We caught up with stylist, interior designer and television presenter Juliet Love recently for a chat about summer interior trends and how to tackle a mood board before embarking on a new styling project. Not only does a mood board help to define and refine ideas but it’s a great source for you to refer back to as the room comes together.
“Always start with a plan and work out what it is you want to achieve. Ask yourself how the room is going to be used and then start collecting anything that inspires you. It might be tear sheets from magazines, images from Pinterest, tile and fabric samples, paint swatches – anything that you love and that tells your story,” says Juliet
“You can then play around with your pieces on a corkboard or piece of cardboard. Edit as you go so you omit anything that isn’t working. You should start to see a theme emerging that will guide you,” says Juliet who shared her thoughts on summer 2019 styling trends too.
Sunset colors
“The colors to watch out for in 2019 will be yellows and oranges reminiscent of pretty sunrises and sunsets. According to Pantone, shades such as Living Coral (just announced as colour of the year last week) and Turmeric will be in. Living Coral is a new take on the 1980’s classic peachy coral but the new hue has a gold and orange undertone making it more modern,” says Juliet.
“Positive, uplifting, and a nod to nature, these colours have come to the fore as a result of us focusing our attention on the environment and world around us. Incorporating these colours into your home can be as simple as a couple of new cushions, or as elaborate as splashing your walls with one of the intense hues for more impact.”
Natural stone
“Natural stone is timeless and will cool a room down in the heat of summer. Amber Tiles has a great selection of natural stone choices – I particularly love travertine and limestone. You can also introduce some gorgeous patterned feature tiles for a summer vibe all year round. Encaustic tiles, or mosaics in blue shades reminiscent of the sea, are perfect for this. The right tiles are a vital element in any chic interior and can make or break a room,” says Juliet.
Rattan
“Rattan is really popular again, so a couple of feature pieces in a light, bright space will work well for a summery feel. An oversized woven armchair in a natural fibre or an indoor hammock in a light fabric with fringing will also give that modern bohemian feel.”
Accessorise with art
“Artworks of exotic destinations always work well – either paintings, prints or photographs of recent travels, blown up and framed. Printing photos in black and white often lends a more upmarket vibe if you’re using personal photos and will work with most colour schemes.”
Go troppo with leaves, flowers and coral
“Elements of nature are a great touch for a summer vibe. Tropical leaves and fresh flowers in exotic shapes are an affordable update that will give your home instant pizzazz. I also love large pieces of coral and ginger jars as a summer statement. Just make sure the coral you choose is grown sustainably or is a quality artificial piece to protect our beautiful environment. Large pieces of ornamental coral and driftwood will also give your home a coastal feel, even if you’re miles from the water!”
Trailing plants
“I love houseplants, and I’ve become quite good at keeping them alive after years of killing them off! It’s all about choosing the right species and placing them in appropriate spots in your house where they’ll thrive. My favourites at the moment are Zanzibar Gem, Lady Palms, succulents such as Hen and Chicks, and in particular, ivy trailing from shiny metallic pots from elevated positions such as bookshelves or floating shelving,” says Juliet.
Light it up
“Anything light and bright featuring glass and woven natural fibres will help create an airy, light summery vibe. I love pendant lights as they create a dramatic focal point and become a design statement in the room so look out for these on your mood board too,” says Juliet.
Juliet and her husband Charlie Albone are both brand ambassadors for Amber Tiles.
