Fresh home trends for spring

 

Mockie Harrison

Manager, Home Design Studio

From pop art to casual coastal

Here in the John Lewis Design Studio, we've created 3 distinctive stories for Spring/Summer 2012 – Playnation, Modern Utility and Maritime. From pop art playfulness to casual coastal living, these trends encapsulate our view of the must-have looks for your home in 2012, offering you a cohesive collection of furniture, accessories and textiles to effortlessly update your surroundings.

 
 
 

Playnation

Playnation is our key trend for the season - it promises to lift our spirits by contrasting pops of vibrant colour and cheerful pieces with the practical, to ensure that fun and functional live in harmony. It celebrates colour and fun, with a neutral-based palette offset by chalky pastels and acid brights.

Mid-twentieth century sensibility is combined with a subtle hint of 60s retro - for example practical storage sits with playful flourishes, such as animal motifs and vibrant textiles. Fabrics feature painterly effects and zingy floral prints for maximum feel-good factor.

Playnation
 
 
 
Modern utility

Modern utility

Modern utility embraces a pared-back look but with more rustic elements added to soften it. The key idea is based on simple, longlasting and authentic products which are the result of quality materials and craftsmanship.

You'll see a mainly neutral palette with interest added by brighter colours such as mineral blue and clementine, together with a wide mix of materials and textures. The minimal look is relaxed by chunky wool knits, natural birch vases, unvarnished ceramics and scoured linens.

 
 
 

Maritime

Maritime is a timeless trend. Variations on this particular theme have been very popular in recent seasons, so this spring we're simply re-imagining it to make sure it continues to look as comfortable in an urban setting as it would in a beachside home.

There's an emphasis on soft, sun-bleached textiles, casual styling and weathered accessories. The colour palette has been freshened with Harbour, a zesty aqua, and a classic red that nostalgically recalls seaside holidays and saucy McGill postcards.

Maritime