It always seems like a feckless and shallow task pronouncing
trends in the interior design industry. As Giles Kime of Country
Life puts it, 'writing about furniture as if it was a frock
encourages a throwaway attitude when we should be preserving the
world's resources rather than sending them to landfill'. But as
this is a trend about which Andrew Martin has been preaching since
its dawn 40 years ago, I can't help but write this article with the
utmost glee. Indeed, it was only recently in a PR meeting that our
Founder, Martin Waller, cackling louder than everyone around the
'new-in' table, was rechristened Maximus Martinus. After all, it
has often been said that he gives the ultimate thumbs up or thumbs
down in the gladiator pit that is the interiors scene. So in a time
of bold self-expression, liberal experimentation and a need to
brighten up the political backdrop, in home décor it is the ethos
of adding more which is taking us into 2019.
The key to getting this look right is removing the fear of doing it wrong.
Martin Waller
If it wasn't already, the word 'layering' will become the holy
grail in interiors next year. Retro chintz is back with its joyful
sense of flamboyance and a hint of the eccentric ridiculous. Your
Mid-century modern (MCM) pieces can stay, as velvet goes hand in
hand with maximalism, adding texture and different light-reflecting
shades of colour. And really it's all about accessories: rugs,
cushions, lampshades, sculptures and art, which luckily makes this
an achievable trend to test out and accomplish.
Decoration is an important building block of happiness. I hope what we do helps people feel happy and comfortable in their homes, and therefore in themselves.
Martin Waller
This is the perfect time to think about your personal
possessions. A pitchfork or paintbrush long condemned to the garden
shed, for example, now has its moment in the spotlight. Martin has
always encouraged the repetition of everyday objects to create
unique and characterful wall art. Empty out your cupboards and make
a display of pieces on your shelves, cabinets, desks or console
tables. Acrylic boxes or plinths can be used to make a special
feature of your favourite pieces. As defines the AM philosophy, the
quirky things you have collected along the way, all have a place in
telling the story of your life amongst the exhibition space which
is your home. So what if that includes a one-eyed toy monkey that
plays the cymbals, an Art Deco ashtray with gold figurines dancing
around its edge or an upturned bowler hat which you use as the
fruit bowl? If your home reflects your personality and reminds you
of nostalgic memories, then it is here you will feel most
comfortable. And what is the point of interior design if it's not
to create a space that makes you feel happy and at home.
Below we have picked out 5 Andrew Martin products which
will transform your home to maximalist majesty:
1. Kit Kemp is the torchbearer when it comes to adding fresh
and playful pattern and colour. She does this in huge, yet always
incredibly coordinating, quantities. Wychwood
wallpaper, from our Kit Kemp
Collection, has a matching fabric called Friendly
Folk in its colour reverse, so you can mix and match whilst
keeping a cohesive theme.
2. Unique Sculptures - the bigger and the bolder, the better.
Our brand new fruit
sculptures come in a range of sizes, finishes and colours, from
glossy turquoise to plated gold and even covered in customisable
graffiti. Or try putting our giant Balloon Dog on your dining room
table like model Ruth Crilley.
3. Our
Westwood and
Onassis sofas in rich-coloured velvet or the bubblegum colours
of our
Dorothy Swivel Chair add textured depth and evoke the playful
mid-century feel associated with this look. A staple of good kitsch
style.
4. Cushions are an easy
way to add colour and pattern in glorious eruption. Especially with
our signature contrast piping and the recent launch of a new
smaller cushion size, meaning you can cram even more feather-filled
comfort on your sofa, bed or armchair. Blend colours, patterns and
shapes for maximalist impact.
5. Colour your walls with art, wall hangings or framed everyday
objects. Our collection of
artwork is booming, the showroom almost paving the zeitgeist of
immersive installation with the amount of new painted one-offs,
black and white prints and light-up neons adorning the walls. For
tips on choosing and hanging art, have a read of our guide to art
in interiors
here.
