YOUR HOME TODAY
LORNA’S TIPS:
If you are unsure how to co-ordinate your floral fabrics, then use these simple ideas to help ensure you get the look you want. • Use bigger floral patterns on larger areas such as curtains and use the smaller patterns on cushions or dining chairs. • If the sofa has a strong floral pattern, then use plain or striped cushions to co-ordinate with it. • Combine floral patterns with stripes, plains, checks for added interest and variety. This will also prevent the scheme from becoming too feminine or cluttered. • Add stylish detailing such as a plain piping or trimming in a coordinating colour on a decorative cushion. •Adding plants and fresh flowers to the scheme will add to the homeliness and atmosphere. Choose from tall sculptural plants, single blooms or a bunch of identical flowers in a simple glass vase. The key is not to bring too many different colours or types of bloom which could overpower the florals within your furnishings. Captions:
INSIDER INTERVIEW:
Your Home Today spoke to Lorna Sixmith, blogger and owner of
Garrendenny Lane Interiors
in Co. Laois about the
influence of nature and gardens on interiors. YHT: As an interior designer, do you see a lot of influence in fabrics, wallpapers and other interior furnishings from nature? Lorna: Nature is having a tremendous influence on interiors this year. With the current focus on green living and caring for our environment, the big trend for 2009 is to return to natural living as much as possible, to bring nature and the garden into our homes and create more soothing environments in which to relax. This season’s collections feature a plethora of botanicals, stylised flowers, leaf prints and floral trails amongst the patterns for 2009. Woodland patterns were exceedingly popular in 2008 and the look for 2009 is more feminine and delicate with pretty flower patterns and intricate leaf trails. There’s an abundance of flora to choose from, whether you prefer introducing country garden flowers into your bedroom with fresh watercolour floral prints. With the upheavals and stresses of modern daily life, using nature-inspired designs will create a home environment that offers a tranquil space. The soothing leafy greens, pale pinks and purples and the soft blue hues of garden flowers and ferns on classic cream backgrounds will create stylish, timeless and relaxing interiors. Whether you decide to invest in new curtains or a fashionable armchair or simple a few scatter cushions in a floral fabric to dress a plain sofa, the inclusion of nature will change your room into a peaceful sanctuary. YHT: Do you have some favourite lines that bring nature to life through their collections? Lorna: GP&J Baker’s latest collection ‘Emperor’s Garden’ features wonderfully lifelike weeping willows and cherry blossoms in embroidered silks and wallpapers in the Oriental Tree Design. The quality of the fabric and wallpaper really brings the design to life. YHT: Tell us a bit more about some of the general trends you’ve
been seeing lately?
terms of writing and reading them, and find blogs a wonderful
Lorna: Birds and butterflies are also proving very popular within
source of inspiration – quite often the latest trends are revealed
the 2009 designs. Lorient’s Akemi is particular popular with
before they are out in print.
exquisitely embroidered butterflies seemingly fluttering amongst delicate floral trails.
YHT: So, do you have a favourite summer accessory?
Another look for this season is for very soft, vintage faded colours
Lorna: Can I pick two? I love eating al fresco; however, we often
with an aged look reminiscent of a bygone age as we cherish the
get eaten alive by midges so tea lights, candles and lanterns are a
past again rather than looking for the latest gadget and
necessity. I also love large floral cushions, if is raining outside they
immediate gratification.
bring the garden indoors and they are also comfortable with the
Geometric designs are also huge this year, particularly in such
garden furniture.
forms as fretwork and trellis designs. In my opinion, the geometric designs are offering regularity and sanctuary within
Garrendenny Lane Interiors is in Crettlow, Carolow in Co. Laois.
the home against the flux and rush of the commute and the
You
outside world. With the financial world so uncertain this year, it is
info@gdlaneinteriors.ie or at www.gdlaneinteriors.ie.
can
reach
her
at
tel:086-1051007;
increasingly important to make our homes a comfortable haven. Nature brings us back to basics and the geometric designs
Limerick Area Interior Design Shops:
provide order amongst the chaos. My particular favourite is GP&J
Baileys Interiors
Baker’s ‘Fretwork’ available in both wallpaper and fabric with
18/19 Parnell Street
metallic highlights for a contemporary edge. YHT: Do you find your customers lean toward more traditional looks or contemporary?
Tel: 061-400668 or www.baileysinteriors.com Castle Interiors 19 Lower Gerald Griffin St.
Lorna: The traditional designs with a modern twist such as
Limerick
metallic highlights are extremely popular this year – whether they
Tel: 061-410455
are fretwork, stripes, floral or leaf patterns.
Coach House Interior Design Studio YHT: How would you describe your own style of decorating?
Fawnmore House
Lorna: My personal style of decorating is classic contemporary –
Barrigone, Askeaton,
I like traditional designs with a contemporary edge so this year’s
Tel: 061-398722 or 087-6877679
wonderful designs mean that I keep changing my mind regarding the décor for my spare bedroom. Working as an interior designer
Drapes and Designs
means I just have too much choice and no sooner have I decided
Unit 12A, City East Retail Park
on something when I fall in love with another new fabric.
Tipperary Road Tel: 061-603665 or Mobile: 087-2602365
YHT: Where do you get your inspiration from? Lorna: Living in the countryside means that I am lucky enough to
Interio
be surrounded by nature and all it offers in terms of inspiration. I
Quin Road Business Park
visit European trade fairs during the year and therefore see all the
Ennis, Co. Clare
new collections as they are launched. I’m an avid blogger, both in
Tel: 065-6842626 or www.interio.ie
email: