Winter interior design: trends to make your own

The global interior design industry continues to evolve at a rapid rate – it can be hard to work out which trends are throwaway fads, which are timeless classics and which elements you can customise.

When it comes to transforming the look and feel of your home, there are plenty of places to find inspiration. Traditional home design outlets and print magazines still have their place, and who doesn’t love a scrapbook or mood board? But it’s social media channels like TikTok and Instagram that are highlighting the importance of self-expression and personalisation in interior design.

With this in mind, Blooming Artificial have teamed up with Instagram sensation Jess Hurrell to discover what’s hot right now and get her insights on injecting your own personality into any design trend.

Meet Jess Hurrell (we think she’s blooming amazing!)

Jess is an interior design expert, digital creator and influencer. With a background in numerous decorating projects and a passion for exploring fabrics, wallpapers and paints, she notes that her 15 years of experience as a print journalist helped her to combine her career and interests. “I love the opportunity to keep pushing myself creatively,” she explains.

Jess now runs a successful blog, Gold is a Neutral and has over 69,000 followers on Instagram, inspiring interior design enthusiasts across the country (and further afield). “I love it when someone sends me a room or project that has been inspired by something I’ve done. It’s so lovely!” she adds.

Let’s take a peek at the top interior design trends this season.

70s revival

With warm orange and yellow hues and that added touch of nostalgia, this trend mixes joyful textures and vintage patterns and is just the job for those with a penchant for bold colours and prints. 70s revival trend is perfect for those with a penchant for a vibrant look and highlights how disco and folk elements have retained significance within interior design.

I love the glamour of the 70s and so I use rich colours and luxe fabrics

“I love the glamour of the 70s and so I use rich colours and luxe fabrics,” notes Jess. “I have a 70s vintage rattan sideboard and I’ve just bought a kitsch cherry ice bucket, which I know I’ll still love in years to come. We also have a coral pink sofa which will work with other colours if we decide to repaint the living room.”

For those looking to create a 70s interior design, try using warm tones, mismatched fabrics, and geometric or textured furniture styles for an effortlessly groovy look. Use bold accessories to complement your room’s design, such as lava lamps, shag rugs and macramé plant hangers.    

The use of large, colourful plants can also be a fab accompaniment to 70s revival. Try large palms, leafy monsteras or stylish sansevieria plants (also known as ‘Mother-in-Law’s tongue’) to create a sense of unity in both social and intimate spaces.

Maximalist & dopamine décor

Maximalism and dopamine décor are suited to those who wish to heavily express their unique style and incorporates bright fabrics, statement furniture and eclectic soft furnishings. From tropical wallpaper, heavily patterned chairs, fluffy rugs, decorative chandeliers and gaudy ornaments, nothing is off limits. The bold and bright colours of the trends are known to spark joy and boost moods.

One major way I would move towards maximalism would be to incorporate more patterns and prints into my house

“One major way I would move towards maximalism would be to incorporate more patterns and prints into my house, via things like wallpaper, curtains, patterned bedding etc. Look at brands like House of Hackney and Rockett St George,” comments Jess.

If you love maximalism but need a touch of calm among the chaos, clashing prints can also be offset by block colours or bold plants. Try an artificial bird of paradise with its eye-catching blooms or bring the outside in with an artificial orange tree.

If space is at a premium, hanging monstera moss balls can add a subtle finish without taking up floor or table surface areas – an elegant touch for a cosy study or kitchen.

Cottagecore

Cottagecore has become a key trend for those who are laid back, yearn to live in the countryside and enjoy living alongside nature.

Cottagecore is a nod to that quieter, simpler life, where we turn down the party invite and stay at home to make jam or a homemade pie instead.

“Cottagecore followed (and was probably a reaction to) the huge 70s explosion; the bold House of Hackney style palms and leopard prints, etc.,” explains Jess. “Cottagecore is a nod to that quieter, simpler life, where we turn down the party invite and stay at home to make jam or a homemade pie instead.”

With ties to the Romantic period, the trend focuses on elements of warmth and homeliness. Try adding Cottagecore design elements to your home by opting for furnishings with scalloped edges, such as lampshades and console tables. Why not also trail monkey monstera garlands from rustic bookshelves or antique dressers?

Other finishing touches include bouquets, such as string-tied sunflowers or pastel blooms, placed on windowsills, or hanging baskets and artificial ivy foliage bushes placed inside or just outside the window for a homely, relaxed atmosphere.

Japandi

Incorporating the hygge way of living (a Scandinavian term which translates to ‘cosiness’) and connection with wabi-sabi, a Japanese term for the beauty of imperfection, the Japandi trend seamlessly blends natural elements and neutral colours to create an inviting atmosphere. The trend is favoured by those on a budget due to its minimalist nature and for opting for open, zoned spaces.

“Those who favour Japandi like calm and order but have a strong appreciation and connection to nature. It also allows for maximum cosiness,” notes Jess.

Incorporating earthy tones, such as clay or terracotta-coloured features, common features of the trend, such as slatted walls, wood panelling and sustainable materials, are just right for intimate vibes.

Alternatively, why not create tranquillity to counteract the blustery weather? Try using calming grey and snowy white tones and incorporate natural stone or marble into your space. Plants like oriental bamboo trees and pinus bonsai trees are perfect for topping off the look.

While the trend favours a pared-down look, Japandi style can also be used as a foundation to build a personalised style. Why not try combining the trend with Cottagecore or maximalism?

Jess's tips for developing your personal style

While the winter trends above aren’t going anywhere soon, it still pays to think carefully about what you’re about to spend your hard-earned cash on. Here are some budget-friendly insights and considered nuggets of advice that we took away from our chat with Jess:

• Paint is an easy way to update your room without committing to a design overhaul. Try colour-matching your favourite expensive shades and don’t be shy about trying something new. It’s only paint!

• Zoning spaces in the home can be a cost-effective way to customise different parts of your home – plus, it helps to keep work firmly separated from other areas!

• Try creating a tablescape to add a touch of luxury (or quirkiness) to dining areas without the need to splash out on a restaurant.

• Take inspiration from fashion. Neutral colours are big in fashion and interior design and together can represent your overall lifestyle choice, rather than just a look.

• Bring an element of fun into your home with simple, affordable items such as scatter cushions or vases that can be easy to add or remove.

• Curves aren’t going anywhere – you can soften a room with curved furniture, such as a rounded or arched sofa, and have it fit both period and contemporary interior design styles.

• Use local online groups or websites, such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay, to source large furniture at bargain prices.

• When it comes to renovations, don’t rush into anything. Live in it for a while so you know how you use the space. Experiment with different layouts – walk around it to get a feel for what is important to you.

You can find plenty more tips for interior design and plant styling over in our Inspiration section. And don't forget to check out Jess's blog, Gold is a Neutral, and her Instagram.