Be inspired by the cheerful shades of folk art

In this maddeningly modern world, sometimes it’s nice to slow down and appreciate traditional ways of living. Folk-inspired design is not only an antidote to our fast-paced contemporary lives, it also encourages us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves – and embrace our inner artist along the way.

Inspired by folk art and creative living, this colour trend is all about letting your imagination roam free and appreciating traditional crafts. The secret to creating this look is to keep patterns simple for maximum impact. Combine similar shades like plum, damson and burgundy for a harmonious look, and then add a surprise contrast of ochre or light petrol blue to create something more personal. Let your creativity shine by hand-painting motifs on walls and furniture – look to the intricate shapes of South American needlework or the vivid dyes of traditional African fabrics for inspiration.