sofa, they add a bit of punch and personality whilst still being moody enough to make sense for winter - the perfect alternative to summer’s bold prints.

Going wall-to-wall with one of these jewel tones - and according to one of this year’s biggest trends, across the ceiling while you’re at it – is a shortcut to serious cosiness. The oft-quoted flipside is whether the room feels smaller as a result. And it makes sense. These hues have Victorian heritage - where rooms were often double height with big bay windows - and long pre-date the light and airy Scandi design DNA we’ve all since championed. There’s plenty of ways to tap into the trend, so it’s worth considering what works for your space.

If you’re prepared to add some drama – but not to invest in a new sofa – a statement armchair makes a more portable option, or a scatter of cushions in a variety of hues (pair bold with bold, we say) might be all you need to transform a tired old one. Pair with velvet to let these shades really shine - and tick off two winter trends - or bring to life with warm metallics like gold and bronze. And whilst we don’t believe in design rules, sticking to clean lines (à la all things art deco) is the easiest way to keep it under control.

2. EARTHY DELIGHTS

Encompassing hues of honey, rich clay and olive green, these saturated shades are a little like autumn’s rush of colour with the sound turned down. But make no mistake - this take on terracotta et al is a far cry from your pile of old plant pots lingering in the shed. These are warm, luxurious and ultimately contemporary colours that owe far more to Mediterranean villas and Moroccan riads than any failed gardening attempt.

From clay-roofed cities to hip design hotels, these earthy – yet seriously luxe - tones are as traditional as they are on-trend. They’re at a bit of a colour crossroads, too. Sitting pretty in the sweet spot where vibrant, saturated colour meets pared back, organic hues, they’re the best of both worlds - so it’s no wonder they’ve triumphed both on the catwalk and off. If you’re looking to go au naturel for winter, there’s really no chicer way to do it.

The key to preventing warm, earthy tones from tipping into ‘rustic’ territory is keeping silhouettes contemporary and paying attention to subtle differences in similar shades – think rich and pinky-brown, rather than orange-tinged. Be wary of too much decoration and even the most delicately distressed finish, which will feel instantly retro (and in this case, we’re talking BC). Stick to solid colour, bold and blocky prints or a simple two-tone effect balanced with white or powdery pink.

3. CHALKY PASTELS

Candy hues have had a contemporary update, and it works just as well for winter as it does spring and beyond. Pinks are the star of the show – and the star of many a recent red carpet snap – alongside sage greens and paler, grey-tinged denim blues. An ice cream colour palette this is not – the shade reference is far more stonewashed than sickly, more powdery than Palm Springs. Hailed as the new neutrals, it looks like this newly grown-up group of shades is here to stay. Yes please.

Whilst we’re not quite ready to end our love affair with the fifty shades of grey that have dominated the last decade, these soothing hues make a good argument – they’re just as restful, but far less likely to feel stark or subdued. Yes, this makes the bedroom an obvious decorating destination, but consider pastels to add some calm - and colour - to hectic, high-traffic areas like your kitchen, too.

It’s worth considering contrast, whether that means adding some edge with geometric prints or anchoring powdery shades with a splash of something stronger. A dusky pink – which is a little too feminine for some - is made thoroughly modern with a navy or forest green, while textural details like tassels and fringing make a subtler statement paired with paler shades. Beware layering pastel hue upon pastel hue, however, or you’ll feel like you’ve been unwittingly cast in a Wes Anderson film.

The set up

Nothing will take the shine off the spa experience like clutter. Beyond the boring pedal bin, our top tip is free standing shelves and towel hooks - they’re a clever way to make the most of vertical space when it’s a bit of a tight squeeze. Fill wire baskets with your favourite bathroom bits and banish the less pretty lotions and potions to woven options.

With their mood-boosting benefits and air-purifying properties, plants are perfect for the bathroom. Low-lit and humid, it can feel more than a tad tropical - so look for plants that thrive in a suitably steamy space. Whilst their names don’t conjure up images of tranquillity, spider and snake plants are easy to look after and like things a little moist, as do elegant orchids and peace lilies.

Investing in a luxe robe is one of the easiest ways to elevate even the most mundane weekday evening. Traditionally white and tied at the waist, treat yourself to a towelling number with a shawl collar - and dig out those complimentary hotel slippers from the back of the wardrobe, too. After changing, take a few minutes to relax or meditate with a herbal tea in hand.

The mood-setters

Don’t despair over dark evenings, as they offer the opportunity to control the ultimate mood-setter - good lighting. If you can’t dim the main source (and bathroom lighting tends to be anything but relaxing) consider the sensory appeal of candlelight instead. For a long-term investment, spotlights will focus bright light away from the bath and towards high-use areas such as sinks and mirrors.

‘Saving’ that candle you got as a Christmas gift? Now’s the time to put it to good use - no special occasion neccessary. Forget layering here, as the added factor of perfumed products means one special scent is all you need - so choose wisely. If sturdy surfaces are lacking and flames are a safety concern, a good quality diffuser makes a fuss-free alternative.

If your evening bath is the only spot of silence you get all day, then we understand the temptation to make it a music-free zone, but it’s worth trying out a few genres first. What relaxes each of us is so personal, and might be unexpected – anything from rain sounds to reggae. Consider creating a playlist of soothing tunes so you won’t feel tempted to interrupt your bath to dry your hands and skip a song.

Start with summer metallics

It’s got to be gold, right? But take note of the subtle styling – metallics against a white backdrop might feel too formal for a summer reception, so forgo stark table linen in favour of rustic wood and a beaded runner. Erica’s mixed and matched two sets, plumping for palm and sunburst designs that work perfectly at a summery soirée.

“I love to mix up china, so it doesn’t look too formal.”

Embrace the art of layering

If there’s ever a time to break out the full set, then this is it. The layout should take its cue from the menu, so side plates, two glasses and enough cutlery to cater for each course are top of the check list. Add touches of texture where you can – the beautiful beaded rim of these charger plates makes all the difference here.

CLUB TROPICANA

Style it: hot tropics

Forget the ever-changing forecast - a totally tropical theme is fun whatever the weather. For a slice of paradise in your back garden, pair brilliantly bold hues and prints with natural wood accents. There’s nothing wrong with a little novelty, too. Fruit motifs like lemons, watermelons and the ever-popular pineapple come in all shapes and sizes, from quirky string lights to giant pool inflatables.

Serve it: pink grapefruit margaritas

Rub a slice of lime around the rim of each tumbler, then dip in turn into a plate of salt or sugar. Half fill each glass with ice, then add a shot each of vodka and triple sec. Top up with pink grapefruit juice, then add a wedge of lime on the side to serve. Flamboyant straws and umbrellas optional (but strongly encouraged).

Survive it: stay heatwave-savvy

Nothing puts a dampener on a summer party like sunburn, heatstroke et al. A basket with all the practical bits at arm’s reach - sun cream, spare sunglasses, hats and spray to keep bugs at bay – is sure to be appreciated, especially when little guests are involved. Set out a drinks dispenser filled with water and add an ice ‘brick’ made in a loaf tin – it’ll melt far slower than individual cubes.

COLOURFUL BOHO

Style it: full on fiesta

A quirky alternative to the tropical trend, this idea takes style notes from a South American carnival. Pair vibrant pinks, blues and yellows with beautifully bohemian ikat prints and tactile finishes like tassels and pom poms. A simple seating arrangement will offset the riot of pattern, texture and colour – just pile mix and match cushions around a low table and invite guests to relax.

Serve it: summery sangria

There’s some debate over the perfect sangria, but this simple recipe is a good place to start. Fill a jug or drinks dispenser with three parts red wine to one part orange juice, then add slices of zesty oranges and lemons. A splash of liqueur ups the sweetness (and the booze factor), although it’s not compulsory - Marsala wine, sherry, brandy or an orange liqueur are popular options.

Survive it: reset the scene at sunset

Now that we’re past the longest day, don’t be surprised to find yourself in sudden darkness at 9:30pm. In fact, an evening slowly drawing in can be a mood-setter rather than a killer. A fire pit, assorted lanterns or even jars with tea lights hung in trees are suitably bohemian – just make sure the wires or strings are long enough to avoid a (definitely mood-killing) fire hazard.