INTERIORS
Spring
Style
Turn over a new leaf this season with home
décor tips from our expert Peter Turner
Peter Turner, managing director of Teesside-based interior design studio Cocoon and Bauer, has
designed Michelin star restaurants, five-star hotels and some of the most exclusive addresses in
the country. Here, he answers your questions…
I’m about to move into a house with my
boyfriend. Thing is, we have such different
tastes. He’s minimal and I love trinkets and
colour. How can we create a living space
that we both love?
Compromise! Ultra-modern spaces can
feel sterile so chat with your other half
before choosing the most important of
your cherished items to place in your living
space. Have a minimal layout with clean
lines, simple modern storage solutions and
modern pendant lights. Your trinkets will
then add personality and dress the space to
make it feel lived in.
I want my house to
smell as well as look
incredible. What’s
the best way and
which brand do you
recommend?
I love Neom products. They are organic,
made from completely natural products
and smell amazing! Candles look great on
fireplaces but I also love diffusers on tables
– they look so stylish when placed next to a
flower arrangement. Jo Malone (jomalone.
co.uk) do some lovely ones.
I’m getting married and having the
reception in a marquee. The look I’m after
is rich and passionate. What should I be
choosing by way of décor?
Lots and lots of foliage! Have it hanging
downwards from the roof. Also opt for
ultra tall stands for centrepieces, again
using foliage mixed with flowers. This extra
height will create the feeling of a canopy
throughout. The green of the foliage will
look amazing, especially if you then choose
something like a deep red as an accent
colour – think deep red roses and accents
of red on napkins, cutlery, etc. Finally, use
loads of fairy lights. String them around
the tables; bunch them up in a glass vase
as centrepieces. The more twinkles the
better – it will add to the overall feeling of
extravagance and luxury.
We’re treating mam
for Mother’s Day.
She’s 80 this year
and we want to
buy her something
really special. Can
you recommend
something?
How about a painting? We love local artist
Lucy Pittaway, (lucypittaway.co.uk). If
you’re not sure of her taste, you can never
go wrong with a beautiful candle. Ormonde
Jayne (ormondejayne.com) do gorgeous
ones. They’re quite pricey but a fabulous and
always appreciated luxury gift.
Any ideas for
a feature wall
please?
I love bold
geometrics with
biophilia. Cole
and Son (cole-
and-son.com)
do a stunner
called Trees and
Keys. It’s really
bold, beautiful
and looks incredible as a statement wall.
Peter's
TOP TIP
The hunt for a cosy and stylish
sofa can be a stressful one. Over
the years I’ve come to realise that
perhaps bespoke is best – and
can often be cheaper. Hindson
Upholstery in Middlesbrough are
worth a call as they can make
a frame to your specifications
and cover it with your chosen
fabric. Check them out at
hindsonupholstery.co.uk
tees-life.co.uk
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