Last year was all about the fur cushions what's out there for this year?
The Smithsgarden Style modern country interiors cushion trends edit for Autumn/Winter 2021. What's catching my eye?
I always seem to be shopping for cushions these last few seasons and this autumn is no different. I'm still looking to add to the sitting room cushions and there's a possible gap emerging in the spare bedroom I think. I thought I would do a little summary of the best I've found to date and what's trending.
1. Velvets
Teal Cotton Velvet; John Lewis £25
Tangerine Distressed Velvet; John Lewis £40
Velvet is still everywhere and as a country home favourite I've put it first in my list. I've picked these two new colours from John Lewis for very different reasons. The first cushion, in the picture at least, looks as though it would tone well with the new Dulux colour of the year 2022 'Bright Skies' which is a very pale blue. The pale colour of paint or cushion would look great in a warm room full of sunshine. Although personally, I'd advise caution in a north facing room as I think it's rather cold. The tangerine colour might provide a bit of a welcome colour pop in a Bright Skies room or any other for that matter, I rather like the distressed velvet look as it has the worn country home feel. Several of my cushions in the sitting room also have this effect (although more naturally occurring). It would be a welcome trend if it lasts as it will encourage longevity for all velvet cushion covers everywhere and that can only be a good thing as we seek to be more sustainable.
2. Florals
Modern country homes have always been a floral bastion and this season we can plump those cushions with pride as florals are back on trend! It's a natural extension of the nature print theme over the last few seasons and fits with the movement to grow your own flowers we've seen rocket in recent months.
Floral Cushion Blue; Country-Interiors £34
I rather love this mixed floral pattern which seems to feature spring favourites such as muscari, tulips and snowdrops. Again in a cool blue which would make a lovely addition to those of us favouring neutral schemes in our country homes.
Grace Cushion Emma Sage; Neptune £92
So new from Neptune that it's not available until January, but worth waiting for I think. Nothing says country home more clearly than a blousy floral pattern here tastefully restrained into a sage green that goes with so many schemes.
3. Prints & Hints of Paisley
I'm a huge fan of paisley, always have been from somewhere in teenage and there wasn't much of it around in the 1980s at least not unless you were Prince anyway. It has had various mini revivals over the years but this time it's made it through to interiors and I couldn't be more in favour. As I sit typing, I have a view through to the hall and my bench cushion has a delightful paisley inspired pattern going on in dusky pink and grey beiges - perfect. If you need edging in slowly to this trend then this the Lullaby pattern from Susie Watson Designs is a great starting point with a very clean print version of the paisley. I've chosen the green cushion here but there are a number of warm plum like tones available that work just as well I think.
Lullaby Summer Green; Susie Watson Designs £48
Orla Flax Blue; Neptune £92 (available from January)
Not really a paisley at all but a more busy natural pattern motif which was vaguely reminiscent for me. Again this pale blue colour coming through. I like to think of this colour as adding to a very neutral scheme rather than replacing the deep colours that have been trending in parallel to the pale pinks of recent years. It's giving accent options for the neutral lovers amongst us.
4. 1970s Retro
Modern country interiors often have plenty of pattern and a mix of textiles and texture. But the return of the 1970s in fashion has sent the trend for texture in interiors into overdrive. I think this trend can be a tricky one for a country house. The patterns are often very geometric and the texture very bold. However, in the right situation it can be made to work.
Zig Zag Blue; Dunelm £12
This cushion has all the texture but is one single colour and as such is easy to use in a mix with other cushions. It would also look well on an occasional chair alone, particularly a patterned one with which the cushion tones. The colour does mean it is versatile choice.
Boho Patterned (Recycled); Urban Outfitters £25
This style is popular and youthful. It works well in informal settings with perhaps cane furniture or in a plant space such as a garden room. I think these cushions would look great in a neutral scheme to bring depth. They're worthy of consideration for the fact its a recycled product alone. Currently only available on line which is a shame as I'd like to feel first!
Fretwork Velvet Green; Next £22
A bit too geometric at first I thought but, in this new world where anything goes why can't we have geometric in a modern country home? This cushion would certainly bring a more contemporary element to a scheme feel I think. I'd use it with other plain cushions or a floral in the same colour or tone. It's a great colour for autumn/winter; I'm musing about Christmas foliage.
5. Spicy Neutrals
I love the colours of Autumn but until recently I didn't have many in my home. The resurgence of brown and beige as acceptable decorating colour tones has meant that all the autumnal feels are back. It's the spice tones that are really exciting me at the moment. I'm particularly enjoying the deep paprika colour here, almost a russet? At the moment I'm limiting myself to a tea towel so I can consider how I'd use the colour more carefully. It's a welcome return nonetheless. These linen cushions below were I thought initially a bit too reminiscent of summer in texture but with the right sofa or chair I think they can easily have their season extended. Great for a bedroom scheme as well - who needs crisply ironed sheets in this day and age?
Warm Sunshine Cushions; Burford Garden Company £45
Lyra Mink; The White Company £30
I rather like the idea of a knitted blankets for the bedroom. There's something old fashioned about it. This colour is very modern though, called Mink but I'm reminded of cosy coffee shops or Christmas cake spices. Another warm neutral. I like the direction of travel.
Hope you've enjoyed my cushion chronicles - five Autumn/Winter trends I've spotted told through cushions.
I currently have no links (other than as a paying customer) to any of the brands listed in this blog and I am under no obligation to post about them. Prices and information is correct at the time of publication.