A tried and true way to safeguard against your space dating is to choose your materials consciously and carefully. While every season will bring with it a new colour, fabric, or pattern du jour, when you’re dealing with hard furnishings and big ticket pieces that are built to last, the trick is to choose finishes and fabrics that are as enduring as possible.
Sumari Krige’s signature design approach is classic contemporary comfort – spaces that are enjoyable to be in, that express a personal sense of style, but that are designed in such a way as not to date. One of her secret weapons in her design toolbox is an approach that leans heavily on natural materials. Within this palette are limitless options that lend themselves easily to any space and style.
Timeless classic
Layered materials will inject opulence into a space, especially if you tend towards reflective and textured finishes – a good rule of thumb to follow when wanting to add a feeling of luxury to a room. Think marble, glass and metallics (glossy, opulent and glamorous). To ground these and give them substance, counter with timber and leather – equally timeless materials that are tactile and comforting.
Graphic content
Natural needn’t mean boring. If you want to create a scheme that is full of character while remaining timeless, look to pattern and texture for depth and interest.
Graphic printed patterns and intricate weaving techniques in textiles add immediate interest and are an easy way to update a room, piece or even an entire home, without assigning a huge budget to the task. Cushions, sofa slip covers, towels, throws and tablecloths – all these are impermanent and relatively simply to switch out when the season calls for it.
Easy-going elemental
Raw, seemingly ‘unfinished’ and less ‘perfect’ textures have become increasingly popular in residential spaces for their ability to communicate a laidback feel (ideal in a holiday or country home, or even to offset the urban energy of a city).
La Grange’s has a huge selection of striking objects and accessories that can add a sense of uniqueness to what it ultimately a neutral foundation. For this kind of rustic and earthy, lean towards handmade rather than manufactured materials (coral, wood, clay). Found and repurposed items are a clever way to give a space a sense of place, but failing that, artisanal and crafted pieces will add the same level of depth – we have a vast range of one-of-a-kind objects to create memorable spaces. Have a look here.