We were delighted to catch up with the founder and owner of Interior design company Swatch Box Michelle Charlton earlier this month. With her impeccable sense of style, trends and colour, it's easy to see why some of the UKs leading building companies turn to Michelle to bring the WOW factor to the Showhomes of new prestigious developments.
Michelle Charlton, Interiors Designer, Swatch Box
As we enter Autumn, Louise caught up with Michelle for some seasonal top styling tips, read on to find out more...
what is your favourite thing about Autumn?
I love layering so whether it’s clothes or soft furnishings when Autumn arrives I feel my style switches up a notch.
Which colours do you love to work with around this time of year?
An Autumnal palette works so well in the home. I like to work with muted shades to create warmth and depth. Using a base greige palette you can layer colours easily to include traditional autumnal tones of browns, rusts and red or switch down to cosy beige and fresh creams.
Iliv’s Geometrica collection
Do you switch up your style at home depending on the season?
I do find after the summer months where we spend more time outside, that when Autumn comes around I seem to naturally be drawn to changing things around, becoming more aware of my own living space and adding in new pieces.
Which is your favourite room in your house and why?
My lounge is my go to place and when the log burner is lit the room takes on a cosy glow and as the nights draw in and you pop a couple of lamps on and have cushions and throws to relax into it’s just such a welcoming space to be in.
What is your favourite Interior trend at the moment?
I use a lot of textures and neutrals as a base for a scheme and use the beautifully textured furniture and furnishings that are currently en vogue.
Have you got any exciting projects coming up with Great British Interiors that you can tell us about?
I love every project I receive knowing it’s the perfect excuse to get my hands on the new and exciting fabrics and accessories that GBI will have waiting for me. I can spend hours looking through their huge collection of fabrics.
My next project is a beautiful 5 bedroomed show home in Great Park Newcastle for Persimmon homes. Where I’ll have the great support and expertise of the GBI team, delivering and fitting all their stunning made to measure curtains and blinds and selected soft furnishings.
Which are your favourite fabrics to work with?
I often use voiles on a wave track (suggested by Louise) which set off a room, receiving many compliments and queries as to where they are from.
