Home & Gardens: 9 hot spring trends

We asked the experts to reveal the latest must-haves to spruce up our indoor and outdoor spaces in 2024.

1. COLOUR DRENCHING

THE EXPERT

Based in Tunbridge Wells, Barkerdesign, founded by Justine Hodgson-Barker, has been creating homes that reflect their owners’ passions and styles for more than fifteen years. From Mini-Consultations and Space Planning to her full Interior Design Service from concept to completion, Justine and her team draw upon the lifestyle and personality of the client, creating spaces that will grow and change with them and their families whilst fulfilling all their practical needs.

THE TREND

Justine says: “Colour Drenching in a nutshell is when you work to a restrictive palette. So for instance you paint the walls, ceiling, radiators, furniture or woodwork (such as architectural details, window frames and doors) all the same shade. Even the flooring and curtains can be a similar colour tone. Monochrome schemes play up to this perfectly but try drenching in muted blue, green or terracotta shades then accessorise with a pop of colour contrast in yellow or red to contrast. The result is super sophisticated.”

2. SMART GARDEN DESIGN

THE EXPERT

Want a beautiful, practical and sustainable garden space? Let this brilliant garden designer, Catriona Stiles come to the rescue. Her background is in engineering and she combines this knowledge with her passion for design, plants, and nature.

Her style of garden design is very much contemporary and modern – with designs that all have clear shapes and flow through them and planting styles that will vary according to the clients tastes and needs.

THE TREND

Catriona says: ‘With the winter we have just had, water management is high on the trends of garden design. We can get a month’s rainfall in a couple of days to nothing in the summer. Gardens are being designed now, with methods to store rainwater, to allow it to drain away slowly or be used to water the garden.’

‘Rain Gardens are going to become more important in our outdoor spaces. Solutions such as the Green Blue Suds planter and dipping tanks make it attractive too. Plant choices are changing to those that can sustain periods of wet and dry for example Veronicastrum Virginicum (Culver’s root) with great foliage and architectural upright flowers. The right plant in the right place is evolving!’

3. CHECK THIS OUT

THE EXPERT

Willow & Bert Interiors create gorgeous homes thanks to founder Chloë Hannay who, supported by a team of experts, transforms homes across Kent, Surrey and Sussex – primarily around Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks.

Her signature British design is elegant, but playful, featuring plenty of colour and pattern, giving it a colourful twist. Chloë can help your interior dreams come true, whether it’s with her Home Consultancy package, for the rooms/spaces that you have some thoughts on but don’t feel confident in executing yourself or the most comprehensive interior design package, Design My Home.

THE TREND

Chloë says: ‘As we move into Spring, one emerging trend we have spotted are checks and we are loving them! The check has been spotted at Chelsea Design Week and in recent fashion and interiors magazines. Large scale checks give a room oomph and character – some ways to incorporate it would be in flooring, wall accents, accessories and textiles.’

‘It can make a small unassuming room feel full of life and lovely to be in. In the past checks have been used in blacks, whites and neutrals yet fun, candy colours are becoming more popular, from lamp shades to tiles and duvet covers. This brings all the colourful feels of Spring and is playful whilst also being quite nostalgic. We will be embracing this trend in the upcoming year to provide a playful & stimulating backdrop to everyday life.’

4. SUSTAINABLE STYLE

Kadai 70cm Recycled Fire Bowl Set Millbrook Garden Centre

THE EXPERT

Here on Muddy we are fans of Millbrook Garden Centres which sit in Staplehurst and Gravesend, founded by Dick and Sue Allen, an entrepreneurial couple who bought a piece of rural land back in the 1970s.

Roll on several decades and their business has blossomed into an award-winning, environmentally-friendly garden centre which has just been awarded the Paul Cooling Garden Centre Association Environment and Sustainability Award for its Planet Positive approach to green sourcing, recycling and choice of environmentally-conscious products.

THE TREND

Anna Worboyes of Millbrook Garden Centre says: ‘Stylish and sustainable pieces which tell a story are proving popular in the garden. We love this Kadai Recycled Fire Bowl Set, (70cm, £319) inspired by the original cooking method and beautifully made.’

‘A Kadai is a traditional Indian cooking bowl which also makes a fantastic Fire Pit and BBQ. What’s more they are eco-friendly, being handmade from recycled oil drums by family workshops in India.’

5. THE NATURAL TOUCH

IN Design kitchen natural materials

THE EXPERT

We love bespoke design specialists, IN Design Kitchens & Living Spaces in Hawkhurst, creators of luxury kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces. Between them husband and wife team, Iren and Nick Brown, have over 50 years’ experience in creating beautiful solutions – including bespoke kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices and living rooms. Think sleek lines, clever storage and quite frankly all round gorgeousness.

THE TREND

Designer, Iren, says: ‘We have noticed a demand from homeowners looking to invest in an authentic look which celebrates natural materials in abundance, moving away from the stark white design of previous years. Wood kitchens create a warm, inviting atmosphere, the natural grain and textures add depth and character to the home and provide the perfect backdrop for an abundance of natural textures, from quartz worktops to sandstone floors and more.’

‘People are very aware of the importance and benefits to both physical and mental health of having wood and warm colours around them. Bare wood cupboards are set to make a comeback, inspired by Scandi design. But this is a modern version – we have moved on from outdated and clunky wood kitchens to seamless elegant designs, which celebrate the beauty and versatility of wood and give a clean look which is easy to maintain.’

6. NOW YOU SEE IT

THE EXPERT

The Window Sanctuary, is an independent, family run company that supplies and fits a range of striking and stylish aluminium windows and doors based in Brasted, (between Sevenoaks and Westerham).

No matter your home, no matter your style, you’ll find the perfect windows and doors here. Plus they offer FREE onsite consultations with no obligation quotations. Just friendly, unbiased, expert advice for your project.

THE TREND

Emma Dolan of The Window Sanctuary says: ‘We’re seeing a real rise in interest in internal aluminium doors. They create a dramatic statement and a stylish design feature in your home as well as being great for letting in lots of light.’

‘This trend is perfect for those who prefer a clean and tidy aesthetic in their home interior design. Not surprisingly, they are particularly popular in minimalistic homes (well you can’t hide piles of clutter behind glass). These doors are available in 3-4 weeks, fully installed by one of our directly employed fitters.’

7. INTERIOR GARDEN STYLE

Beth Barker Kent interior garden trend

THE EXPERT

Whether you require a complete design service for your entire property or just need help with the finishing touches to a specific room that you want to look special – Beth Barker Designs will work wonders with your interiors.

The winning combination of professionalism, enthusiasm and sensitivity ensures that founder Beth and her team deliver a seamless, stress-free project right through to the finishing details.

THE TREND

Beth Barker says: ‘All things organic and natural are big right now. Interiors blend organic forms with flowing curves, natural elements, recycled materials, and interior gardens. The trending palette is earthy tones and clays accented with peach evoking a sense of a tender hugging embrace (Pantone official colour of the year is Peach).’

‘And no design is now complete without drawing nature in through the trending use of planting. Visualise splendid interior garden rather than the odd houseplant here and there. Conservatory style extensions will adopt a more greenhouse feel. Think more potting shed in the kitchen or living area rather than just massive plain glass expanses with pale porcelain and concrete.’

8. SUSTAINABLE LINEN

Fiona Beadle Photography

THE EXPERT

We love small, independent stores, especially when they are full of the cute curiosities you find in Raffman & Huckster. Situated in the bustling market town of Tenterden, this beautiful store is filled with unique, sustainable gifts and goodies for your home. Founder Gea Pereira has impeccable taste and an eye for all things fabulous thanks to a 25-year career in the fashion industry as a stylist and art director.

THE TREND

Gea says: ‘Whether you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe or refresh your living space, linen is the perfect choice for those who appreciate style with a touch of easy elegance. What’s more one of the key trends driving the linen revolution is the increasing demand for sustainable and eco friendly choices. 

Linen, from the flax plant, is a natural fibre known for its low environmental impact. Growing Flax requires minimal water when compared to cotton, plus the entire plant is used during processing  leaving little waste. Linen is all about embracing comfort without compromising on style. We currently stock beautiful aprons in the finest quality linen which make perfect gifts for that sophisticated someone in your life.

9. GARDEN ROOM

THE EXPERT

Based in Sevenoaks, Kent, Mypods design and build bespoke modular commercial units, garden rooms and beach huts that can be constructed to any size and specification and utilised for a variety of requirements.

Whether you want a WFH office, yoga studio, teenage den, gym or bar, Mypods are able to produce a fully insulated, flexible and usable space that can be put to good use all year round. What’s more, for more than a decade, they have ensured all of their builds are constructed using as many sustainable and environmentally-friendly products and processes as possible. 

THE TREND

Adam Brooks Mypods founder says: ‘We are getting more and more requests for “self-contained” pods such as garden rooms with en-suite facilities and kitchen areas. Clients are seeking a space that can be utilised to the full whether it’s as an independent space to work from home, a bolthole for older children to return to or a long term plan to be able to accommodate ageing parents or relatives if needed.

At present, the financial implications of moving house (especially with the current mortgage rates) is hindering many people from upsizing, so being creative and looking at various ways to utilise any space available is key. Adding a beautifully designed, sustainably built, fully-functional and completely independent building to a garden is the obvious, more affordable, solution.’

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