This week, top TV stylist Anna Ryder Richardson shares with us her vision of how to take design inspiration from the seasons.
‘Autumnal.’ Such a lovely word once you get your mouth round it. We only have to look around us and see the colours, textures and shapes changing as we flow from season to season for styling inspiration.
Trees and flowers generously give us a full show of colour change and seasonal fruit or vegetables are always a great way to change the look of a kitchen or to take colour inspiration from.
Every season comes with it’s own palette. I am constantly surprised at the shades of colour we have at our fingertips and eyes, an infinite amount of colour shades, so take your blinkers off, take it all in and absorb your surroundings.
Autumn is about browns and all the glorious shades it brings such as oranges burnt and bright, new green leaves to the green leaves turning brown, deep berry reds and aubergine, one of nature’s most sensuous colours. I could go on and on.
Embrace it, look for it, and don’t be surprised! ‘Go with the flow’ has never been more apt, enjoy it while it lasts, that way you’ll be almost sorry to see the seasons change. But when you see the next selection of colours and textures emerging, there won’t be time to reflect only to refresh. These colour changes should trickle in and out, showing colours, textures in spectacular and surprising combinations.
Then there are the things we touch every day, why shouldn’t they please our eye, create an atmosphere? Tea towels, linen, cushions and throws can be changed with the seasons. From light, floral designs for spring/summer to rich coloured checks, stripes for the colder months.
In spring, vases and glassware can be grouped, bouncing light off each other and displaying seasonal flowers such as fresh green shoots and huge sunflowers. In winter, try smoky glass or heavy earthenware pots with dried flowers or vegetables.
During the summer months, crockery can be delicate – perhaps drawing inspiration from nature and botanical design. Meanwhile, heavy, thick bowls and plates in earthy tones are perfect for autumn, especially when side by side with rustic wooden chopping boards and fresh, green salads.
Design trends have definitely relaxed towards everything matching, now we can have individual pieces that tell a story or work together really well in a mix. It’s not about the obvious.
If you are having a dinner party then indulge your guests with seasonal layering to create an atmosphere that starts the evening off in the right mood. Your dining table really is a place to go style and prop crazy. More is definitely more here. You can have loads of candles, create dramatic centrepieces, or drizzle the table with rose petals or pine needles. The possibilities are truly endless!
