There’s no getting away from trends. None of us want to stand still and design is constantly evolving to reflect changes in taste and technology and in society and the economy. And yet we’ve noticed a slowing down of change recently, a merging rather than a shift, so that there’s no need to throw everything out and start again as each new season dawns. Instead, personal style and discernment have become king, and distinct looks are hard to pin down, with cross hybrids making for the most interesting interiors – Scandi meets midcentury retro, beach house meets Highland cabin, country cottage meets industrial warehouse. Today’s trends are fluid rather than rigid, a starting point rather than a rule book. So read on and discover where the design world is heading, and then follow the paths that most inspire you.
Make way for colour
Pantone’s Colour Report is the ultimate guide to what’s going to be popular in the coming year. The colour expert named Radiant Orchid as its “Colour of the Year”, with the rest of the Spring 2014 top 10 list as follows: Cayenne, Sand, Placid Blue, Dazzling Blue, Paloma (mid-grey), Violet Tulip, Hemlock (a minty green with bluey tones), Freesia (bright yellow) and Celosia Orange. The collection speaks of both strength and softness; boldness with a thoughtful, grown-up twist. To add colour to your home in a very up-to-date way, try painting an unusual element of your room such as the ceiling, and make sure to choose statement furniture in bold shades.
Just a touch
If you’re not looking to undergo a complete makeover or simply don’t want to leave your neutral base behind, the emerging “colour pop” trend is going to be a useful way to add a touch of freshness to your look. A lot of designers are adding colour in small but powerful bursts, with neon shades being particularly popular in this setting, especially where the background neutrals are cool or monochrome. This is a great way to add a vibrant dash to your home without having to totally redo it – just add a couple of bright cushions, a new lampshade or a coloured glass vase to your room, and you’ll be surprised at the difference it makes.
Shade to shade
It’s worth mentioning one final colour trend – digital flow. Our love of technology has had its effect on last year’s ombre trend, transforming it into a more blocky, graphic form – much like a paint sample card – and it’s appearing on everything from wall art to curtains to furniture. One popular way to include this in your home is to paint the drawers in a chest in different shades of the same colour, graduating from pastel to a much brighter version in distinct steps. Speaking of which, stair risers can be painted in the same way, creating a beautiful effect as you ascend from one floor to another.
Pattern rules
Our love of pattern continues and this year we’re moving towards a more graphic representation. As well as the usual hard lines (stripes, chevrons and blocks are always popular), we’re also seeing softened, curved patterns inspired by the East and the Art Deco period. As with last year, don’t be afraid to combine several patterns together, although do make sure to create unity by using a coordinated colour palette, and try varying the size of the print for interest and texture. Also, don’t be limited to textiles – we’re seeing more patterns on tiling, wallpaper and even furniture, too.
Curated collector
Designers are still encouraging home owners to indulge their inner magpie, snatching up beautiful object d’art, antiques, paintings and sculptures, but we’re moving away from junk-shop clutter and taking a step towards a more sophisticated aesthetic. Think like a museum curator or a boutique stylist, displaying a few key objects for maximum effect. Oversized accessories make the most impact, or you can group smaller items together, for example on a display shelf or in a printer’s tray. The rule of thumb is still to buy only what you really love, following William Morris’s adage: “Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful”. Follow your instincts and you won’t go wrong.
Ethnic and indie
In particular, handcrafted and other artisan works are good choices when it comes to artwork and accessories, reflecting our continuing love of quality over quantity, of personal skill over mass production. Although supporting local and independent artists, craftsmen and designer makers is still very big news – as demonstrated by the continuing popularity of online craft markets like Etsy and the growing number of independent collective boutiques – tribal- and ethnic-inspired work is going to be big, too, so don’t forget to pick up a couple of good-quality souvenirs on your travels.
A sense of space
Perhaps it’s a reaction against the tendency towards clutter that’s built up over the past few years as we’ve embraced the idea of “displaying our treasures”, but the tide seems to be turning now and we’re moving back towards light and space. Open-plan living is still popular, but there’s a move towards bigger windows, skylights, French doors – anything to bring in more natural light. If you’re living in rented accommodation and can’t make structural changes, keep the line of sight through your house clear by choosing skeletal and glass furniture items, add plenty of reflective surfaces, mirror the exterior with plants and other natural touches, and keep window dressing to a minimum.
Tropical paradise
We’ve been obsessed with nature for some time now, but this year we’re breaking out of the more subdued “forest and fern” bracket and taking a trip to the island jungles, where shapes are bigger, colours are bolder, and we’re replacing foxes and squirrels with parrots, flamingos and hibiscus flowers. Black is a key contrast shade against which to splash hot pinks, citrus greens and oranges, and warm vibrant blues, giving the whole look an edge of sophistication. Definitely one to try if you love drama or are looking to shake up your style.
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