Livingetc Style Awards 2022 winners: Decorating category

As chosen by our judges, Livingetc editor Pip Rich, Livingetc Editorial Director Sarah Spiteri, designers Alice Temperley, Eva Sonaike and Staffan Tollgard and journalist, broadcaster and tastemaker Pandora Sykes, these are the best paints, wallpapers fabrics and trims to use in your home in 2022.

Paint Colour of the year - winner: Faded Terracotta by Kelly Wearstler for Farrow and Ball

Faded Terracotta is part of The California Collection, a partnership with American designer Kelly Wearstler.

A soft, pale orange – the singular colour of terracotta pots and tiles baked to a pale hue by the California sun – it is a great alternative to pink and neutral shades and the judges felt it fitted with the mood of the moment for a sort of sun-kissed serenity.

‘It looks and feels really fresh,’ says Eva Sonaike. ‘It would bring a lot of warmth.’

Shop this paint here.

BEST paint COLLECTION - winner: THE ARCHIVE COLLECTION at MYLANDS 

A collection of 12 shades from the company’s archives, this is a celebration of Mylands’ heritage and colour legacy. 

While it is rooted in the past, each reinvigorated hue has a timeless appeal which suits modern interiors - the palette is really easy to work from. Coral Orange is shown here on the walls, while Pip Rich said he planned to use Gentleman's Pink when he finally gets round to decorating his bedroom.

‘They have taken older colours and given them a brilliant modern twist,’ says Staffan Tollgård.

Shop this paint collection here.

BEST SUSTAINABLE PAINT brand - winner: GRAPHENSTONE

Graphenstone has been leading the way on eco paint since it launched - the way it goes about being environmentally is innovative, smart, and impressive. 

Its paints contain no chemicals, plastics or microbeads and only trace VOCs less than 0.1%. And, when it's on the walls, it actually absorbs CO2, meaning that it continues to clean the air like a tree.

‘The eco credentials are second to none,’ says Pip Rich, who has used Graphenstone's Chateau on the exterior of his own house. ‘I am very excited to see how the brand continues to drive change going forward.'

Shop this brand here.

BEST PAINT NEWCOMER – Winner: YesColours

An industry disrupter, YesColours is a new brand focusing on innovative sustainable paints. And not only did the judges like its peppy palette, it's fun branding and the way it cleverly breaks down colours into the mood you want to create, but they also warmed to the way it's sold. 

‘I love its 1ltr pouches, which will cut down on so much waste. I think it is a real game-changer in terms of packaging,’ says Eva Sonaike.

Shop this collection here.

BEST WALLPAPER COLLECTION - winner: MARQUETERIE BY ARTE

Sisal forms the basis of the Marqueterie collection from Arte. The natural woven pieces are cut and arranged by hand while traditional marquetry reveals striking geometric figures. Judges said they were a huge fan of the brand, with Pip Rich talking lovingly about the way it employs 3D texture and wit into its work, and they all felt this was a worthy winner.

‘I love the texture and intricate detail,’ says Eva Sonaike. ‘It feels very elevated.’

Shop this collection here. 

BEST STANDOUT DESIGN - winner: Amechi at Dado Atelier

Dado Atelier launched less than a year ago, and has already collaborated with some of the most exciting new - or newish - names in design. Amechi Mandi's collection for the brand has been a particular success.

Celebrating the indigenous traditions of West Africa, Amechi's characterful textiles have been reworked into a series of papers for Dado. 

‘It’s an exciting new range,’ says Pandora Sykes. ‘And it gives a lot of versatility in terms of where you’d use them.’

Shop this wallpaper here.

Best mural - winner: SAYURI WALLCOVERING IN HUNTER BY ROMO

An immersive and panoramic woodland scene, Sayuri offers a contemporary take on a traditional chinoiserie design. The judges were captivated by how the silhouette of elegant trees form a dramatic wallcovering.

‘I think it is beautiful and particularly striking. Also the quality of the printing is really superior,’ says Alice Temperley.

See more of this mural here.

Best Fabric (Single Design) - winner: KALEIDO BY JANE CHURCHILL

As part of the Colefax and Fowler group, the brand Jane Churchill sets itself apart with a playful approach to pattern. Designs tend to focus on smaller repeats, which are infinitely workable and a brilliant way to introduce layering and print into a more contemporary home.

And Kaleido, this distinctive woven fabric, instantly catches the eye. It is tactile and has a high-quality upholstery weight. A real statement piece. ‘I was really drawn to the geometric design and I love how usable all its different colourways are,’ says Pip Rich.

Shop this fabric here.

Best fabric collection - winner: CORNUBIA BY BEN PENTREATH FOR  MORRIS & CO

The second collaboration of fabrics and wallpapers between Morris & Co and architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath, Cornubia is joyously nostalgic with a palette of tangerine, lemon yellow and bright apple greens. 

‘Ben is very clever – he always makes the traditional feel fresh,’ says Pandora Sykes.

Shop this collection here.

Best fabric collection - wise buy - winner: VERDE COTTON COLLECTION BY LINWOOD

This sustainable fabric offering is woven with 80% recycled cotton, using offcuts from the fashion industry, and is chemical free. It comes in a soothing array of shades, and - importantly - feels really soft to the touch. The judges were not just impressed by its eco credentials, but also by the fact that it has an affordable price tag, too.

‘The price is reasonable so you can access it without having a huge budget,’ says Sarah Spiteri, who was particularly impressed with the lavender hues.

BEST FABRIC TRIMMINg - winner: THE SEMMA PASSEMENTERIE collection by Samuel & Sons

Samuel & Sons has been making trimmings cool for a while now. Leopard prints, neons, oversized tassels - this is finishing touch decorating for those who don't do finishing touch decorating. Its designs always feel modern and fresh, and way to transform a scheme for the better.

Semma’s modern borders balance beautifully natural linen grounds with patterns made with semi-lustrous embroidery. ‘These are a great way to elevate curtains,’ says Pandora Sykes.

Shop this collection here.

See the rest of the Style Awards 2022 winners