Snap up signature style for your home in 2011

IF you’ve ever yearned to own a piece of homeware which is unmistakably the work of well-known designer, you’re in luck.

A host of famous designers are now also creating homeware collections, Designer pieces have boast-appeal and demonstrate to the world that you’re a savvy shopper with an eye for quality and craftsmanship but, crucially, you’re in the know about ‘who’s who’ in interiors.

“In the current market there’s definitely evidence of selected extravagance in homeware sales, with an increasing awareness of designer collections,” confirms Kate Mooney, managing director of Occa-Home, which specialises in designer brand homeware and features collections by Mulberry Home, Vitra and Missoni.

“People feel that designer brands equate to style, luxury and quality, and by possessing them, those positive characteristics translate to their home.”

“There’s a growing desire among home lovers for name-drop pieces for rooms, much in the same way as fashionistas crave Mulberry handbags or Louboutin shoes.”

There’s a glittering array of designers to choose from. Well-established specialists in interiors such as Kelly Hoppen and Tricia Guild are being joined by fashion designers, such as Ben de Lisi and Matthew Williamson, who are bringing a touch of catwalk glamour and glitz to our homes.

And buying one signature piece and making it a star in a room could be a wise buy, according to Mooney: “A trend for fast interior fixes is waning and instead, people are investing in timeless, classic, designer pieces that are well made and will stand the test of time.”

Celia Birtwell

A British style icon, she’s a textile designer known for her distinctive bold, romantic, and feminine designs which draw influences from Picasso, Matisse and the classical world.

Described as “the face that launched a thousand prints”, she started out creating fabrics for her husband Ossie Clark in the 1960s, and created clothes for The Rolling Stones, Paloma Picasso and Twiggy.

She said: “This year I’ve focused on three areas: fantasy, featuring creatures and birds as I love nature and delight in making it slightly surreal; mystery - I love using mysterious motifs and dark colours in my work; and I’ve designed a ticking-style stripe that’s quite subtle and makes you think of old-fashioned laundry maids - maybe I was influenced by Downton Abbey a bit with that one!”

Bag the style: Her homeware collection has a vintage, hippy chic feel and includes fabrics such as Candy Flower, from £18 a metre, and cushions, from £35. Available from John Lewis. Birtwell’s fabrics are also available online.

Ben de Lisi

Renowned for dressing celebrities on the red carpet, American-born fashion designer Ben de Lisi has turned his talents to interior design.

He said: “It doesn’t matter if I’m designing for a curvaceous body or a square room - I keep it pure, elegant and rich, never overstated. “It’s hard-working chic. But there should always be a twist so it’s neither over-the-top, nor too minimal.”

Bag the style: His bold, colourful home collection for Debenhams has proved a huge hit, especially items inspired by his French bulldogs. Trio of dogs cushion, £20, and zingy geometric Flash bedlinen starts from £35 for a single duvet set.