From Artex to Stencils: The Changing Face of UK Interior and Exterior Trends

Trends in interior design don’t just stay inside the home—they often spill out onto the exterior too. Over the years, UK homes have seen a fascinating evolution in styles, materials, and techniques. Let’s take a stroll through time, exploring how these trends have changed both inside and out.

Wallpaper Wonders: Making a Statement

Wallpaper has had its fair share of ups and downs. From the grand Victorian homes with their intricate patterns to the bright and bold florals of the 1960s, wallpaper was the go-to for adding personality indoors.

• Victorian Influence: Wealthier homes featured rich, opulent designs, often with metallic highlights. These patterns were a sign of status and craftsmanship.
• Post-War Boom: By the 50s and 60s, new materials made wallpaper affordable and accessible, with geometric and floral prints dominating the scene.

External Trends: In Victorian times, many exteriors featured decorative plasterwork or tiles to echo the indoor grandeur. Look at historical neighbourhoods in London or Bath, where tiled doorsteps remain a charming feature today.

📖 For more about Victorian architecture and its influence on design, visit Historic England.

Why Choose Professional Help? Wallpapering requires precision for a seamless finish, particularly when matching patterns or tackling tricky corners. Speak to a Décor Specialist for advice before starting!

• Pros: Adds personality; vast range of designs.
• Cons: Can be tricky to apply and remove.

Artex: The Textured Takeover

Love it or hate it, Artex was everywhere in the 70s and 80s. This textured coating, often applied to ceilings, allowed homeowners to create swirls, stipples, or fan patterns.

While Artex is less popular today, its influence can still be seen in modern textured paints and wall panels.

External Trends: Roughcast or pebble-dash finishes were the outdoor counterpart to Artex. Popular in mid-century housing, these rugged exteriors were prized for their durability and low maintenance.

📖 Find out more about the history of textured finishes on homes at BBC Homes.

Challenges of DIY Removal Removing old Artex can be hazardous, especially in homes built before the 1990s, where asbestos may be present. Our team at McCall Construction Ltd handles such challenges safely and efficiently, ensuring your property is in expert hands.

• Pros: Adds texture and interest; durable.
• Cons: Dated look for modern interiors; challenging to remove.

Plastering: Sleek and Seamless

By the 90s, smooth plastered walls became the gold standard. This minimalist approach was perfect for achieving the neutral tones and clean lines that defined modern interiors.

• Why It Works: Plaster provides a versatile base, allowing walls to transition with changing trends.
• Timeless Appeal: Whether painted or left bare, a perfectly plastered wall exudes sophistication.

External Trends: Lime rendering made a comeback on older UK homes, especially those with heritage significance. It’s breathable, sustainable, and ideal for preventing damp in traditional stone buildings.

📖 Curious about lime rendering? Learn more at SPAB.

Our Expertise: At McCall Construction Ltd, plastering is our craft. From sleek, seamless interiors to heritage lime renders, we deliver high-quality finishes tailored to your property’s needs. Trust us to create the perfect foundation for your home.

• Pros: Sleek, timeless finish; versatile base for future trends.
• Cons: Labour-intensive; requires expertise.

Painting: From Neutrals to Bold Accents

The 2010s brought a love for neutrals like greys, whites, and creams. But homeowners soon realised they needed a pop of colour, leading to the rise of feature walls in bold shades like navy blue or mustard yellow.

• Premium Paints: Brands like Farrow & Ball led the charge with eco-friendly, luxurious options.
• Social Media Influence: Instagram gave birth to trends like ombre walls and geometric designs.

External Trends: Exterior painting trends followed suit, with homeowners opting for modern greys and whites for brickwork and front doors. Farrow & Ball’s Railings remains a favourite for a chic, understated look.

📖 Explore colour inspiration with Farrow & Ball.

Professional Painting Matters Achieving an even, high-quality finish takes expertise. Whether indoors or outdoors, McCall Construction Ltd ensures every brushstroke is flawless, saving you time and delivering lasting results.

• Pros: Affordable; easy to update.
• Cons: Requires frequent touch-ups; bold colours can be divisive.

Stencils and the Revival of Customised Design

Fast forward to today, and stencilling is having a moment. Whether used to create a faux tiled backsplash or intricate wall designs, stencils offer a creative way to personalise your space.

• Eco-Friendly Appeal: Many stencils are reusable, making them a sustainable choice for design enthusiasts.
• Endless Creativity: Popular patterns include Moroccan tiles, botanical motifs, and geometric designs.

External Trends: Stencils aren’t just for interiors! They’re being used to add flair to driveways, garden walls, and front steps, creating eye-catching exteriors.

📖 For stencil inspiration, check out Pinterest.

Why Trust the Experts? Precision is key to achieving professional stencil designs.  Speak to a Décor Specialist for advice before bringing your vision to life.

• Pros: Cost-effective; endless creative options.
• Cons: Time-consuming; precision required for professional results.

What’s Next in UK Design?

The future of interior and exterior design is looking greener. Sustainable materials, textured surfaces, and the return of natural elements like stone and wood are all on the horizon. In 2025, we will see an increase in the use of environmentally conscious materials like bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood, which not only add a natural aesthetic to spaces but are also renewable and sustainable resources.

📖 Discover the “5 Interior Design Trends That Will Rule in 2025” at Architect Today.

Marie Flanigan’s Blog: In her blog “3 inventive ways to use plaster,” interior designer Marie Flanigan highlights how plaster is making a strong comeback. She explains that plaster works best in rooms that already have an organic atmosphere, with its finish elevating the look of interiors across various styles. According to Flanigan, plaster is here to stay and goes far beyond just walls.

📖 Read more about inventive ways to use plaster at Homes & Gardens.

 Why Choose McCall Construction Ltd?

At McCall Construction Ltd, our expertise is plastering and rendering.  We’ll provide you with the perfect blank canvas to let your creativity shine! Imagine smooth plastered walls, expertly rendered exteriors, and pristine finishes—all ready for you to make your mark. So go ahead, decorate to your heart’s content and transform your space into something truly special.

💡 Ready to start your next project? Get in touch with us today for expert advice and a flawless finish.