Interior design: ‘Eco-design fits perfectly with this year’s more individual style’

This autumn we are beginning to see strong but subtle colour mixes, patterns appearing in more structured, yet natural, fabrics and an individualistic, relaxed feel.

Retro florals and geometrics continue to be popular but toned down by a palette of muted earth tones complemented by flashes of bright blue and lime green. Texture is important; Liberty’s new season Rossmore needlecord, for example, introduces different scale prints, while New York’s Fashion Week saw an ethical bent with faux fur, velvet and faux leather. Milan featured Paisley prints, while Paris highlighted burgundy as the new black.

But how to translate this into interior decoration? Apart from a palette of natural, earthy tones lifted by streaks of pure colour and eco-friendly materials, individualism runs through the fashion world. In interiors terms this suggests a final farewell to bland minimalism and the introduction of original style notes. Recycled and upcycled furnishings, handmade items and authentic craft pieces are on trend.

Green living is becoming more mainstream, but there can still be a reluctance to take an adventurous path when it comes to decorating. Eco-design fits perfectly with this year’s more individual style and lends itself to experimentation. So, if you are creating a new scheme, why not use recycled fabrics in patchwork style for curtains or blinds; papering a feature wall with book illustrations; painting a room in alternating stripes or a ceiling with a retro pattern, and add your own personality to a space.

• Pat Elliott, The Borders Design House. Visit our website for design services, courses and workshops. Start a new career as a Homestyle Advisor or learn to ‘Be Your Own Designer’ with our distance-learning interior design course (07765 057 409, www.thebordersdesignhouse.co.uk)