January 12, 2025

Kay’s Designer Secrets

Tempted By Trends?

The fortnightly newsletter that brings colourful interior inspiration direct to your inbox


Happy New Year Home Lover,

I hope you’ve had a great start to 2025 and, like me, your brain is buzzing with exciting new projects to tackle over the coming months. And this ‘bumper edition’ newsletter will give you all the inspiration you need to get started.

I’m talking interiors trends that emerged in 2024, looking forward to what we can expect from the new year and giving you some of my top tips to avoid being tempted by trends that aren’t true to your style.

And don’t miss out on your copy of my new, free, 16-page glossy guide to adding colour (tastefully) to your home. You’ll find all the info you need below.

What did we see in 2024?


I’m confident the era of beiges and greys is over. And I couldn’t be happier about it.



As a colour-loving interior designer, I’m delighted to say that 2024 has given us glimpses of an exciting future. We’ve seen a move towards more colour and pattern than in previous years, on walls, fabrics, floor coverings and even ceilings.

It also brought an unexpected resurgence of red in design. Perfect for a fiery pop of eye-catching colour.

And for instant impact? Bookcase adornment. Whether you leave spaces to display ornaments and favourite pieces, or simply vary your book arrangements, creating interest through colour, stacks and themes.

My interior predictions for 2025

If you’re a regular reader you may remember that in the autumn I spent time at Decorex and Focus24 – showcasing design trends for the upcoming season. And I spotted several exciting themes emerging.

I expect the attraction of bold fabrics and finishes to continue. With colour drenching gaining popularity and lavenders and purples appearing in ever richer colour schemes.

Designs are becoming more and more complex, with textural layers, statement fabrics and stunning wallpapers. Plaster finishes, lime washes, modern panelling styles and checkered flooring, all building to create maximalist schemes full of exciting, and even surprising, juxtapositions.

When it comes to furniture, 2025 will be about curves and natural materials. Beautiful wood kitchens and greenery throughout our spaces. Creating peace and harmony in our homes.

Desperate for a designer finish but overwhelmed by the options?


It’s not easy to create an interior scheme that flows effortlessly through your home. One that is carefully considered to enhance mood and support family life.


It’s not easy, but it is entirely possible. And I can show you how.


If you’re struggling with decision fatigue or simply overwhelmed by the choices available, book a one-to-one with me and I'll help you get your ideas in order.


You’ll learn to understand the colours, patterns and textures you love. And I’ll show you how to layer them like a professional to create a home that you’ll fall in love with all over again.


Yes, I want to elevate my interior style with an Inspire Session

Now forget what’s “in”...

This may seem counterintuitive after I’ve just spent time telling you what I think will be popular this year. But honestly, this is one of the most important tips I could give you:


Don’t pay too much attention to what's ‘on trend’. Instead, be led by what you love.


Check out these tips to help make sure your head doesn’t get turned by a trend...

My Favourite 5...

Tips to avoid trends (for the sake of trends)

Discover your own colour palette


All good things start with colour. Which is why identifying your colour palette is so important to decorating for harmony in your home. Just because you’re told Mocha Mousse is the ‘Colour for 2025’, doesn’t mean you have to use it. When you’re planning a project, think about which colours you are most drawn to. And remember, you can use these in varying tones and shades.


Looking for inspiration? Pinterest is a great place to see an infinite number of colour palette examples. But don’t get too carried away. 5 or 6 colours is optimal when you’re planning a home redesign.


Find the sweet spot between architecture & interior style


Identifying the architecture of your home could also help you find an interior style that feels right for you. A new build apartment for example, might lend itself to an industrial or minimalist design. While a period property with original features could be showcased using maximalist or eclectic decor. 


There are so many interior styles to choose from - I'll talk about these in detail another time. Meanwhile a quick internet search will give you some ideas. And don't forget it's important you not only pick a style that suits your home, but one that you'd love to be surrounded by as well.


Follow your heart


I said it before and I’ll say it again. Be led by what you love. What’s the point of having a house that’s ‘on trend’ if you don’t love it every time you walk through the door? Don’t be afraid to choose your favourite colours and patterns.


And if you really love a fabric or wallpaper, be brave. Use it as the basis for your room design. If you love that particular colour or pattern, the chances are you’ll love the finished result.



Think of trends as ‘tasters’


I’m not saying ‘never’ when it comes to trends. But more, ‘less is more’. The thing with trends is they change. Styles and colours go in and out of fashion. So, often, the best way to incorporate them is by taking a less permanent approach.


Use trends in small areas and on items than can easily be replaced. Think cushions and ornaments, or perhaps just one wall that won’t cost the earth to re-do at a later date.



Make sure your vision is clear before you start


When you’re designing a room, it’s important to visualise the bigger picture and see how your ideas will come together. Particularly if you’re thinking you’d like to include something bold or a bit different. That’s when a mood board comes into its own. You don’t need any fancy software, just a Pinterest board, or even a pile of glossy magazines and a pair of scissors.


Not only will you be able to really check your vision is cohesive, your finished mood board will be a useful tool for communicating with decorators and tradespeople.

Yes, I want to elevate my interior style with an Inspire Session

Once you have your colour palette, your architecture style and your individual interior style, this will go a long way to helping you create something that not only looks great but also feels like the home you were always meant to have.



Find your true colours with my FREE guide


Still struggling to understand your style? I’ve created this glossy, 16-page pdf guide especially for you.

Take some time to work through these tips and I promise you’ll be well on your way to the colourful, yet tasteful, home of your dreams.


Simply reply to this email with the word COLOUR and I’ll send over your copy. 


As ever, if you have any exciting projects coming up, drop me a line and let me know all about them.



See you next time,


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