Livingetc Style Awards 2023 winners: Decorating category

As chosen by our judges, a panel made up of Livingetc’s senior editorial team. Global brand director Sarah Spiteri, Global editor in chief Pip Rich, deputy editor (digital) Hugh Metcalf and deputy editor (print) Ellen Finch sifted through all the many, many entries.

BEST PAINT COLOUR - winner: Freegrove Mustard by Mylands

The sunny yellow shade of Mylands’ Freegrove Mustard (used on the kitchen cabinets above) delivers instant cheer – the Livingetc judges, loved the backstory of the colour as much as the product itself. 

‘It was developed by Andrea Gelardin, creative director for the luxury hotel Broadwick Soho, for her own kitchen – her insistence on nailing the perfect colour is inspiring,’ says Print Deputy Editor Ellen Finch

Shop this paint here.

BEST PAINT FINISH - winner: Dead Flat by Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball’s new Dead Flat paint finish is ultra matte, super rich, and the only thing we want on our walls right now. Plus you can use it on any surface and it doesn't scuff. Almost too good be true.

‘It makes every shade feel far more intense – it couldn’t have come at a better time, when we’re all embracing more emboldened ways of decorating,’ says Sarah Spiteri.

Shop this paint collection here.

BEST PAINT COLLECTION winner: Graphenstone x The Ashmolean Museum 

History buffs will love this creative collaboration between Graphenstone and the world’s oldest public museum, featuring 16 colours inspired by the most treasured pieces in the Ashmolean’s archive. 

‘The idea of painting your home in a shade inspired by history is so fun,’ says Pip Rich. ‘We particularly loved Indian Terracotta and the bold, vibrant Kingfisher.’

Shop this collection here.

BEST FABRIC COLLECTION - winner: 100 Patterns in 100 Days by Christian Fischbacher

This collection, in collaboration with artist Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson, started out as a challenge during 2020 while she was isolating in Italy: paint 100 patterns for 100 days. 

‘Rebecca’s opulent designs are perfectly suited to the rich canvas that is Christian Fischbacher’s fabric,’ says Pip Rich.

Shop this collection here.

BEST BEST PATTERN CREATOR - winner: Kit Miles

Kit Miles’ extravagant designs capture a far richer and more extravagant version of our own world: surreal, highly rendered flora and fauna galavant about the canvas in his Biophillia print, pictured above. 

‘We are huge fans of Kit Miles’ designs – his patterns are lively, imaginative and contain worlds within,’ says Pip Rich.

Shop his work here. 

BEST FINISHING TOUCH - winner:  Gloriette by Maddux Creative for Samuel & Son

Drawing from Maddux Creative’s inspiration, the passementerie patterns are crafted by layered hand printing, hand embroidery and fringing. 

‘We can see this range adorning everything from headboards to cushion covers,’ says Sarah Spiteri.

Shop this collection here.

BEST CURTAINS - winner: Made to measure curtains and blinds by Tori Murphy

With an edited selection of the brand’s fabrics, and a 10-14-day service, getting bespoke curtains is easier than ever with Tori Murphy’s invaluable made to measure service. ‘Bespoke service like this is worth its weight in gold – as are the expertly crafted fabrics you’ll find at Tori Murphy,’ says Hugh Metcalf.

See more of this collection here.

BEST WALLPAPER COLLECTION - winner:  National Trust Papers III by Little Greene

Patterns found at three National Trust properties have been reimagined in a collaboration with Little Greene for a modern audience. It's a richly varied collection, steeped in both heritage and character, and it works to add charm to new properties or pizazz to period spaces.

 ‘Each pattern carries a little piece of history,’ says Ellen Finch.

Shop this collection here.

BEST MURAL - winner: Alaya wallcovering collection by Arte

All the judges love the sense of energy that comes through in Arte's work - its murals are often 3D or seem to be, in the way that they catch the light. They are rich in depth. Drawing on the historic Silk Road and the imagined adventures that happened there, the Alaya wallcovering collection features Himalayan landscapes and Banyan trees. 

‘The stories playing out in these prints make the wallcoverings feel full of life,’ says Ellen Finch.

Shop this collection here.

BEST WALLPAPER BORDER- winner: Scroll by Parker & Jules

Parker & Jules’ borders are a must-buy for anyone looking to inject playfulness into their scheme. 

‘This ribbon-like Scroll pattern is so versatile, but I enjoy seeing it against straight, hard-lined architectural features to offer a softer contrast,’ says Hugh Metcalf.

Shop this collection here.

BEST WALLPAPER INNOVATION: winner: Paper tiles by Weitzner

In a bold step forward for wallpaper design, Weitzner’s handmade paper tiles are crafted from sustainable abaca pulp. 

‘Weitzner’s tiles show the future of wallpaper – highly sustainable and highly textural for “touch me” walls that feel as good as they look,’ says Pip Rich.

Shop this collection here.

See the rest of the Style Awards 2023 winners