The Cotswolds and Cheltenham have long been synonymous with architectural charm and refined living. But in 2025, we’re seeing a shift—not away from tradition, but toward a more expressive, layered aesthetic that blends heritage with personality. At Barrington Decorators, we’re at the coalface of this evolution, helping clients navigate the balance between timeless elegance and contemporary comfort.
Whether you’re restoring a Regency townhouse in Cheltenham or updating a stone cottage in Broadway, the current trends are all about warmth, texture, and individuality.
🌿 Earthy Tones & Moody Neutrals
Gone are the days of cool greys and sterile whites. This year, it’s all about rich, earthy shades—think mocha, chestnut, terracotta, and deep olive. These colours offer depth and sophistication, especially when paired with natural materials like oak, linen, and stone.
Barrington Tip:
We’re using Farrow & Ball’s “Salon Drab” and Little Greene’s “Tuscan Red” to add warmth to drawing rooms and hallways. These tones work beautifully in Cheltenham’s Regency homes, where high ceilings and original mouldings allow for bold colour without overwhelming the space.
🛋️ Cosy Sophistication: The Rise of “Quiet Luxury”
Clients are increasingly asking for interiors that feel like sanctuaries. The trend? Quiet luxury—a style that favours tactile materials, soft lighting, and curated minimalism.
Key elements:
• Upholstered feature walls using Clarke & Clarke or Sanderson fabrics
• Layered rugs over wood flooring for warmth and acoustics
• Bespoke joinery with hidden storage to maintain clean lines
In Cheltenham, we’ve seen this trend flourish in media rooms and master suites, where comfort meets craftsmanship.
🖼️ Feature Walls with Personality. Are they back?
Feature walls are no longer just about contrast—they’re about storytelling. In 2025, we’re seeing:
• Large-scale murals from Harlequin and Arte International
• Botanical prints that echo the surrounding countryside
• Textured wallpapers that mimic linen, grasscloth, or plaster
At Barrington, we often coordinate these walls with matching Roman blinds or curtains for a cohesive finish. It’s a simple way to elevate a space without overcomplicating it.
🪵 Rustic Meets Refined: The Cotswold Signature
In the villages of Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, and Burford, the interiors are embracing a modern rustic aesthetic. Think:
• Exposed beams paired with minimalist furniture
• Antique finds from Brownrigg Interiors or Lorfords Antiques
• Soft pastels layered with natural textures.
We recently completed a project in Tetbury where a deconstructed armchair from Original House sat beautifully against a backdrop of limewashed walls and reclaimed oak flooring. It’s this juxtaposition—old and new—that defines the Cotswold look in 2025.
🌸 Indoor-Outdoor Living
Cheltenham’s garden rooms and Cotswold conservatories are being reimagined as year-round living spaces. Large glass doors, botanical fabrics, and natural stone flooring create seamless transitions between indoors and out.
Barrington Tip:
We recommend Rapture & Wright fabrics for cushions and blinds—they offer stunning botanical prints with a distinctly British sensibility.
🧠 Final Thoughts from the Workshop
Interior trends may come and go, but the principles of good design—balance, texture, and authenticity—remain constant. At Barrington Decorators, we don’t chase trends. We interpret them through the lens of craftsmanship and context, ensuring every space we touch feels both current and enduring.
If you’re planning a renovation or simply want to refresh your interiors, we’d be delighted to advise. From colour consultancy to full-scale project management, our team brings a wealth of experience and a deep respect for detail.