More is definitely more in interiors this season, and Emily Henson's Be Bold: Interiors for the Brave of Heart is the perfect lesson in modern excess. Each of the homeowners visited by Emily embrace brave and adventurous design in different ways, from dizzying prints and intense colour, to rich textures and decadent layering. Here's a sneak preview of some of the inspiring spaces featured in the book...
In the eating area of a Madrid apartment, the right-hand wall is covered in an abstract floral wallpaper by Jessica Zoob and the left in large-scale Moroccan tile, neither patterns nor colours linking in an obvious way. The reupholstered vintage chairs echo the shades of the wallpaper while the Moroccan rug and palm print lampshade add yet more detail to this confident, layered look.
Stepping into the living room is like stepping back in time. The 1920s mood of the room is evident in the colours and patterns as well as the style of the furniture. The warm and earthy palette of terracotta, aquamarine and gold was inspired by the sofa – a lucky eBay find and the first piece the pair bought for the house.
A pair of low-slung Ligne Roset sofas have been upholstered in emerald velvet – a throwback to the sunken seating pits of the 1970s, an idea the couple love. Pops of orange are repeated in the gauzy terracotta curtains, the lampshade and the round orange armchair.
The architecture of this townhouse has been used to create a graphic painted swirl effect in the stairwell. The colours are rich and sophisticated and the design is simple but dynamic, leading the eye up and down the staircase.
No surface has been left unpainted in Amy Exton’s vibrant home. The entrance hall is electric blue – walls, doors, trim, banisters and stairs. On the floor are Marmoleum tiles in a pattern of Amy’s own design.
Designed with fashion photo shoots in mind, this living room is certainly photogenic! The coral paint sets the stage for the layering of yet more vibrant hues.
This extract is from Be Bold by Emily Henson, out 23rd October. Photography by Catherine Gratwicke.