When Darren Palmer lets us in on his favourite design trends we sit up and take notice and his top picks for this year, ‘Moroccan’ and ‘Botanical,’ are as disparate as they are inviting. “The Moroccan look is exotic and luxurious while the botanical look is all about bringing nature inside,” says Darren.
Moroccan
“Think bold brights, clashing patterns and earthy, rugged textures. With its bohemian edge, this look brings a sense of energy yet warmth to a space,” says Darren.
“When you’re decorating a room, it’s always a good idea to start with the floor. It’s one of the largest expanses of space in a home and will set the tone for the rest of your furnishings. The Moroccan look has warm, spicy undertones and an earthy feel, so seek out flooring in a warm neutral shade with plenty of texture,” says Darren who is also a Carpet Court Ambassador.
“Timber flooring works equally well in a Moroccan scheme – again, opt for timber with warm undertones and extra-wide boards are trending right now and will add a contemporary touch to your exotic scheme,” says Darren who says that layers of accessories are key to finishing the look. “Complete the look with a medley of bright, patterned rugs and cushions, buffed leather accessories, decorative pendants and woven wall hangings,” says Darren.
Botanical
“We’re passionate about indoor-outdoor living in Australia, and this trend is all about bringing nature inside. The result is a fresh, relaxed look that’s easy to love,” says Darren.
“The key to making this look work is not to overfill the space – you want it to feel light and airy. Choose one or two statement features, such as an oversized leaf-print wallpaper across one wall or a forest-green velvet sofa. Then, add in shelves and accessories in woven rattan and blonde timber, white plantation shutters and plenty of greenery. Finish off with touches of gold for a modern-luxe feel,” says Darren.
“If you haven’t shopped for flooring in a while, you’ll be amazed at what’s available now – there really is something for every style, budget and home set-up,” says Darren who says it’s important to consider how you’ll use the space in the first instance. “Do you need something hardwearing, easy to clean, ultra-luxurious, or able to cope with the demands of children and pets? Once you’ve narrowed down your requirements, it’s time for the fun part – choosing a flooring style that will completely transform the look of your room and home,” says Darren.
Darren’s flooring style tips
Textured appeal: To add texture to your interior, consider a chunky felted loop pile carpet in this season’s on-trend colours – charcoal, silvery-grey or sand.
Family friendly: If you have children or pets, a level loop-pile carpet in a mid-tone neutral with some flecks of colour will be the most hardwearing and forgiving.
Fibre smarts: Wool carpet has a luxurious, natural appeal, but solution-dyed nylon is a great choice if you’re looking for a soft carpet with superior fade and stain-resistance for a sunny room or a home with kids.
Grab a sample: Carpet and hard flooring colours will look different from the showroom once you get them home. To work out whether a colour or timber finish is right for your interior, take a sample home and look at it at different times of day and under various light conditions.
Consider your options: Love the look of timber but want something low-maintenance and more affordable? Why not consider timber-look vinyl planks or laminate, which give you the appearance of real wood for less and can often be used in wet rooms such as bathrooms and laundries.
The touch test: To assess how soft a carpet will feel underfoot, don’t just feel it with your hands – slip off your shoes and walk on it.
