Decorating
Trends: The Beauty of Watercolour Fabrics and Painterly Finishes
From brushstroke patterns to watered-down painterly colours, interiors are getting inspiration from the artist’s palette
You don’t have to be an art aficionado to channel the subtle variations, luminous shades and fluid sweeps of colour that flow from the watercolour trend. The ways to pick up on this look are as varied as the art world. The only qualification you need is to know what you like…
Find strokes of genius
Brushstroke patterns on a cushion are the simplest way to delve into the watercolour trend and don’t require the commitment of decorating an entire wall or hanging new curtains. This splash of colour lifts the simple greys of this bedroom scheme.
Brushstroke patterns on a cushion are the simplest way to delve into the watercolour trend and don’t require the commitment of decorating an entire wall or hanging new curtains. This splash of colour lifts the simple greys of this bedroom scheme.
Dip into effects
This wonderfully evocative wall of abstract flowers is reminiscent of a painter’s brush dipped into water. In a small space like this, the effect is even more bewitching and no other wall decoration is needed. A wall covering or paint effect could replicate this look.
This wonderfully evocative wall of abstract flowers is reminiscent of a painter’s brush dipped into water. In a small space like this, the effect is even more bewitching and no other wall decoration is needed. A wall covering or paint effect could replicate this look.
Go expressionist
This creative wall treatment delves into the darker side of contemporary art – more expressionist than impressionist. It shows how artistic influences can combine with real artworks for a moody scheme. You could recreate the effect with a large-scale ready-made mural, or research esoteric wallpapers.
This creative wall treatment delves into the darker side of contemporary art – more expressionist than impressionist. It shows how artistic influences can combine with real artworks for a moody scheme. You could recreate the effect with a large-scale ready-made mural, or research esoteric wallpapers.
Hang an artistic vision
A curtain like an impressionist’s field of flowers brings a breath of fresh air into this creative interior. The owner has kept the rest of the scheme unfussy so the main fabric gets the attention it deserves and the eye isn’t distracted.
A curtain like an impressionist’s field of flowers brings a breath of fresh air into this creative interior. The owner has kept the rest of the scheme unfussy so the main fabric gets the attention it deserves and the eye isn’t distracted.
Be drawn to graphite
Artistic influences aren’t just about colourful washes: this wall covering is reminiscent of pencil shading or elegant ink drawings – reinforced by the artwork over the bed. These artistic influences add a creative twist to what could otherwise be a simple grey scheme.
See more winning grey schemes
Artistic influences aren’t just about colourful washes: this wall covering is reminiscent of pencil shading or elegant ink drawings – reinforced by the artwork over the bed. These artistic influences add a creative twist to what could otherwise be a simple grey scheme.
See more winning grey schemes
Daub away
This wallpaper is a creative take on a traditional pattern, the loose shapes and watered-down colours keeping it feeling joyful and free. The theme is picked up again in the cushion, with natural timbers working with the neutral daubs in the wallpaper. A great example of pretty florals that feel fresh rather than trad.
This wallpaper is a creative take on a traditional pattern, the loose shapes and watered-down colours keeping it feeling joyful and free. The theme is picked up again in the cushion, with natural timbers working with the neutral daubs in the wallpaper. A great example of pretty florals that feel fresh rather than trad.
Let the scheme flow
This bedroom takes its cue from the artwork over the bed. In this case, the canvas is actually integrated into the headboard, but a picture hung over the bed would have the same effect. What’s interesting is how the patterns and shades continue in the accompanying artworks and the cushions. It’s thoughtful and flowing – just right for a bedroom.
TELL US…
Does the watercolour trend work for you? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
This bedroom takes its cue from the artwork over the bed. In this case, the canvas is actually integrated into the headboard, but a picture hung over the bed would have the same effect. What’s interesting is how the patterns and shades continue in the accompanying artworks and the cushions. It’s thoughtful and flowing – just right for a bedroom.
TELL US…
Does the watercolour trend work for you? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
The painterly daubs and strokes on this wall are expertly executed to give the feel of an artist at work. They feel just right for a seaside or holiday home. The rest of the scheme is kept tight and controlled – otherwise it could get a bit chaotic.
Discover how to use colour to invigorate your bedroom