Our Tartan Love Affair Deepens
1. The story so far...
Ever since Agyness Deyn sashayed down the catwalk clad head-to-toe in neon tartan for Henry Holland, the plaid revival has been unstoppable. Dolce & Gabanna and Just Cavalli swiftly jumped on the band waggon and it wasn't long before tartan hit the home. Think Dutch design guru Marcel Wanders' hot pink Audrey wallpaper. Now everyone's getting in on the action, re-inventing the traditional pattern in fresh colour ways and unusual applications. Osborne & Little's Lomond check is perfect for giving stylish new life to your sofa or cushions.
2. Have a Highland fling
Black and white prints are a surefire way to make a trend last a lifetime. We've searched the net for a cool tartan picture and found this bargain print Sheena hardy model with tartan painted Rolls Royce from Easy art.
3. Grab a hot dog
Fashion designer Jonathan Saunders is famed for his bold use of the classic print. Asked who would wear his clothes, Saunders once responded: 'Brave women. Confident, with a sense of humour.' Saunders proved that tartan doesn't have to be serious. Likewise, Hamish the daschund draught excluder from Amara will put a smile on your face and cheer up winter days.
4. Layer by layer
Don't be afraid to mix and match. 'Tartan looks wonderful with everything. Even other tartans, ' says Queen of punk Vivienne Westwood. 'The idea that this tartan belongs to this house or another was developed by the Victorian tourist industry.' Use accessories as your tool for layering different plaids. We love this cosy check blanket by Cath Kidston.
5. Get checks appeal
From the highlands to the home, tartan rules the roost. You can prove your style nouse with the simplest of accessories. Mulberry and Ralph Lauren have been selling tartan for years. Serve drinks from this Ancient Tartan Trey by Mulberry at Amara and your parties will be the most stylish in town.
6. Check it out Balmoral style
Find tartan too harsh? Opt for a softer take on the look. This edale wool blanket from Wallace Sacks will blend easily into your home while keeping you snug during the big freeze. No longer the reserve of granny laps, tartan blankets bring a certain edget to your home.
7. Go for plaid plates
The Scots know a thing or two about being cold. Warm up your plates the stylish way these Hot Ideas fabric plate warmers from Amazon. They act as mini electric blankets for your dishes so your neaps and tatties stay piping hot for longer.
8. Tartan goes modern
Today's tartan doesn't have to be confined to the rich colours of old. When decorator Nina Campbell recently decked out the bar of New York's Grand Central Station in plaid, she shed convention. 'I brightened the colours to scarlet, pinks and yellows rather than those heavy blues, reds, greens and blacks, ' she explains. Follow Campbell and funk up your home with this bright melrose tartan from Fabrics and Papers.
9. Come back for coffee
The check trend is even affecting our holiday choices. 'It's great for tourism because every time someone sees tartan, they think of Scotland, ' says Brian Wilton, director of the Scottish Tartans Authority. Have a hot toddy in this Dunoon Arran Royal Stewart Tartan Mug from Amazon.
10. Beware of tartan overload!
Don't overdo it! Like most pleasures in life, tartan is best served in small doses. Trendsetters Alice Dellal, Mary-Kate Olsen, Kelly Osborne and Peaches Geldof wear tartan sparingly for optimum effect. This trick works for the home. Stick to feature walls and accessories like this striking
fuschia pink and tartan furniture cube from Crush.
Annie is an expert furniture and interior design writer. Her current area of specialism is
nest of tables,
oak furniture and
laminate flooring
