Interior designer Hilary Marconetto in her kitchen at home

Nottingham-based interiors expert Hilary Marconetto says calm and tranquil is the trend for our homes this year.

Hilary says now is the perfect opportunity to transform your home, whether completely revamping a room or making small changes with new accessories such as a throw.

This is the year for neutrals, with colour experts Pantone announcing mocha mousse as its colour of the year, which, the company says, adds calm and tranquillity to any space.

Hilary, based in West Bridgford, developed her love of creating appealing interior spaces as a child.

Hilary’s work has been featured in various blogs and national magazines, and in 2019 was invited to be part of an expert panel at Interior Junction in Derby.

A kitchen designed by Hilary with statement terazzo tiles. Credit: Sam at Appature images.

When Hilary renovated her home from scratch, she was able to use her vision and creativity to transform her space, which led to her wanting to do the same for others.

She said: ”I always tell people to ‘shop their home’ and move around existing pieces as it will give a different feel in another room.

”Even painting a piece of old furniture, a stool, or bedside table, will refresh the look and it costs nothing.”

Creating cosy interiors in the cold weather is about layering textures, pairing smooth surfaces with soft materials like wool and faux fur, as well as rich jewelled tones to add a pop of colour.

Much of this can be reclaimed and recycled, so expect to see a mixture of reclaimed wood for classy furniture and recycled objects that will help add unique character to your home.

However, with the dark evenings still around, Hilary says lighting can play a crucial role in keep the winter blues at bay. Dimmer switches are a simple but effective way to help people’s moods.

Lilac and blue creates a calming stylish bedroom. Credit: Luke Whittemore.

Hilary explained: ”We also have more flexibility now when it comes to types of lights such as rechargeable lamps, wall lights and even floor lamps which will help elevate the darker corners and create ambience.

“Also switching out cushions is an easy win to create a different feel and light to your project, using texture boucle and a variety of patterns and colours.”

Hilary also says bringing the outside in can be a great stress reliever as well as improving air quality.

An open plan house transformed into a light and airy family home. Credit: Luke Whitemore.

Succulent and hardy plants thrive in low light conditions making them perfect for shorter daylight hours.

Her advice includes avoiding dark corners of rooms and maximising natural light.

”Even adding a travel coffee book to read in a cosy corner, you can dream of sunshine and plan your 2025 trip,” says Hilary.