MAGAZINE: Six interiors trends that are here to stay in 2016

Decoristas get as much pleasure from beautifully designed interiors as fashionistas get from clothes, but even the most devoted don't want (and can't afford) to be such dedicated followers of trends that it means redecorating every season.

Thankfully, a little insider knowledge goes a long way and savvy home bunnies know the styles that won’t have a short shelf-life, because their good looks and design credentials will ensure enduring appeal.

Plus, some looks are versatile enough to allow for fresh interpretations, which can easily breathe new life into them.

Reprise last year’s favourites that are set to make their mark again in 2016.

GLADLY GREY

Those of us reduced to a ‘rabbit-in-the-headlights’ standstill when confronted by colour charts hailed the passion for grey as a blessed relief. This is surely a ‘Mr Right’ palette - easy-on-the eye, versatile, and grey can be mean and moody or feminine and delicate, depending on the shade you choose. It’s also the perfect foil for a multitude of other colours, so I predict this colour is ‘a keeper’, and our love affair with grey will continue for a long time to come.

MY STYLE: Colours Platinum Silk Emulsion Paint, £13.94 for 2.5L, B&Q; Grey/Rose Panelling Wallpaper, £69.95 a roll, Lime Lace.

TURN UP THE HEAT

No parrot, no pineapple? Shame on you! I fell deep for the brightly coloured birds which were must-have accessories as the temperature rose in decor and designers embraced jungle prints, rich with tropical flora and fauna. Don’t get in a flap if you didn’t catch tropical fever in 2015 though, because it’s still raging. The new collections are filled with beautiful exotic blooms, fruit (pineapples, of course) and birds.

Monkeys will be 2016’s favourite creature, which is particularly appropriate because it’s also the Chinese Year of the Monkey.

MY STYLE: Copper Pineapple Storage Pot, £24, Oliver Bonas; Parrot Money Box, £48, MiaFleur; Monkey Sitting Table Lamp, £125, Lagoon.

SUIT YOURSELF

Global influences are constantly reflected in interior trends, and the strongest theme to emerge in 2015 was ‘boho chic’. A bohemian-gypsy style - encompassing texture, colour and pieces ‘with a story’ - the style will continue to appeal because it has a ‘go with the flow’ freedom, allowing tastes to wander West or East. Be inspired by holiday destinations and think Indian sari fabrics, Moroccan jewel-rich patternsor Mexican brights (clashing is cool!) to conjure an explorer/traveller atmosphere.

MY STYLE: Hand Painted Indian Bajot Table, £44, Boutique Camping; Scarlett Cushion, from £50, Sofa.com; Romany Love Seat, £285, The French

Bedroom Company.

BRING ON BLING