INTERIORS
STYLE: DARK ACADEMIA Inspired by: gothic architecture, classic literature, Harry Potter! Best For: home office, dining room, reading nooks Popular for the last couple of years because of TikTok and Instagram, dark academia has become a style to watch. It’s not for everyone as it embraces a bold, moody decor but can certainly make an impact. Inspired by the gothic architecture of Oxbridge
as well as classic libraries, dark academia design typically comprises panelled walls, shelves with a collection of quirky or nostalgic items, and distressed leather seating. Lighting is low level, fabrics are predominantly wood or leather, and colours veer towards richer shades such as navy, forest green, burgundy or black. But with splashes of brass for that “olde worlde” library charm! Dark academia is a great style for rooms where you want to make a statement for example a dining room or home office, but also works in nooks or transitional spaces such as landings or under the stairs. There are some great wallpapers that mimic library shelves or panelling, plus scouring antiques fairs or flea markets might unveil some secondhand pieces to complete the look.
STYLE: MAXIMALISM
Inspired by: self-expression Best for: whole house!
Widely acknowledged as the antithesis to the long-lasting minimalist trend, maximalism is about having fun and expressing your personality, and where better to do this than in your first home? Maximalism features
prominent, bold colours, patterns and textures to
demonstrate individual taste. Each room has character and brings its own joy through quirky and eclectic decor, avoiding any uniformity. Deliberately designed chaos, if you will. Wall treatments can include colour block painting, wooden or mirrored panelling and dramatic patterned wallpapers (think botanicals, florals, animal motifs) often side by side to be deliberately contrasting. Don’t forget to look up too, ceilings are often overlooked but can really add depth and bring a design to life with hand-painted murals or canopies. At the heart of the maximalist design approach is the focus on self-expression. It’s about curating meaningful collections; you could scour the local antiques market and display impressive vintage finds, scroll online marketplaces, or perhaps you collect souvenirs from your travels and could artfully arrange these as a reminder of where you’ve been? There’s no right or wrong way with maximalism, and it can be achieved on all budgets, so let your creativity flow!
First Time Buyer October/November 2024 45
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