Planning on marking the Coronation weekend in style? With the last crowning of a monarch in the UK taking place 69 years ago – the late Queen Elizabeth II – the upcoming coronation of King Charles III on 6th May is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of us – in short, the perfect excuse to celebrate.
To help you plan the perfect gathering, Sue Jones, Co-Founder of OKA, shares her decorative styling tips and colour insights to ensure you have a memorable weekend at home.
“Most interestingly we’ve seen crimson red decorative products taking centre stage in sales this year, increasing by 400%– it definitely seems to be a leading colour for 2023, for us anyway. Red is often seen as a colour associated with passion, creativity and energy… and is perfect as a subtle nod to the regal events ahead of us.” Jones shares.
1. Brighten up with botanicals
King Charles is known to be an avid lover of flowers, gardening and nature, dedicating his spare time to nurturing the garden at his estate, Highgrove House. This passion has shone through in the official coronation invitations, which are bordered with vibrant florals.
“If you’re keen to lean into more personal homages to King Charles, consider styling with a variety of bold florals. We’ve seen a 173% increase in purchases for faux red florals this year, such as the faux tea rose and eucalyptus bunch which creates a softer mix of natural greens with crimson reds. If you favour art over flowers, you could refresh your walls with botanical paintings or prints.
“If you are hosting outdoors, simply adding some Delphinium to your table setting is a subtle yet elegant choice, plus they’re the King’s favourite flower,” says Jones.
2. Create nostalgia with decorative bunting
Would it be a British event if we didn’t include bunting? A staple for street parties, garden fences and cottage-like kitchens alike, bunting is the perfect decorative touch to the bank holiday weekend.
“Bunting is such a fun decorative addition to any home or garden. It’s so easy to incorporate for a celebration, without taking away from other features in the home. If you have the time, try making your own bunting using fabric offcuts or remnants, as well as being a sustainable choice, you then have a piece that is utterly unique to you and your celebration.” Jones says.
3. Consider classic stripes for a British homage
Stripes are synonymous with iconic British style; adorning, for as long as we can remember, cobalt blue and raspberry red deck chairs on beaches, and marquees at village fêtes.
To get the look Jones suggests: “The perfect addition to a coronation-themed gathering is incorporating a classic stripe.
“Ceramic stools are a practical and fun feature as they can be used both indoors and outdoors as additional seating, or a side table to place nibbles and drinks. If you want to scale stripes to a smaller styling role, they’re perfect for the table as well – striped crockery works for all kinds of occasions.”
4. Add regal tones with soft furnishings
For added comfort and style, you could also consider swapping in some soft furnishings to match the weekend’s theme.
“Crimson red or sapphire blue cushion covers create a classic look and add vibrancy to any space with minimal effort required.
“If you’re stepping it up a notch and want to totally transform your space, and this weekend is really just an excuse to do so, look to a traditional rug – they are simply timeless. Rugs with bold motifs in subdued colours, step into regal territory and can be matched with many colour schemes throughout the home. Just as King Charles walks down his red carpet at Westminster, your guests can be stepping onto statement rugs to make a toast to the new monarch.“ Jones advises.
5. Finishing touches with tasteful lighting
Small touches go a long way in the world of interior styling, and lighting is often overlooked. As the evenings draw in, make sure to set the mood to suit your event.
“If you’re having an intimate gathering or dining alfresco, light up the space with candle holders on tables and flat surfaces. The classic stripe can come into play again here if you like.
“A simple yet transformative tactic for party styling, if you’re hosting indoors, is to swap lampshades. You can choose from an array of designs that are in keeping with your larger furniture, yet create a statement in the room –once the weekend is over simply swap them back,” says Jones.
