WITH the days growing shorter and shorter as we head towards the end of the year, making the most of those precious daylight hours becomes more of a priority.
For many, spending those hours doing extra cleaning isn’t an ideal situation.
Luckily, furniture brand Barker and Stonehouse has shared their advice on how choosing the right colours, patterns, and materials for your furniture can help do some of the work for you.
“Choosing long-lasting, low-maintenance furniture colours can make a huge difference for busy households, hiding marks, stains, and spills that would need immediate attention on other palettes,” explains Magdalena Giersinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse.
But which colours are best for keeping things looking clean?
According to the pro, darker tones are the place to start.
“Charcoal grey is an all-rounder, as it’s dark enough to conceal dirt, but light enough to avoid feeling heavy in a space, making it perfect for a family sofa,” they note.
Black is another good option because of its versatility, it may show dust but is great for hiding stains and can match almost any decor scheme.
And for those wanting to adda pop of colour, Magdalena advises incorporating burnt orange.
“Burnt orange is a versatile choice that adds plenty of personality without the upkeep involved with a bold primary shade,” the pro explains
“In deeper, more earthy shades and paired with robust fabrics like leather, this colour is far less likely to show stains.”
It’s not just the colour of your furniture that can hide marks, however, but also the patterns they feature.
“Prints, such as florals and geometrics, naturally disguise marks and stains by breaking up the visual field,” says Magdalena.
“Patterns work like camouflage for upholstery, so if you love bold interiors, this is an easy way to embrace colour and personality without worrying about spills or stains taking centre stage.”
Magdalena also stresses the importance of the material of your furniture, especially in homes with children or pets.
“Performance fabrics are a must if you want both practicality and elegance. High-quality polyester velvet, for example, surprises people, as it repels pet hair while adding a touch of luxury.
“Microfibre is also a brilliant option for busy households as it resists scratching and is easy to wipe clean.”
It’s all about investing in certain pieces so you don’t have to replace them down the line.
“It’s about finding that balance between design and practicality, creating a home you love that also supports a buy-less, buy-better approach,” the pro says.
Hottest home trends for 2025
Renovations expert Andy Simms, from MyBuilder.com revealed the hottest interior design trends for this year.
COLOUR DRENCHING
Colour drenching involves using your colour across walls and ceilings to maximise the impact and create the illusion of a bigger space – doors, radiators, and even furniture won’t escape the paint job if you want the full effect. Brown, terracotta, beige – once the preserve of the 70s, earthy colours have been slowly gaining popularity. Similarly, bold greens and blues are also making a return, with the intention of colour drenching rooms.
STATEMENT WALLPAPER
Wallpaper divides designers, with some loving it and others preferring painted walls. 2025 will see a resurgence of wallpaper, and the bolder the better. For small spaces, such as downstairs loos or studies, choose a bold print and ignore any concerns about making the space look smaller. For larger spaces, consider a stunning mural theme.
BROKEN LIVING PLAN
Open plan living has been popular for over a decade now, but while it hasn’t quite had its day, many are returning to smaller, functional spaces – with a twist. “Broken plan” is when a bigger space is cut into various parts using screens, archways, crittal-style windows and doors or textured glass.
