four of the most popular high street trends

I almost hesitate to say it, but it's time to start thinking about layering up for the colder season. And layering, as it happens, is one of the key trends to focus on if you want to stride through AW/18 in interiors vogue. I'm not going to sink too deep into the 'ins and outs' of all the different elements that the high street have picked up on, instead what I have done is edit it down to the 4 most evident and popular themes being picked up on across our favoured homeware retailers. A snapshot, if you like, of the things you need to know about for the coming season. Whatever you do don't try and dip into all the trends below at once, instead edit yourself to one or two.

1 . The handmade aesthetic

By no means new to the realms of interiors, but it should be noted that for 2018 it's more popular than ever and is appearing in most, if not all, of retail home sections. If you think this means that you're going to have to head out and throw a pot, think again. It can be as subtle as a slightly wonky edge on a ceramic dinner plate, a handblown tumbler or a knitted throw. In many cases the more subtle the nod to the handmade aesthetic the better. It's the thin line between elegantly crafted items and, dare I say, too rustique. Pop over to the Habitat or French Connection websites and browse their soft furnishings and ceramics if you want to nail this look.

(Image credit: Habitat AW/18)

2. Deep hues

It all started a couple of years ago when the likes of Soho Home and Sofa.com released a sofa or two in rich velvet tones. Now, jewel-like hues are appearing everywhere, giving us the chance to invest in luxurious looking furniture and accessories at a fraction of the price. Deep teal, rich burgundy red and indigo are just a few of the colours from the darker side of the colour palette that retailers are showcasing for AW/18. And it's no longer just the occasional item of furniture, it's now ranging from cushions to dinnerware, curtains to rugs, and even dark velvet flock lamps. If you investigate further you might discover that a lot of brands are promoting this hand-in-hand with a more luxurious look, or 'luxe look'. Debenhams, John Lewis and Matalan Home are all good examples where retailers are advocating this look.

(Image credit: Debenhams Rocha Jon Rocha AW/18)

3. Layering

Handy or what? Think ahead to the darker evenings and colder weather climate and layering just seems plain practical, but luckily it's also a pretty popular trend for your home for AW/18. You might think that this is just a ploy to upsell more cushions, bedlinen, lighting and throws, but actually retailers can't be accused of heavily using this trick in previous years, so it appears, on the face of it, to be a genuine trend. Edit your soft furnishings down to a favourite few, for example three or four cushions and a couple of throws, and then display them together. This way you'll avoid it all getting too messy or out of control, but still benefit from the layering craze. Pick up on chunky knits, bouccle finishes and interesting woven textures.

French Connection Home have a lovely selection of products that are right on point for this look.

(Image credit: House of Fraser AW/18)

4. Natural woodlands

Great if you're a fan of pattern and print. It won't be to everyone's taste, but this trend allows for pretty detail and pattern in abundance. The John Lewis 'Palazzo Collection' is a sophisticated, and in some respects reserved, take on this AW trend, whilst Matalan opt for a slightly more fun and light hearted woodland look.

Image credit: Matalan Home AW/18

Writing: Rory Robertson

Images: as credited