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Indian summers...

Pay homage to all things exotic this season with a colourful, vibrant interior.

Article by: Hayley Gilbert
Publish date: 4th September 2008

The end of summer can often prove difficult when it comes to decorating the home. Your head says you should start preparing for autumn with dark colours and heavy fabrics, while your heart may still be set on a bright, vibrant interior, especially if we're lucky enough to experience an Indian summer. So why not embrace this look wholeheartedly with an exotic palette of rich, jewelled shades and feel-good fabrics?

Inspiring ideas
The sun-drenched skies and waters, lush gardens and vivid images of past and present life in India are evoked in the latest collections from Malabar the company that creates beautiful handloomed cottons, embroideries and silks inspired by and made in the subcontinent.

There are three leading design themes Zari (vibrant silk jacquards), Tao (Chinoiserie embroideries on linen and silk) and Chantilly (filigree embroideries on soft linen and delicate voile). "Just like India, these collections are a riot of colour," says Peter Sterck, Malabar's Design Director and Chairman, who adds: "They are intended to catch the eye, to stimulate the senses and create a reaction."

In fact, Malabar is rooted in India the land and its people and in its textile traditions, which are handed down from generation to generation. Peter has worked closely with the cooperative handweaving houses of Kerala for almost 20 years and says: "You can buy our fabrics and know that the highly skilled and talented people who make them have enjoyed doing so and are able to support their families well. Not only that, but while our handloom cottons may be available in a huge selection of colours, they are all essentially green', being low-energy in their production, simply because they are hand-made, not machine-made."

Creating a mood
There's no doubt that jewel colours with satin finishes create a feel-good factor, both for the house itself and the people living in it. "Now we're all feeling brighter and happier, it's easy to use that mood to create an exotic, heady atmosphere in your own home," explains Gill Nono, Design Director at Nono Designs. "Here at Nono, we're blessed with being surrounded by inspiring colours and wonderful patterns and our new collections have such an ambience about them, they bring a smile to everyone's faces, no matter what the weather." Inspired by the likes of fashion designer Matthew Williamson's playful but glamorous gowns, the latest colours for the home include blues, oranges and greens. Dulux has a rich palette of colours that are perfectly suited to the period home with names like Mystic Mauve and Orchid Opera, while Fired Earth's Elements of Colour range features more intense shades such as Cochineal and Surpar Red.

East meets West
Ottomania is the latest No.9 Thompson fabric collection from Jim Thompson, which draws inspiration from the decorative arts of Istanbul and its surrounding regions. The rivers and towns of the area give their names to the different designs, which take the form of printed linens and cottons and textured wovens. Amasura features paisley shapes in a block effect, while the silhouette of a classic Turkish silk damask is reworked as a pocket weave in space-dyed linen and cotton for the Barbarini design.

To add interest to walls, use exotic woven rugs or tapestries as wall hangings in the hallway, dining room, or on the landing. It's easy to create an authentic look without overpowering the space if you stick to neutral shades and textures elsewhere.

Focus on furniture
Moroccan-inspired furniture is big news on the high street with House of Fraser, John Lewis and Woolworths taking up the trend. Look to House of Fraser's Linea collection for dark wood designs with lattice framework for mirrors, lamps and folding screens. Team with soft, cream coloured sofas and armchairs to offset the richness of the timber and spice things up with a cluster of teal or turquoise cushions.

John Lewis has a range of exotic soft furnishings and cushions as well as lanterns, chests and rugs, whilst Woolworths is the place to go for bathroom accessories such as candles and ornaments. If you're heading for the paint and wallpaper sections at B&Q, check out the accessories too, with everything from colourful porcelain doorknobs to vibrant curtains for the perfect finishing touch.

How to bag a bargain:

  • For knick-knacks and accessories, browse around local second-hand shops and car boot sales.
  • If youre after something more specific, try eBay. Have a budget in mind and never bid too high its easy to get carried away.
  • Check out architectural salvage yards if youre looking for larger items such as reclaimed floorboards, original cast iron radiators and quirky one-offs. Salvo has a directory of suppliers
  • A more eco-friendly approach is to log on to www.freecycle.org where you can simply swap or donate unwanted items free of charge.