For years, the Cotswolds have represented the epitome of rural interior design. However, this summer sees a shift towards the "Devon Girl" aesthetic, a relaxed coastal style that prioritizes comfort and a lived-in feel over the meticulously curated country look.
The "Devon Girl" look embraces homes that appear to have evolved naturally over time, incorporating elements like driftwood, vintage sailing prints, and weathered furniture. This contrasts with the previous Cotswolds trend, characterized by whitewashed kitchens with Shaker cabinets, limestone floors, and antique pine dressers.
Embracing Coastal Colors
Instead of the muted earth tones like mushroom, taupe, and sage green associated with the Cotswolds, the "Devon Girl" palette draws inspiration from the coastline. This includes chalky whites, faded denim blues, seafoam greens, sand tones, and weathered greys. The emphasis is on sun-bleached hues that appear effortless rather than ostentatious.
A Mix-and-Match Approach to Furniture
A significant departure from previous trends is the move away from matching furniture. The "Devon Girl" aesthetic encourages mixing antique wooden chairs with a farmhouse table or pairing vintage bedside tables with a contemporary bed. This collected look is considered more authentic and allows for decorating a space gradually over time.
Displaying Functional Decor
This trend favors displaying items that are actively used rather than purely decorative. Instead of rows of identical ornaments, shelves might feature stacks of cookbooks, pottery, woven baskets, shell collections, favorite mugs, and well-read novels. The focus is on practical yet aesthetically pleasing items.
Celebrating Imperfect Furniture
Wear and tear are not only accepted but encouraged within the "Devon Girl" trend. Furniture with chipped edges or faded paint is seen as having more character than new, flawless pieces. Restoring or repainting existing furniture is preferred over replacing tired items. For example, a lick of clear matt varnish can revitalize wooden furniture, while a coat of paint can add personality to dining chairs.
The Importance of Natural Materials
Texture plays a crucial role, with a preference for natural materials such as linen curtains, jute rugs, wicker baskets, reclaimed timber, and rattan lighting. These elements add warmth and contribute to the easy-going feel of a coastal cottage, prioritizing tactile surfaces over high-gloss finishes.
Subtle Coastal References
Rather than overt nautical clichés like decorative anchors or "Life's a Beach" signs, the "Devon Girl" style incorporates subtle coastal influences. This includes framed seascapes, vintage sailing prints, botanical artwork, watercolours, shiplap wall paneling, handmade ceramics, and oversized glass vases filled with greenery. The coastal theme is meant to be understated rather than explicit.
Creating Atmosphere with Lighting
Harsh ceiling spotlights are replaced with diffused pools of light. Ceramic table lamps, fabric lampshades, wall sconces with fluted glass, and candles are used to create a warmer, more welcoming atmosphere, evoking the relaxed ambiance of a holiday home.