One of our favourite past times is observing the synergy between the fashion world and the trends that creep into our homes, transforming our favourite rooms with just the smallest of tweaks to keep us on top of our trend game. When our buyers put together our newest collections, aside from hopping between exciting international interiors shows, they look at what we're wearing - what's hot and what we're all loving. If we're buying it for ourselves, chances are we'll be seeing it in our homes in the not too distant future. In our Summer Trends series, we're looking at how to translate the trends we're wearing into statement style for our homes.

Colonial Chic

Evocative of tropical breezes, shady getaways and balmy afternoons sipping tea on the veranda - colonial chic is about bringing the sense of a beautiful far-flung destination in times gone by to your own home. Kick started by Gucci with their snake themed camo with pineapple highlights, followed by Paul & Joe's pastel hued palm leaf prints, catwalks hinted at a colonial style revival for 2016. Lush greens with crisp whites are the subtle way to get the more refined version of a tropical look, or for cheeky colonial accents throw in an animal or pineapple print to show commitment to the trend du jour. Get the look in your armoire:

Colonial chic checklist for your home:

  • Rattan, bamboo & natural wood finishes.
  • White walls.
  • White floaty fabrics to emulate the much needed moquito nets.
  • Tropical house plants - think large palms and fiddle leaf figs.
  • Dark wood flooring.
  • Luxurious. antique, heirloom style furniture.
  • Hints of the hunt - cow and springbok hides.
  • Brass coloured metallics.