/ 02 April 2019

The Interior Trend To Follow Now

Faces on décor is the understated trend of the moment. There’s been a figurative boom of abstract facial designs creeping its way into interiors, adding a light-hearted personal charm and character to home accessories. Inspired by the free-flowing illustrations from the likes of artists such as Picasso, Magritte and Matisse.

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With online searches for ‘line drawings’ at an all-time high, this decorative style is an interesting and contemporary way to dress up your home. From vases with faces to pretty plates, illustrated rugs and figurative art, there’s no hiding from the many faces of décor.

London-based designer Frances Costelloe has shaped a collection of minimal homewares exclusive to Liberty, punctuated by hand-painted female forms and playful, one-off ceramics. Using Indian ink and clay as her primary tools, Costelloe draws inspiration from the simple, linear forms of works by Matisse – transforming them into a distinctive line of lampshades, framed line drawings and scallop shell dishes. Here’s her take on the trend…

“I have been sketching and drawing faces for a while and I think there is something so easy to connect with when you spot a human face in its most simple form. When the face is reduced to just lines it becomes a motif which gives it a general appeal as it’s not tied to any one form. I was heavily inspired by the incredible Matisse cut outs show at the Tate who I think started the trend for faces in art and design. I think the wonderful Partnership Editions is a good place to start with art featuring faces and the human form. If you’re looking for homeware with faces, check out A New Tribe they have wonderful ceramics by LRNCE and other face and nude work by BFGF (they also stock my shells). I think ceramics, lampshades and cushions are any easy way to incorporate this trend in to your home. Because of the classical reference to faces, these decorative additions would suit most homes, old or new.”

Laura Keighley, Senior Buyer, The Conran Shop agrees, "portraiture has long played a huge part in interiors, initially confined to illustrations and photographs on the wall, nowadays, the ‘linea face’ trend can be seen on many types of décor. The Conran Shop has fully embraced the trend and offers ceramics, textiles and dinnerware with beautiful abstract drawings.

The pieces are fun and add personal charm to any space. Whether layered amongst unique vintage finds, or simplified as statement pieces in a minimal contemporary home, they really add something unique to your interior scheme.”