With the warmer weather behind us, interior designer Vera Sant Fournier shows Ramona Depares how to give your home a new look in time for the new season.

How can you give your home a seasonal new look without a total overhaul?

By giving your walls a coat of fresh paint, even perhaps changing the colour. Another method is to update your soft furnishings. You can achieve that refreshing, new feel in your home by carrying out a few minor changes that do not necessary have to break the bank. A few minor changes can go a long way; re-upholster a lamp shade, get some new cushion covers, create a centrepiece, add or update photo frames or simply reposition paintings. Its impressive the effect a few minor changes to your space can leave on your subconscious.

What sort of textures and fabrics can be used to achieve a cosier feel?

Wood will always deliver that cosy feel. This does not have to be solid wood flooring. Engineered, or laminated wood deliver the same effect, so does a ceramic, wood-effect tile. It is all in the warmth of the wood effect. Colours such as orange, browns, plum and red can make the room compact, more inviting and warmer, while natural tones and textured prints will deliver that cosiness.

Heavy fabrics such as tweeds, corduroys and wool will also give you that seasonal snuggly feel that comes with autumn, even by simply adding a throw on the sofa to cosy up those chilly movie nights.

What kind of patterns and colours are trending right now?

Geometric patters have led the 2013 trend. This is now going into monochromatic tones, much like the high-end fashion world, which saw black and white stripes hitting the catwalk. We are also seeing greens and blues, in shades that range from teal to navy. These shades are finally getting the highlight they deserve, and can offer a great backdrop for merging the old and new scenario we are in, mixing antiques in a digital world.

Soft pastels are also back in fashion, merged with darker neutrals. These shades are a remedy to the fast-paced world we live in, and they have a powerful effect on the emotions. Wall decals are becoming popular too, with full murals and bold statement images.

What is the best way to achieve that luxury look without spending the budget of a small nation?

I believe that true luxury is ultimate comfort in your own space. I always say that one can achieve so much with a little; the end result is only limited by imagination, and a few euro, of course.

Most of the time, people do not actually know the potential of what they already own. It is so easy to reclaim pieces by re-upholstering with trending fabrics, or simply to give a gloss spray or a lime wash to turn an item into something truly unique and personal. It only costs a fraction of the price for something similar and brand new.

Making smart choices about which materials to use can take your euro further. Getting off-the-shelf items helps with keeping to your budget, from lighting to flat-packed furniture and fittings. Look out for warehouse sales too. Digging around can result in a good bargain; I like visiting shops that sell second-hand furniture as there are usually some great pieces that can be reclaimed.

Are there any rules regarding what colours should be used in which rooms?

Yes, and it is always a good idea to bear the psychology behind colour schemes in mind. Bright colours, such as vibrant shades of green and blue, yellow and orange, provide an expansive feeling. These are friendly, happy colours that encourage communication and are therefore welcome in the dining area and kitchen.

Dark colours like red, purple, blue, and dark shades of green, can have a gloomy effect on the subconscious, but if applied in the right place or as an accent, they can help convey comfort and security.

Orange and yellow hues raise the temperature of a room, and are best used in rooms that face north. These tones inspire activity, so avoid them in rooms meant for relaxation, like the bedroom. Pastel colours, cold blues and green, have a tranquil and serene effect. They are usually suitable for the bedroom as they help you to go to bed relaxed in the evening and wake up refreshed the next morning.

Bold statement colours also have their effect on the psyche. Red raises the energy level of a room, but it may also make people more irritable and nervous. Definitely not a good choice for a child’s room, this is a colour best used as an accent, rather than a base.

What about more long-term trends – what styles should we look out for?

Surround yourself with the things you love. Your precious memories, photos, favourite paintings... such things will give your home a personality of its own, which reflects yours as an individual.

Keeping up with the latest trends doesn’t necessarily reflect your taste and doesn’t exude warmth. When you are at home you should have a sense of belonging, not a simple magazine or catalogue reproduction.

Be true to yourself, your lifestyle and your own style; an interior designer can help you manifest your vision, keeping the latest materials and trends in mind, but remaining true to yourself.

The truth about Vera

Interior designer Vera Sant FournierInterior designer Vera Sant Fournier

How did you get into design?

I was born into an artistic background. My paternal grandmother, Vera Vallone, was a fine artist from Capri, Italy. My father Charles used to have art galleries and frequently took me with him to visit clients when I was a very young girl. I remember always being in awe of the beautiful houses he would take me to, meeting all these interesting people and admiring their art collections.

Being exposed to all things creative from a very young age, I was always creating something as a child, from mud pies in the garden to sculptures made of clay and paintings.

How would you describe your style?

Contemporary, yet eclectic. I like adding unique pieces against eclectic finishes, colours and textures. I love art and believe that my own space has to reflect myself as an individual.

What inspires you as a designer?

Inspiration doesn’t just ‘check in’ when needed. It can come about without even being looked for and it can venture off when I need it and then suddenly check in again while I’m driving. Having said that, I do find inspiration for clients’ projects in their own personal, environmental needs. I find inspiration in them as individuals, but inspiration can come in many forms and sizes. For example, inspiration for a texture can come from a stone, from a pattern, from a leaf or a dragonfly’s wing... being exposed to other environments tends to give my visual sense a refresh button from all that is trending.

Books also help me delve into my own creativity – from biographies of people such as Van Day Truex, a man who defined 20th-century taste and style, to books about perspective and illusions; collections of images from the 1950s; and style-based books. The point is to be original and to give personality to each project, not to simply copy and paste.

A dream house to design would be?

My own – hopefully in a few years’ time. The plan is to design it from scratch, together with architect David Felice from Architectural Project. I want it to be self-sustainable – from generating its own energy to reusing the waste water.

There is still much more research for me to do on this project as it may not be the most feasible to create according to our local climate.

The house will be based around the concept of air and space, with a few individual rooms and featuring split levels, a high ceiling and strategically-placed glass panes. Colour schemes will emit a serene vibe and, of course, this current dream project could always change. We’ll see...

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