Colour, pattern and texture were at the heart of this year’s decorating category. The winning products bring personality to walls and surfaces, and reflect a confident approach to self-expression through design, many of them taking leads from the natural world.
Best in class: Aurora fabric collection by Yarn Collective x Sister by Studio Ashby
This isn’t the first time that interior designer Sophie Ashby has collaborated with Yarn Collective, the fabric brand that uses recycled textiles in its designs. But the recently launched Aurora collection feels like something fun, dynamic and brand new. Inspired by the variations in colour and texture of an early-morning sky, the result is two patterns and three plains that are cheerful and oh-so-pretty. ‘The subtleties in the colours are so alluring, with such a sophisticated softness,’ says Livingetc's deputy editor Ellen Finch.
See more of the Aurora fabric collection by Yarn Collective x Sister by Studio Ashby here
Fabric of the year: Mata by Élitis
Inspired by vintage floors, Mata (on front cushion) taps into the comforting, retro and highly stylish 1970s vibe that feels so right for now. Available in three colourways, it’s the green that the judges felt stood out for how easy it would be to live with. Reminiscent of picnic blankets we all had as kids, this design can’t help but make people feel at home around it. ‘A sofa in it would be even more exciting than just a cushion,’ says Livingetc's digital editor Hugh Metcalf.
See more of Mata by Élitis here
Best wallcovering: Indomito by Arte
The geometric pattern of Indomito has been carefully embroidered onto the woven raffia background with hessian and the natural material gives it a wonderful textured feel. ‘I can see this used in vast spaces or to make smaller ones seem cosy. It’s so versatile,’ says Livingetc's executive editor Pip Rich.
See more of Indomito by Arte here
Best kids’ collection: Storybook Papers wallpapers by Little Greene
With the brand’s creative director having a daughter the exact age the Storybook Papers are aimed at, it’s clear from the beauty of the drawings how heartfelt this collection is. Many of the illustrations reference Beatrix Potter and each will delight little ones. ‘They feel more like murals than a wallpaper – there is so much artistry in them,’ says Livingetc's group editor in chief Sarah Spiteri.
See more of Storybook Papers wallpapers by Little Greene here
Best decorative touch: Kaleidoscope collection by Samuel & Sons
The result of a collaboration between the finishings brand Samuel & Sons and the passementerie artist Elizabeth Ashdown, the colours in the Kaleidoscope collection are as varied as the name implies. ‘The whole point of a finishing flourish is that it’s fun and this is the most fun final touch I’ve ever seen,’ says Pip.
See more of the Kaleidoscope collection by Samuel & Sons here
Best paint collection: The Dependables by Beata Heuman x Mylands
The clue is the name of this collection. You can depend on each of the 24 colours in it to be reliably good, to work in the sort of curated, collected and elevated homes Beata does so well. ‘It’s a brilliant toolkit for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the many paints out there. Start here and you’ll almost certainly finish here, too,’ says Ellen.
See more of the The Dependables by Beata Heuman x Mylands here
Best decorating innovation: Papier Chinois wallpaper collection by Fromental
One of the reasons we’ve long loved the hand-painted panoramic wallcoverings at Fromental is how totally fanciful they are, depicting nature and flowers in all their glory. And now the brand has found an ingenious way to fold technology into its historic crafts, with AR meaning a smartphone hovered over the Papier Chinois collection will show the birds, bees and butterflies take flight. ‘It’s enchanting. Children will love it, but it’s a fun talking point for grown-ups, too,’ says Sarah.
See more of the Papier Chinois wallpaper collection by Fromental here
Best sustainable fabric: Heavenly Hemp by House of Hackney
The judges were impressed by this fabric, which is made from 100% hemp, a renewable resource. ‘But most of all, I’m impressed with how it looks and feels. There is a perfect earthy aesthetic,’ says Hugh Metcalf.
See more of the Heavenly Hemp by House of Hackney here
Colour of the year: Naperon by Farrow and Ball
Inspired by the origins of the word ‘apron’, this name was chosen as the colour was felt to be comforting and with the same warmth as a good home-cooked meal. ‘Out of all the new colours the brand launched, this felt like an immediate hit,’ says Pip.
See more of Naperon by Farrow and Ball here
Best textile collection: Ancient Memories by Marcel Wanders for Fischbacher 1819
The brand says this collection of fabrics is its most evocative yet and there is certainly a haunting beauty to its cloud-like shapes. ‘It’s dreamy, in the truest sense of the word. I can’t wait to see how people use it,’ says Ellen.
See more of Ancient Memories by Marcel Wanders for Fischbacher 1819 here
Best kids’ wallpaper: Run Away to the Circus by Annika Reed Studio
There is a strange sense of familiarity in this design. The blue stripe and whimsical illustrations contain a sense of childlike wonder and nostalgia, making them ideal for kids’ spaces. ‘It strikes that perfect balance between playful and pretty,’ says Sarah.
See more of Run Away to the Circus by Annika Reed Studio here
Head back to the main Livingetc Style Awards 2025 page to see all the winners
