It’s a fashion cliché to call black the new black. In clothing terms, there is never any colour that is the new black because black never goes out of style. In interiors, however, noir comes and goes, never sticking around long enough to become a true homeware staple. This season it is creeping into high street ranges as they nod to the monochrome trend that was so big a few years ago, but without expecting anyone to turn their living room into a sixties-style black-and-white homage to Twiggy. Instead, with just a black...View more
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Posted by Pip McCormac
October 6th, 2011
Punchy purple, teal and pink are hot colours on the high street this season, in fashion and in homes, and then there’s lime (a lemony attention-seeking lime that can't help but bring a smile to your face). Mix these shades and you've got the perfect cocktail of style - just take a look at the wonderful way Matthew Williamson rocks the look with his Butterfly Home Chinoise bed linen (above) and Macau crockery (below) from ...View more
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Posted by Emily Peck, Editor, ACHICA Living
August 24th, 2011
Autumn/Winter. That time of year that’s all about new coats, new shoes and new pencil cases. And, if you look at interiors trends, pink and purple. Yes, every year, as predictable as the lack of Indian summer, comes an array of cushions, vases, and even sofas in funky fuchsias and moody maroons. The theory, I’m guessing, is this: purple fits with the cosy feeling of log fires, nights drawing in, and snuggling into a warm sofa with a glass of port and bowl of chestnuts. Pink lifts the look...View more
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Posted by Pip McCormac
August 22nd, 2011
Do you ever buy outfits without having somewhere suitable to wear them? It's become a bit of habit of mine. So far this year I've bought an Annie Hall style waistcoat, trousers and tie (yes, really) – perfect for an impromptu trip to New York I thought, but which in reality I’ll have to settle on wearing down to my local pub. I convinced myself I needed some glossy purple Hunter wellies too, so I'll look the part when I go fishing in the country. I have no intention of going fishing in the country. I've also got a Bav...View more
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Posted by Emily Peck, Editor, ACHICA Living
May 3rd, 2011
Despite Kat Slater’s best efforts to ruin it for everyone, fashion went wild for leopard prints last season. From shoes to shrugs, it really was an urban jungle out there - and this year’s interiors looks set to be just as full of animal magic. However, before you go all out on B&Q’s leopard print wallpaper (yes, really), this season, there’s a twist. It’s animal print, sure, but smart decorators are doing it with serious splashes of colour thrown in.
Using pattern is a...
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Posted by Pip McCormac
March 4th, 2011
Refresh your bedroom with the latest bed linen ranges - from cool and calming to bold and bright, there's a bed linen design to suit every style. So before you hit the snooze button, check out our favourite 10 designs...
In at number 10...The Cumberland SuK duvet cover from Linen House at
ACHICA (from 16 Feb to 19 Feb) will add subtle style and instant charm.
Up one place to number 9...wake up feeling revitalised with the Tangerine bed...
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Posted by Emily Peck, Editor, ACHICA Living
February 15th, 2011
Summer still seems a long time coming, but behind closed doors, it’s hot, hot, hot! Yellows, pinks and purples have all been trends in their own right of late, but this year sees the high street throwing these pop colours together in one big clashing collage. Without a hint of the beige that has made the last few years so forgettable, this is colour blocking in its purest form. By mixing together bold accents such as a fuchsia lamp here or a bright blue chair there...View more
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Posted by Pip McCormac
January 27th, 2011
I'm all for going back to basics and embracing simple living with hessian furnishings, unbleached cottons and shifts down at our urban allotments, BUT sometimes a bit of glitz is essential. Magpie-eye readers of ACHICA Living will be pleased to hear there’s a sparkling light at the end of the design tunnel in the form of shimmering fixtures and soft furnishings.
There's been a shift in UK homeware trends and this season, the glam...View more
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Posted by Emily Peck, Editor, ACHICA Living
August 7th, 2010
