Evoking the exotic
Leave the suitcases to gather dust in the loft and bring far-flung destinations into your home instead. Gabrielle Fagan checks into the look for travel-inspired décor
Holidays abroad are a treat, if you’re lucky enough to have one, but most of us come home feeling they’re over too quickly.
But there’s a way to prolong that feelgood factor – by conjuring up those getaway settings in your home, taking inspiration from the locations you love or those you dream of visiting.
“Evoking the style of a destination that you love is a brilliant way to give give rooms an update, will help the holiday spirit linger longer and could lift your spirits if our unpredictable climate is getting you down,” says designer Linda Barker.
Global influences have made their mark on the home collections of high street stores this year, so you won’t have to go far to find the vital vacation ingredients.
“It’s all about evoking the mood of the place. Simply pick perhaps one colour shade characteristic of your holiday spot and together with a few well-chosen accessories, those visual hints can be enough,” says Barker.
Choose your holiday style – then all you need to do is send a postcard saying: ‘Wish you were here!’
ORIENTAL INTEREST
An ‘East meets West’ trend is strong in the autumn/winter collections and this look is appealing with its rich colours and delicate details.
“Symmetry, clean lines, glossy lacquered materials and a total absence of clutter make this a tranquil, orderly setting which is pleasing to the eye and allows decorative details to star,” says Barker.
Simple mats, screens to hide clutter, a selection of fans displayed on a wall, or a careful arrangement of accessories featuring delicate cherry blossom will set the scene.
MODERN MOORISH
Earthy colours, patterned tiles, piles of cushions and layered rugs add up to an urban Bedouin experience inspired by Morocco.
“Paint a feature wall in a terracotta or shade of desert sand or muddy orange and this will be a focal point around which you can dress the room,” says Barker.
“Low, informal seating is characteristic of this look. If you’re into DIY you could make a simple low wooden base, top it with a mattress which can then be dressed in layers of patterned textiles and bolster pillows to act as a long, sofa. Alternatively, use plenty of floor cushions or leather pouffes.”
Striped rugs for a floor or hung on a wall, embroidered cushions, collections of glass in jewel-bright shades, small metal tea tables and punched metal-patterned lanterns in metallic finishes will combine to create souk chic.
STYLISH SAFARI
Walk on the wild side with a dramatic scheme based on African safari style.
“Accessories in tribal patterns and animal prints, with dark wood furniture, can look stunning set against a crisp white backdrop,” says Barker.
“Bring in texture with rattan storage, add dark green foliage with pot plants, and you’ll create a sultry colonial style.”
An African landscape print or mural, a globe, an animal print rug and vintage-inspired trunks for storage will give rooms a well-travelled feel.
TRULY TROPICAL
Exotic foliage and deep green shades will make you feel you are in your own tropical sanctuary.
“Bring in the feeling of heat and lush vegetation through fabrics and accessories printed with island motifs and tropical plants,” says Barker.
“Leaf pattern wallpapers in vivid greens, simple white or rattan furniture, and, for an extra hothouse touch, accessorise with cushions featuring vividly coloured parrots, leaf prints or exotic blooms.”
Potted palms, faux or real, rugs made from natural fibres such as hemp or seagrass, and eastern-style ornaments or Buddha heads are essentials. Spell out the name of your favourite place in letters.
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