What makes an interior stylish? This is a question I have given much thought to while preparing a virtual tour of some of my favourite interiors for the FT Weekend Festival, which takes place this Saturday morning.
I see rooms all the time that are technically well constructed: luxurious fabrics, elaborate lighting, expensive art, books and objects placed just so. The colours sit well together and the overall look is very . . . pleasant. Inoffensive. I would not call these rooms stylish, however. They are not interesting enough, with no clever details and a thoroughly uninspiring selection of furniture. They have a distinct lack of personality about them. Some might call these rooms elegant, but I want more than that.
Dressing a room is rather like dressing oneself: think of David Hockney with his floppy bow ties, giant windowpane check suits and natty knitwear, or Mick Jagger in the 1970s with his oversized lapels and shirt collars. For me, this is great style: it is a unique take on putting clothes together. Of course, Hockney’s striped rugby shirts and primary hued sweaters can be picked up anywhere, but it is the way these clothes are put together and the unexpected details: a pair of oversized, round spectacles, mismatched socks. It is how they are worn: with confidence. It is the same with a beautiful room, and it is an idea that I stress weekly with my column in House & Home: a confident eye used to pick and mix colours, patterns, furniture and objects, a fearlessness and unpredictability — this is what makes an interior stylish.