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Why linen is the ultimate fabric for relaxed, laid-back living

Ready for some style inspo?

By Lorraine DawkinsPublished: 09 August 2019

Carolyn Barber

Beautiful to look at and heavenly to touch, natural linen is the ultimate fabric for relaxed, laid-back living in every contemporary home.

From curtains and cushions to bedspreads and throws, enjoy its tactile versatility in every room of your home whether it's the dining room or bedroom. Natural linen in the home will work across all seasons, whether spring, summer, autumn or winter. Choose bright, vibrant shades for an instant update, or mix neutral linens with beautiful striking patterns to bring a scheme together.

Looking for some inspiration? Here we take you through some of the key rooms in the house and show exactly how you can decorate your space with linen.

Dressed to impress

Carolyn Barber

A linen sheet in a vibrant turmeric shade makes an unfussy contemporary tablecloth. Neutral cushions with a toning trim add comfort and contrast and tie the look together.

Carolyn Barber

• Flat sheet in Ochre (used as tablecloth), £130; The Conran Shop

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Textural effect

Carolyn Barber

Invest in a mix of linens in different weights and tones for a tactile, layered look.

• Linen throw in Ochre, £145, Toast

• Apple Farmer’s basket, £125, Native & Co

Carefully curated

Carolyn Barber

Walls in SI502Y50R vinyl matt emulsion, from Dulux

• Morten sideboard, by John Jenkins, £499, Heal’s

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Relaxed edge

Carolyn Barber

Bring the look right up to date by mixing contemporary colours such as mustard, ochre and soft grey with classic white.

Inviting layers

Carolyn Barber

Soft and sumptuous, linen is a dreamy choice for bedrooms. Enjoy the sensual pleasure of tumbling into appealingly crumpled sheets (no ironing required!).

• Little Cheese footstool, £195, Loaf

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