QUIET WARMTH
As we enter a period of shorter daylight hours and cooler natural light, choosing colour with balmy undertones such as Cranberry Cocktail and Wheat Sheaf will retain a sense of warmth and balance throughout the day. Together, these shades bring character while creating an inviting feel, with Cranberry Cocktail’s violet-red adding a quiet hint of rich berry, reminiscent of mulled wine.
If you’re looking for a more playful approach to soft neutrals, work with contrasting colours such as Soul Mate and Fresh Olive to inject subtle autumn whimsy that feels earthy, grounded, and comfortable. Add Lambskin as an accompany to these tones and you have an elegant palette to use for a tri-colour approach, a technique which pulls on the often neglected fifth wall, the ceiling.
To achieve this quietly elevated look, choose a single colour for the walls, pulling out a bolder interpretation of its base note for the ceiling, finishing with a contrast tone as a wide border. This will add dimension and depth, enabling a considered and stylish finish with mixed colour families.
Support your scheme with matching cabinetry and warm wood finishes whilst adding in varietal foliage and coloured glass accent pieces, to create an intentional space that breathes confidence. | | ONE-OF-A-KIND HAND PAINTED TOUCHES
We’re seeing graphic shapes and juxtaposing spheres increase in popularity within living rooms as they contribute to a clean and contemporary feel. This time of year is a brilliant opportunity to experiment with new styles, picking up the brush and embracing a more hands-on approach to create a space that feels individual and entirely unique.
Start by choosing your colour palette opting for something rich and autumnal on the walls and ceiling, such as Sultan’s Palace, before landing on your accent colour - think crisp but complementary. Use this accent colour to create check painted borders or highlight an architectural feature in the space such as a fireplace, drawing attention to the room’s natural focal points.
Hand painted designs don’t necessarily need to be angular or graphic. For a more traditional feel, introduce softer, rounded shapes in tonal shades that complement your primary colour. Take inspiration from the existing features of the room, following the curves of archways, alcoves or panelling to create a more classic, considered look. | | CHALET REIMAGINED
The understated glamour of 1970s European alpine interiors is emerging as a key look for AW26. This year’s Decorex VIP Lounge, designed by ski chalet specialist Claudia Dorsch, Founder and Creative Director of Claudia Dorsch Interiors, showcased just how well the aesthetic can translate into spaces that feel cosseting, contemporary and not at all kitsch.
Claudia, whose design work spans three distinct worlds - City, Ski and Surf - developed a signature palette of Benjamin Moore colours for the lounge, comprising deep red, moss green and sky blue, reflecting the city, mountains and sea respectively. These colours became the starting point for the design, with Benjamin Moore shades including Jungle Canopy, Cascabel Chile, Riding Boots, Exhale and China White used across the walls, ceiling, beams, wood panelling and bookshelves.
Texture was equally important, with more than 30 fabrics, leathers and wallpapers used throughout the lounge to add richness to the colours selected and offering a layered, welcoming feel that made an elevated nod to the traditional chalet.
“In order to truly work with the nuances of colour that I needed, there is no other brand that offers the same flexibility and quality of paint as Benjamin Moore. Visiting the flagship store at the New York Design Centre was an eye-opening experience - I was completely immersed in the colour universe. Since then, on every project where I specify Benjamin Moore, the decorators tell me it’s the best paint they have ever used.” - Claudia Dorsch, Founder and Creative Director of Claudia Dorsch Interiors. | | | Photography credit: Nathan Wood / @nathanllwood
Design credit: VIP Lounge designed by Claudia Dorsch Interior Design for Decorex 2026 | | | |
