The good news is that we are more than halfway through January; the bad news is that there is still a long way to go before we see the end of this dull and gray month.
Either way, it’s a great time to embrace a new interior trend: pom poms and fringe, which can bring color and fun to our homes.
Tassels were originally knots used to keep threads from unraveling, especially at the ends of woven fabrics. Over time, they took on a more powerful meaning.
Gay: the Tarma range from Oka has removable pompoms. The prints on the sofas and armchairs were inspired by rugs, therefore tassels were included on the bottom edge – attached with velcro
Tassels were worn by Egyptians and priests in ancient times to ward off evil spirits. Pharaoh Tutankhamun was found in his tomb wearing them around his neck.
But it was the French of more modern times who made tassels a fashionable trend.
“Today’s bangs will be much more stylish and less casual, and are a great way to soften your interior,” says Andrew Dunning, design director at London Contemporary.
“Many homes can be full of hard surfaces, and finishing with upholstery is needed to make them more livable.”
If you decide to follow the trend through accessories, opt for cushions and textiles with pom-pom borders.
For a bold and colorful touch, try cushions from the M&S X Fired Earth Casablanca collection, like the Kubba in ocher (£35). Or choose a soft velvet oblong cushion in one of many rich shades, including plum-purple and bottle green (£14, Next).
If you’ve ever gone to town on color combinations for the walls or sofa fabric, try more subdued tones.
The Kerala Tassel Cushion in soft coral (£36, French Connection) or the rust colored Roux Cushion (£130, Soho Home) will do the trick.
Dunelm Fiesta Rattan Shade (£28, dunelm.com)
Fringes are also often seen on light fixtures. “It will soften them,” adds Dunning. ‘Tigermoth Lighting makes a great range with metal fringes.’ Tigermoth uses rows of chain strands, in bronze, nickel or gold metalwork (from £594).
If you want to stick to fabric, a talking point would be Tinker & Tallulah’s Mable Fringe Lamp Shade in leopard print with scalloped trim and extra long neon pink fringe and decadent braid (from £205 , Wolf & Badger).
On a budget? Try Dunelm’s Fiesta Rattan Hanging Shade (£28) or Ero Velvet Pendant (£65, Oliver Bonas).
If you dare, take a look at Pooky’s flapper shade in acanthus blue or goblin green, both using fabric from the Sanderson archives (from £44).
You can even dress up your windows with playful tassels. Mindra curtains are striking with a solid color and contrasting shiny tassel trim (from £176 a pair, Anthropologie). A single voile panel with tasselled trim makes for a pretty feature (£22, Dunelm).
The designers also add tassels to the seats. Opt for a bright, contrasting colored fringe border around the bottom of a sofa, armchair or dining chair.
The Tarma range from Oka offers colored and removable pompoms. The prints on the sofas and armchairs were inspired by rugs, therefore tassels were included on the bottom edge – attached with velcro.
Sue Jones, co-founder of Oka, said: “Fringing is a great way to add bold design functionality to something simple. Tassels and edging can add a playful touch.
“We made them detachable so people had a choice. Tassels aren’t always so practical in homes with pets or children. Thus, your sofa can be adorned with its “party skirt” whenever you want and can be removed for refined or practical moments.’
A standout style features soft charcoal stripes and metallic studs with bold red tassel trim (£2,395 Oka).
A trendy chair from KD Loves’ new artisan collection might make your head spin. Each limited edition piece is handcrafted by British artisans, using fabrics sourced from the finest artisans around the world.
The Kelling chair has an Indian fabric with multicolored tassels around the base (£1,500).
If you’re not looking for new seating, cheat by draping a tasseled throw over a couch or chair. Try the Amber Lewis for Anthropologie Cabin throw in rust or ivory (£148) or a Poppy Field throw in pink or blue (£46, French Connection).
Emma Deterding, Creative Director of Kelling Designs and KD Loves, says, “Not only can tassels be used to introduce color, but it’s also a look that helps bring movement and personality into the home.”
Savings of the week: fluffy towels
Sumptuous: Egyptian cotton towels from Habitat
In the final days of sales, the best bargains are often to be found – in my super-scriming experience.
So maybe it’s time to start looking, if you’re planning on treating yourself to more plush towels for that home spa experience.
For example, for £20 you can have a bale of four gray towels from Habitat – it was £40 (Argos).
At Dunelm, Egyptian cotton towels are down 20%; colors include burnt orange, ocher, and teal.
Prices range from 96p to £16.80 depending on size. Likewise, colorful shades can be found at Piglet In Bed, where towels in a cozy cinnamon color have been reduced by 20%. Prices are £3 to £23.
If white and neutrals are more your thing, The White Company has 30% off its pebble and silver waffle edge napkins, from £4.20 to £44.80.
Prices for the Christy Refresh line in white and cream have been reduced by 60%, with the bath sheet now £15. Here are more luxurious bath times.
