Orange is the colour for change this season!

The approach of autumn means the gradual changing of our landscapes from vibrant greens to warm browns and oranges.

Orange in particular is also seeping onto our high street as the trend towards a resurgence of all things mid-century develops. Orange makes a bold, bright statement that shouts fun and hints at rebellion.

Unless you have a really strong passion for the colour avoid dedicating an entire scheme to orange as in large quantities it can be overwhelming.

However, orange works terrifically on an accent piece to base a room around (particularly when paired with brown and cream) – or on fun and quirky items to discover as your eyes travel round your home.

1. Bring a touch of autumn warmth to your sitting room with this George Smith Jules chair in Lulu DK Bloomsbury from £2,050 www.georgesmith.co.uk – 01423 563160.

2. Add a touch of nature into your home with these fun Three Owls Wall Sticker £39.95 (www.stylishlife.co.uk – 01269 822288)

3. A twist on the classic coffee maker, this Francis Francis X1 Espresso Machine in orange will definitely make a statement in any kitchen. £399. (http://www.espressocrazy/. com – 01604 821 234)

4. The Aria Dining Chair, by Bontempi, is the perfect accompaniment to any modern dining suite. Made in Italy, the design will add vibrancy and colour toyour room.

Transparent chairs are also available ensuring that the contemporary polycarbonate chairs will never clash; even with the most outrageous interior design. Bontempi Casa Aria Dining Chair £164 (www.areaz.co.uk – 0113 244 2288).

5. Sugar & Spice Wardrobe in Juicy Orange £595, www.the childrensfurniturecompany.com – 020 7737 7303.

This sturdy wardrobe is excellent value and provides masses of useful storage space from toddlers to teens. It comes in white and 12 stunning colours including Juicy Orange.

Award Winning Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design. Contact: www.jamiehempsall. com or 0800 032 1180
 

 
 
Published in Yorkshire Post 27th Oct 2010 - Mid-Week Life & Style Section - Interiors

Setting Out the Perfect Christmas Dining Table

Yorkshire Post Mid-Week Life & Style Section - 16th December 2009

Interiors

The look of the dining table is pivotal to a successful Christmas dinner. It goes a long way to create the perfect atmosphere for enjoyable family festivities.

Before you consider your decorating scheme consider how you will accommodate all of your guests. If your table is unlikely to be large enough, but your dining area is, avoid the dreaded “overflow table” and expand the top by visiting your hardware store and having them cut a piece of hardboard to the dimensions and shape you require. You will find that this extra large surface is surprisingly stable when placed on top of a normal sized table (although table dancing will be out of the question!). You can then just dress it with a table cloth or a large coloured bed sheet – it costs a few pounds and no one will notice!



If your family meals are anything like mine, then you are likely to be at the table for a long time, so ensure that you have a few extra seat cushions available for those who might not have as much “personal” padding! It can also be a boon for younger members of the family who need some extra height to help them enjoy the spirit of the adult table!



Keep a theme in mind and work this through the entire table. Start your decorating scheme with a centre piece to set the tone; a glass bowl or vase filled with glitter sprayed pine cones or assorted baubles in your chosen colours is a simple, but effective option. Alternatively, twigs and nuts sprayed in gold or silver, combined with wired ribbon and oranges pierced with cloves or coated with glitter look fantastic and need not cost the earth.

Choose the size of your decorations carefully to avoid blocking the view of other diners or taking up too much room needed for serving dishes. Follow this colour scheme through with table linen, candles, crackers and cushions – a handful of table glitter or a scatter of fake jewel beads add a delightful hint of indulgence.


For a rich, traditional and opulent feel then the classic deep red and gold has to be the order of the day. Heavy, warm colours will give your table a lovely cocoon feeling, gathering your guests together against the cold winter exterior.


Alternatively, for a look of cool sophistication that hints at understated luxury, dress your table in crystal and silver with in a dash of light sapphire blue.

For my money, starched table linen always feels extra special, so go the whole hog and let rip with the spray can when you do the ironing pre-Christmas. It also makes it much easier to create all of those incredible sculptures with napkins that every table should have at this time of year.


Over head lighting should be dimmed to enhance the feeling of cosiness. Remember, that there is nothing more romantic, or flattering, than candlelight, so invest in some interesting candlesticks and choose candles that complement your scheme. Small tea lights on the table also work well in votives or cut glasses, but do be mindful that they get hot and need care and attention if party poppers are in the offing!


Finally, beware the allure of a real fire in older properties. They are romantic and heart-warming, but you need to ensure that there is enough room between the fire and the table (or be ready to instigate a rotating seating plan) to avoid making the guests sitting directly in front of it wonder if they are actually being roasted for the main course!


Jamie Hempsall is one of the regions leading Interior Designers and a member of BIDA. For more information visit his website www.jamiehempsall.com or call him on 01777 248463.