New season's colour is a bolt from the blue

Originally published in Retford Times - 1st May 2014

Homes & Lifestyle

The big colour story this season is Blue!  Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall explores the resurgence of a firm favourite.

This season we are seeing taupe being cast to the sidelines both in design schemes and on the High Street.  Without a doubt the hot colour for Spring Summer 2014 is that old cool customer – blue.

Designers have been looking for a new background colour to join the ranks of the neutrals and blue is coming out a clear winner. Forget the paler shades of blue we have previously encountered, the story for 2014 is the richer pigmented shades now available.  The absolute joy of blue is that despite being a bold, primary colour in its own right, it has an amazing capacity which allows it to blend into the background where it impressively accentuates key tones.

Surveys frequently conclude that blue is most people’s favourite colour, especially the male part of the population, so it is a wonder that it does not constantly dominate the interiors world. 

Importantly, it is seen as an emotionally powerful colour, which registers very clearly with its observers.   Pablo Picasso’s “Blue Period” paintings are perfect examples of this: he used only blue and green tones to enhance the feeling of melancholy within his work.  Picasso recognised the power of the hue when eliminating other colours around it and is reported as having turned to this palate as his mood darkened following the death of his friend, Carlos Casagemas.

Blue also enhances feelings of calm and tranquillity, which makes it perfect as the colour of choice for bathrooms and bedrooms where an element of escape from the everyday world is often essential.

New Carlucci Fraction fabrics from JAB Anstoetz

There is an element of decadence to the use of a confident blue.   This is hardly surprising given that many rich shades of blue were first created using incredibly expensive precious minerals.   For instance, during the Renaissance period ground lapis lazuli was used to create ultramarine, whilst cobalt has been used to colour glass since 2000BC.

It is also interesting to note that, these strong associations and emotions have led to the colour being associated with divinity, particularly in the Renaissance period.

The shades we are encountering now are definitely major statements.   These richer tones have to be chosen carefully, but the overall effects can be breath taking:  ultimately, it is a question of having confidence and sticking with it. 

If you are looking to embrace the new blue, then rich paint shades such as Little Greene’s Deep Space Blue 207 or Sanderson’s Indigo Blue will create the perfect intimate environment in which to relax.  At the same time, they are both wonderful at creating the background for impressive entertaining spaces such as formal dining rooms. 

Despite the intensity of these colours you will need to pay careful attention when painting to attain a perfect finish as every defect is likely to be shown.  We always recommend using three coats of dark paint shades to ensure a more consistent end result.

A selection of the terrific blues from Designers Guild

This season, opulent blue is very accessible in most collections.  One company who you can be sure has the perfect range of blues is Designers Guild – a brand that truly embraces bold colour.  Their Surabaya Wallcoverings and Savio Weaves boast a mass of beautiful blues in confident finishes.  In addition, their Savine Range features a striking indigo carpet, which works perfectly with their cobalt wallpaper.

If you consider a full room scheme might be a little overpowering, then use key accent pieces (such as a chair or even just a few tea light holders) to ensure your home feels relaxing, reassuring and above all “of the moment”.

Set of Four Blue Tealight holders from www.annabeljames.co.uk £14.95

Jamie Hempsall is a multi-award winning interior designer.  For more inspiration, visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com.

William Yeoward's Waves of Inspiration

HOMES & INTERIORS

If you are looking for a truly individual English designer, then you really do not need look any further than William Yeoward.  Interior designer Jamie Hempsall gives you an insight into this iconic style-maker.

We adore working with William, a fantastically generous and enthusiastic man who is passionate about everything he gets involved in.  We have been delighted to involve him on a number of projects, including a rather wonderful luncheon we hosted in a private country house for Macmillan Cancer Support with William as guest speaker.

Susan Crewe, editor of British House and Garden, describes him as “a man of passion, humour and an endearing power of persuasion”.  Anyone who has met him at a launch of one of his brilliant fabric collections will definitely echo that sentiment.

He embarked on a career in interior design and retail opening his first store in the King’s Road, Chelsea in 1985.  He undertook numerous interior design projects (his last being decorating for Lady Thatcher at the time she left government), but decided that he really wanted to concentrate on designing products and so ended his decorating career. 

Since then he has flourished developing fabrics, rugs, furniture, lighting and dinner services, along with antique furniture and truly jaw-droppingly beautiful crystal.  William says, “I realised very early on in my creative life that if I could not find what I wanted the best thing to do was to find someone to make it.”

William believes that a home should be lived in – no matter how fine your furniture – a sentiment that I echo whole-heartedly in all my designs.  William commented, “I think it is very important to work out what you are about and how you want to live before even contemplating a house or the things that you need to live in it comfortably”.

You are most likely to come across his work at many of the companies in Yorkshire who stock Designers Guild fabric and wallpaper for whom he designs exclusive ranges.  William explained, “Tricia Guild and I have been good friends for years and when she called me to discuss working together on a William Yeoward brand of Fabrics and Wallpaper my initial reaction was “Yes please” and so the William Yeoward collections were suddenly a reality”.

This year has seen the introduction of his Polperro range which I think is one of the most exciting new additions that I have seen for some time.  William Yeoward has dipped into his past to create three new collections within this range.

He was raised with the ocean on his doorstep.  Boating, sailing and fishing are in his blood and when he revisited the haunts of his youth he became aware of his need to use these inspirations in his work.  “There is something about the English coastline that is so unique.  There is a quality of light and a sense of freedom for me found here.  I love the colours of the landscape, the boats, the sailcloth’s, rolling pastures and the ocean spray”.

The first collection is Polperro which features a delicious selection of blue, marine, navy and sky blue stripes.  These are all woven in a traditional fashion (inspired by William’s collection of vintage pieces from 19^th century European and British sources).  They have a very nautical feel to them with some terrific stripes and ticking such as Bodmin (£47 per m), as well as some distressed florals that will create an instant heritage piece if used for upholstery (look at Antony £42 per m).  There is also a wonderful ready sewn patchwork which is crying out to be made into a bedspread (£100 per m).

This second collection is St Mawes which includes combinations of red, saffron, olive and sage.  There are still plenty of beautiful stripes and a wonderful array of colours such as Boscastle a heavy cotton fabric which cleverly combines red, petrol blue and saffron to dramatic effect (£51 per m).  The range features a great deal more pattern than Polperro, such as the glorious Millbrook in Poppy (£42 per m).

The collection also includes St Just a fine, almost pinstripe design, made of heavy jute and cotton mix, which was originally a sackcloth from Lithuania.  This fine weave is smart, yet rustic and would look well used on sofas and chairs (£68 per m).  As with the other collection, there is a beautiful patchwork – also called Polperro, but in a brighter range of colours (£100 per m).

The final instalment is the St Ives wallpaper collection a stripe devotees dream come true.  These papers have a real feeling of what simplicity should be.  Devoran is beautifully textured and the detailed stripes of Whitstone and Trewen are delicate and considered.  In contrast, Boyton and St Ives are the classic stripe, revisited, re-coloured and reused.  The wallpapers mentioned are all £42 per roll.

So what is the secret behind William Yeoward’s design success? “It’s simple” he says, “I just design what I would like to have in my home and fortunately there are other people who seem to like it too!  Buying my work should bring long term pleasure not instant gratification and then years of disappointment”.

That is a sentiment I truly believe in and one which makes using William’s products such a pleasure.

Jamie Hempsall, BIID, is an award winning interior designer.  Visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com or call on 0800 032 1180.

The interiors retro love affair continues!

Interiors

Directly on the heels of London Fashion Week comes its Interior Design equivalent, Decorex, where companies showcase new products and design for the coming year. Interior Design Jamie Hempsall presents his picks of the season.

There is renewed optimism in the world of interiors with fabric companies launching a wider number of collections than we have seen in the last couple of years.

The big stories this autumn are geometrical patterns, as design companies continue their retro love affair with all things 1930s and 1950s, and stripes which are returning with renewed confidence and gusto.

There is nothing boring about any of these retro chic interpretations which may take influence from the mid 20th century, but have been updated with injections of strong colour and daring interpretation. Texture and comfort are also very important this season with a range of geometric patterns being introduced in tactile cut velvet. Of note too are some new digital printed fabrics being introduced (in particular by Designers Guild) which are blending photographic quality large prints onto intricate designs. These are bold and brash statements that herald the onslaught of a potential design revolution.

Here are my favourite picks from this season's collections.

The Juniper range from Harlequin (pictured above) is pure 1950s with wonderful visions of leaves (Orletta, £59/mtr) and seed heads (Kerria, £34/mtr or Spirea £52/mtr) in a range of colourways including red, purple and orange on simple backgrounds (www. harlequin.uk.com – 0845 123 6805).

There are brilliant re-interpretations of mid-20th century geometrical patterns in contemporary colours on plain backgrounds in the Casson Range from Romo which also features a series of relaxed woven stripes (from £42.50/m). The Ellise range of decorative weaves from Romo is a beautiful collection of soft contemporary cut velvets featuring almost art deco style patterns in bold, confident colour (from £129.95/m; www.romo.com – 01623 756 699).

The Mosaic velvet cut and loop pile range from Zoffany has a more muted colour palette, but provides a rich, plush feel. The striking designs are easy on the eye and would integrate well into any virtually any style of interior. Patterns have been cut and woven to create both visual and textural interest (£79/m; www.zoffany. com – 0844 543 4600).

More beautiful geometry is found in the Maharani range from Osborne & Little, a range of printed designs featuring interlocking cubes and handsome block stripes inspired by Armenian and Iranian architecture (from £34.08/m; www.osborneand little.com – 020 7352 1456).

Leading the way in the introduction of the modern stripe is Designers Guild with their Bernadini collection (in particular the Phipps and Egmont patterns). These are available in a wide range of imaginative colourways and feature exciting new types of velvet (£70/m; www.designers guild.com – 0207 893 7400).

Equally appealing is the new Oscura stripe from Osborne and Little. This is a range of two-tone stripes blackout fabrics (ideal for blinds and curtains) with a companion strié plain in 16 different colourways (£29.38/m; details as before).

If you are looking for more lightweight fabrics then I would seek out the new collections from Malabar. Their Kilo range features simple, but effective lightweight and sheer linen cotton stripes in an array of muted colours (£29/m).

For those wanting something bolder, their Inka range includes more dramatic stripes and some heavy linen herringbone plains in stronger shades from earthy brown to juicy raspberry (£29/m; www. malabar.co.uk – 020 7501 4200).

A lot of the fabric ranges produced this season come with co-ordinating wallcoverings which echo their geometric designs and contemporary colours. The exciting news for decorators is that new production techniques mean that many ranges are now being developed in non-woven finishes so that you apply paste to the wall making hanging them far easier – seek these out for a hassle free makeover.

•You can contact Jamie Hempsall for advice or more details on any of the new season's ranges at www.jamiehempsall.com or on 0800 0321 180

Curtain call for the tie-back

Curtains frame your window, but how do you make the most of your view?  Interior designer Jamie Hempsall takes a look at using tie-backs.

When it comes to dressing windows the best solution is often a pair of curtains, preferably full length if room will allow. They frame your view beautifully and help to create a feeling of opulence. However, with the exception of eyelet designs which tend to stack back at the sides of a window, most curtains have fairly wide headings even when open which can mean they take up valuable window space and reduce light. So how do you solve this problem and create an extra element of drama?

The simple answer is a tieback and I have included images of some of my favourite designs currently on the market. Whilst this is a very traditional solution, tie-back designs continue to evolve meaning that you can find something appropriate for the majority of interior schemes from traditional to ultra-contemporary.

A myth has arisen over how difficult it is to dress curtains using a tieback and, whilst it does take a bit of effort initially, I have rarely found a client who does not pick up the knack pretty quickly thereby enjoying wonderful results.

The trick is to take time initially to dress your curtains with the appropriate folds – you do need a little patience, but it is worth it. Once you are happy with the effect tie them in position with three or four lengths of soft cloth (such as left over lining fabric) evenly spaced down the length of your curtains and leave hung in position for around 72 hours. This will help give new curtains “memory” as to where a fold should be. After that you should find that as you draw them back to gather up in a tieback your curtains will naturally follow the folds you have decided upon.

Using a tieback to draw curtains back not only increases light, but when draped correctly your curtain will have a soft curve that falls gracefully at the side of your window.
 

To achieve the optimum effect attach your tieback either one third down from the top of the curtain or one third up from the bottom of the panel. Hanging a tieback near the top of the curtain will provide the most light, with a short curve which leaves the majority of the fabric hanging at the side of the window. Whilst using a tieback near the bottom of the window is less about light and more about creating a dramatic, long curve.

One of the simplest options for a tieback is to produce a collar or twist made from the main fabric. As a general guide a standard width curtain of about 137cm wide requires a tieback of 60cm, whilst a double with curtain (about 274cm) needs a 92cm tieback.

However, I like to make more of a statement with tiebacks. They are an important tool in your interior scheme arsenal. The world is your oyster when it comes to design, but it is essential that you opt for colours that are included in the fabric of your curtains. Do not feel you have to go with the obvious choice as carefully matching a colour contained in a small detail of the design is a clever reference point and allows you to use it elsewhere in your room scheme.

Price points vary wildly from around £10 in High Street Stores to upwards of £318 for the statement piece Twiggy tie-back from Wemyss Houles – a true joy to behold. Take time to enjoy these wonderfully tactile additions to your window treatment which you should consider as important a decision as your fabric.

Jamie Hempsall is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design. For more details visit Jamie at www.jamiehempsall.com or why not follow him on twitter (JamieHempsall)

Examples shown:
1) Lead Crystal Tie-Back from Zoffany
2) Briati Tie-Back from Designers Guild
3) Taisho Tie-Back from Osborne & Little
4) Orio Tie-Back from Designers Guild
5) Twiggy Tie-Back from Wemyss Houles

Spring Trends for Fabrics & Wallcoverings

As British Summer Time starts, interior designer Jamie Hempsall looks at this season's trends for your home


The last couple of weeks have proved a breath of fresh air as we once again remember the joy of sunshine and a bit of warmth. I know that as I write this we are actually facing the prospect of a return to showers and even snow, however, let’s forget that for the time-being and concentrate on the fact that officially Spring has arrived.



Obviously, this means Design Houses throughout the Country are ringing the changes and introducing new Spring/Summer Fabric and Wall-covering Collections for 2010.



It is customary in Spring to see to introduction of flora and fauna and this year proves no exception. Perhaps in a reaction to the excesses of the early naughties, colour palettes appear more natural than we have seen in recent years. Many collections feature calm hues of soft light pink or blue, teamed with natural brown, green or ochre. As you would expect light backgrounds (such as simple ivory and cream) play an important part in many collections.

 

A simple, yet delightful interpretation of the Spring theme is found in Bloom from Prestigious Textiles (£25.50/m; www.prestigious.co.uk – 01274 688448) in Polyester Cotton featuring large flowers on never ending stems against muted cream or duck egg blue backgrounds. Those seeking a classic English Country Bouquet should consider Oranienbaum from the Pavilion collection by Designers Guild in 100% Silk (£70/m; http://www.designersguild.com/).

When it comes to wall-covering, simple and natural is epitomised by the clean, elegant 18th century Swedish designs featured in the Gustavus Collection from Zoffany. Their Eleonora paper hits all the right spots with beautiful birds on blossom covered stems (£42/roll; www.zoffany.com - 0844 543 9600).

Flowers are further emphasised in a number of collections featuring large white blooms on coloured backgrounds. These designs introduce an air of calm into any room and are ideal used as fabrics or wall-coverings.



Imperial from the Majestic Collection by Prestigious Textiles (£43/m; details as before) is a viscose polyester blend which feels like linen and helps avoid excess creasing.

Alternatively, the soft sheen of Rosella Silk from Harlequin Fabrics conjures up images of period summer dresses and tea parties (£52/m or available as a wallpaper at £39/roll; www.harlequin.uk.com – 0845 123 6815).

If you want a more vibrant silk option choose Watelet by Designers Guild (details as before) which features pastel drawn white roses with charcoal stems on a number of striking backgrounds; available in 100% silk as a fabric (£70/m) or as a wallpaper (£43/roll).



Spring 2010 is an incredible season for lovers of toile which features in many ranges. The Chantemerle collection from Zoffany is an elegant re-working of 18th Century Copperplate toiles, incorporating a variety of subjects from classical panels to floral trails.

My personal favourite “Au Pied Des Ruines” bucks the monochromatic tradition showing country scenes that incorporate pink, green and brown to slightly lift the overall effect (£65/m as fabric or £44/roll as wallpaper; details as before).

Etienne from Harlequin reverses the traditional toile coloured print on a plain background, picking out the main design in small white panels and showing them against a striking coloured background: a design that works particularly well when you use it in wall panels or to upholster a bedroom seat (£30/m as cotton linen fabric or £44/roll as a wallpaper).

My advice when using toile is not to be half-hearted about it. It is a statement so be brave and consistent. Use a matching design (never mix patterns or colours) on walls, curtains and soft-furnishings. The range of fabrics available this year that include nautical and architectural themes mean that you can finally achieve this look without it being over-feminine.

Jamie Hempsall, BIDA, is one of the region’s leading interior designers. You can contact him on 01777 248463 or studio@jamiehempsall.com.

Yorkshire Post Mid-Week Life & Style Section - Weds 31st March - Interiors

The Key to Successful Monochrome Interiors

Yorkshire Post - 7th October 2009 - Life & Style Section : Homes

Interiors

Throughout the last century there have been distinct periods when monochrome interiors have been very in vogue.

From the cutting-edge innovations of the 1920s and '30s, through the Woolworth Homemaker revolution in the late 1950s, to the hard lines of "me" generation excess in the 1980s, it's a trend that just keeps coming back. Monochrome might whisper of colour austerity, but it shouts cool, clear success.

This season sees the addition of monochrome designs from a number of fabric houses hinting we are about to enter a new age of pared-down design, offering more simple magnificence. If executed correctly, monochrome interiors offer the householder a chance for simple and subtle sophistication.

Current designs are a lifetime away from the brash 1980s, having a much softer feel to them – evoking the understated optimism of the 1950s.To achieve a successful monochrome interior apply the old adage "less is more". Keep window treatments very simple – use drapes or blinds in clean lines to frame your view of the colourful exterior world. Use plain pelmets to hide tracks or eyelet curtains to provide a straight drop for your drapes that will show off any fabric design at its best.

Monochrome is defined as a picture or painting executed in different shades of a single colour. If working with a black palate, incorporate various shades of grey to enhance the design. Plan your scheme with plenty of space to avoid any feeling of overcrowding – the look you should aim to achieve is light and airy.
The Multimedia range of printed cottons from Prestigious Textiles (www.prestigious.co.uk; 01274 688448) sets the pace for some of today's designs. It includes a stylised floral, a grand-scale specimen peony and retro-negatives of urban architecture, echoed in a broad stripe and check. They have stuck to simple colour stories, led by the monochrome Granite. Fabrics range from around £9.60 per metre.


Black and white is one of the most recognised and easily executable forms of monochrome. Avoid an overblown scheme with a "visual treat" in your room by adding a feature piece in a strong, bright colour: a vase, cushion or a colour picture on the wall. Ensure this is a definite statement, not a timid hint; pink and turquoise are particularly effective when used in this fashion.Designers Guild show the impact of an additional colour to great effect in the images of their new Darly range which includes Padgett prints (£49/m) and wallpaper (£42/roll) featuring bold geometric designs with a neoclassical architectural inspired motif (www.designersguild.com; 020 7351 5775).

Black and white pictures look terrific in this environment (with the introduction of a single colour always adding impact – consider the sunflower in the original WI nude calendar): present with plenty of space around them on a bare white wall for maximum impact.Add interest to your scheme by introducing a variety of textures and finishes in both your furniture and soft furnishings.The Manzi collection from the Liberty Furnishing range by Osborne & Little includes classic wide black and white stripes or dog-tooth inspired checks in a pure cotton satin finish a luxurious feel with the advantage of a stain-resistant Teflon finish from around £45/m (www.osborneandlittle.com; 020 7352 1456).Keep floors bare or covered in a plain colour, avoid patterns, but introduce texture with the addition of a single colour rug.

Remember you do not have to stick to black; brown also works well particularly if you are going for subtle chic (consider Persian Tulip wallpaper from Zoffany at £85 per roll – www.zoffany.com; 0844 543 4748), whilst red hints at night-time glamour; ideal for a bedroom or spectacular dining room.

Jamie Hempsall is one of the region's leading interior designers, see more of his designs at www.jamiehempsall.com or contact him on 01777 248463.