Interiors: Two big trends are dominating Christmas homeware – contemporary and cosy – what will you choose?
Contemporary
The depths of winter always benefit from a little razzle-dazzle, which is one reason we like to put on the glitz for the party season. And this year it's true of our homes, too. Trailblazer Tom Dixon adopted metallics as a signature look many moons ago and his copper Melt pendant lights, as seen at the launch of restaurant Craft London near the O2 a few seasons back, and his showstopping copper bar in the Rumpus Room at Mondrian London, shows just how eyecatching and uplifting copper, brass and bronze can be in a room. The secret is not to overdo it, of course. Glamorous homes have inlays into cabinetry and brass-edged glass tables, but a pair of shiny salad servers are easier to wrap and add a hint of luxury without going overboard These chic gifts all belie their discrete price tag – so give contemporary metallics a go this Christmas.
Cosy
The other trend this winter has burrowed so deep into the British psyche that we’re actually willing to use its native Danish name ‘hygge’ which means ‘cosy’. It is the natural bedfellow of the uber-trends of ‘craft’ and its grander sibling ‘handmade’, and together they form the trendiest trifecta of modern interior design. Texture is everything and you can go wild when it comes to throwing together the softest alpaca blankets, charming pottery in all shapes and sizes, wooden candlesticks and just about anything woven from the forest. It’s been a rollercoaster year, and we can’t think of anything we’d rather do more at the end of it than cosy up to our loved ones among some foliage.
