M&S x Fired Earth is the antidote to interiors’ fascination with extremes; here’s why

The new M&S x Fired Earth collection has arrived and it’s a complete breath of fresh air. Back in 2020, we were in the throes of a minimalist wave with neutral, cream bouclé the full extent of our ‘accent’ pieces. In more recent times, interiors has had a penchant for full-force maximalism – pleated lampshades, bubble plates and all – almost as if in answer to the starkness of its predecessor. Now, 16 March 2023, homeware might have at last found its middle ground, thanks to M&S and Fired Earth.

It’s not the first time the two retailers have collaborated on a décor edit and, indeed, 2022 saw the pair come together to create the Paris and Marrakech collections, both a masterclass in traditional design and iconic prints. Much like the Marrakech and Paris collections, this year’s curation takes inspiration from Mexico’s Acapulco through its jacquard bath towels, tasselled cotton duvet covers and more. The new range also introduces furniture to the mix, offering buyers a choice of two product selections, Blenheim or Charcoal. While the former champions wood textures and natural designs, the latter is more industrial with a darker, more limited colour palette.

Speaking on the new collection, Karen Thomas, head of M&S’ in-house design team remarked, “The two ranges completely embody both the Fired Earth and M&S brand principles – timeless and great quality.” Certainly, while many know about M&S’ heritage from its renowned days in the 1800s as a penny bazaar, Fired Earth, too, has a long-standing history and began its journey 40 years ago with a small, in-store terracotta tile collection.

Now, with the Acapulco collection, the brands have brought Fired Earth’s gorgeous inky shades to Marks & Spencer’s quality materials in a range of armchairs, cushions and reversible bedding sets, to name but a few. It’s a match made in heaven. My top picks? It’d have to be this Acapulco collection towel for the beach with its Mexican twist on a La Dolce Vita-esque pattern. Elsewhere, I’m eyeing up this tasseled Acapulco cushion and I think it’ll be styling it together with this bedding set. Now all I’ll need is an eye-catching throw…