I'm An Interiors Expert, and These Trends Make a House Look 10 Times Cooler

From marble busts to coloured glass, Laura of No Feature Walls shares her top three interiors shopping picks for spring 2021. See her key trends here.

I am Laura Hunter of @nofeaturewalls and I’ve been documenting the pattern-tastic and heavily floral renovation of my house in Oxfordshire for the past 18 months on Instagram. I describe my style as Jamaican nan cottage-core, which means I like quirky and eclectic homeware placed in a floral wonderland so expect a lot of colour, pattern, wallpaper and Morris and Co.

I also write the interiors blog NoFeatureWalls.com which focuses on wallpaper and how they can serve as the perfect backdrop to clothes—move over generic white-wall shots! I am big fan of a pattern clash and I have had enough of the minimalistic trend when it comes to both interiors and fashion.

Photo:

@nofeaturewalls

Maximalists, like me, by nature enjoy shopping and I love to pick up items for the house from independent brands and eclectic emporiums like Anthropolgie and Liberty. I will also hunt for the odd floral item in Zara Home, La Redoute, Rockett St George or Heals and of course, I love vintage markets and antique fairs.

Usually, this time of year I would be still (!) looking to fill the void left by the removed festive decorations with lots antiques and vintage items. This year it's been difficult to do so as antique shops are clearly not essential shops and are currently closed—sad times but fair enough. However, I’ve put together an edit of good vintage-style items that should fill up some of those empty spots and these are the things I usually gravitate to around this time of year when it is a bit gloomy but spring is on the horizon. These are three statement trends that make an impact but will also be classic enough to stand the test of time.

1. BUSTS

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@nofeaturewalls

Found in every good antique shop across the UK the Roman or Grecian bust is a great addition to any chest of drawers or side table. A little bit eccentric and on special occasions can also be dressed up with a party hat—what fun!

Relic Interiors Dionysus Bust (£250)

Marble busts are expensive, with some costing tens of thousands of pounds, but a large plaster bust will usually cost £150+ dependent on the size and period.

Sophia Enjoy Thinking Small Artemis Head (£35)

Neutral tones look the most authentically antique, if that's the look you want to go for.

Sophia Enjoy Thinking Venus Head Vase Byzantine (£99)

But coloured busts are bolder, more modern take on a classical item.

Wish Ancient Greece European Resin Head Statues (£18)

For a more affordable option a smaller bust in a resin is a great option.

&Quirky Pink Flock Classic Greek Bust (£11)

Smaller, brighter busts like this really stand out when they are placed on a bookshelf. 

H&M Stoneware Vase (£20)

Some people find busts a little intimidating. ‘Leering’ is a word I have heard in the past—is it the eyes? I don’t know, but you can certainly soften the look with pretty flowers in a bust-style vase.

Anthropologie Large Grecian Bust Pot (£36)

A planter is an ever changing bust and dependent on your plant choice could make the bust look pretty wacky. Bonsai hair on a Greek god, why not?

Hearth and Heritage Large Size David Bust Shaped Scented Candle (£39)

Candle busts are a temporary option, or permanent if you never burn your candles and enjoy dusting…

Design Toscano Bust (£88)

One for the goths out there!

2. COLOURFUL GLASS

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@nofeaturewalls

Coloured, patterned or painted glassware is the ultimate in grandma chic. Not just for the dinner table glassware can be used as a decorative accessory across the house.

Aboofan Candle Stick Holder (£16)

This is the style featured on my dresser, pictured above.

Clem & Co Cut Glass Candlestick (£7)

I love to see coloured candle sticks with a contrasting coloured candle.

Van Verre Small Fleur de Lys Plate (£12)

Van Verre are a historic Portuguese glass company you will find their older items in most charity shops and the newer items haven’t changed much over time.

Issy granger Ombo Glass Candlestick (£30)

Taller candlesticks look fantastic with some short-stem foliage or a single stem as well as candles.

Talking Tables Boho Spice Orange Candle Holder (£14)
iittala Kastehelmi Sea Blue (£11)

I use coloured plates to hold trinkets, jewellery, and treasures.

Zara Home Blown Glass Bowl (£8)

Glass jars and bowls look great in the bathroom and make a change from wicker or plastic storage for small items.

Ella James Pressed Glass Bathroom Storage Jar (£29)

I use these for everything and everything in my bathroom.

Petra Palumbo Trio of Rose Vanity Tumblers (£46)

Give your toothbrush holder an update!

Spicer and Wood Set of Three Amber Vases (£32)

Ripple effect + amber = pure nostalgia.

3. VINTAGE-STYLE THROWS

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@nofeaturewalls

Vintage bedding is great and everything, but I would probably draw the line at vintage sheets. However, the look is still very cosy and can look impactful in both minimalistic or eclectic homes, so here are some vintage-style throws without the ick factor!

Zara Home Patchwork Quilt With Ruffle Trim (£80)

Because making your own would take (me) years.

Oliver Bonas Printed Quilted Pink Velvet Double Bedspread (£135)

It's double-sided so you could go for a pattern clash effect with some floral bedding or something more subtle with the velvet side.

Global Explorer Crochet Fringe Throw (£83)

'60s style with crochet and fringing—don’t be afraid to mix and match decades for an eclectic look.

Holly Willoughby White Lace Edged Runner ( £50) £25

Could be styled with Victoriana or gothic bedding for a darker edge.

Projektityyny Nukkumatti Scallop Edge Quilt Liberty (£360)
Coco & Wolf Gather Frill Bedspread (£175)

If you managed to find anything like this in an antique shop you would be feeling pretty smug.

Next up, a guide to what the experts are calling this year's biggest interiors trends.

This story originally appeared on: WhoWhatWear - Author:Laura Hunter