When it comes to renovating or building, there will always be trends and popular styles to follow. But choosing a look that won’t date is a bit of an art – and that’s where a good interior designer can help. They can pull your ideas together with key trends to create a cohesive look that will stand the test of time.
Personally, I dislike the idea of trends when it comes to interior design. It implies we’re following what is already popular, whereas I love to pull together different colours, textures and products to create a bespoke look that no one else has. I like to take a good look at what trends are out there before jumping on board, embracing only the ideas that I think will stick around.
In saying that, I’m quite excited by some of the trends and styles we’re seeing. It feels like we’re on the tipping point of a new movement – bringing together some of the best bits from the past to create something new and innovative.
Top tip: Soft neutrals and nature-inspired colours pair well with curved furniture that follows the lines of the body and simple handmade and crafted decor pieces in interesting (and often imperfect) shapes.
Curves and round shapes
Curves, circles and arches in the home are inviting, cosy and comforting. They seem quite feminine, and can make us feel cocooned and safe. Because circles have no beginning and no end, they’re pleasing to the eye as it moves around a space. Adding curves to the architecture of your home can create a sense of suspense and drama, while curved or round furniture portrays relaxed playfulness. We’re also seeing a lot of other organic shapes in homeware at the moment.
Kingsview by Woodwrights.
PHOTO BY ALICE VEYSEY
Curves in kitchens
This is a key trend we’re seeing. Today’s kitchens are the heart of the home. The aim is to create a space that’s inviting and inclusive, and curves can help achieve this. For example, curving the end of a kitchen island will create more space around it, inviting people to congregate more easily.
Curves in furniture
Round coffee tables have been popular for a while, but now there’s a market for round sofas and ottomans too. We’re also seeing more organic, relaxed shapes – more like what we’d see in nature. The opposite of clinical, these shapes are more feminine and inviting. Rounded or organic sofas create a sense of togetherness – that feeling of gathering on a sofa to sit and chat.
Dulux Ōpononi Quarter on walls and Dulux Finnegan on cabinetry.
PHOTO BY ALICE VEYSEY
Fluted glass
We’re seeing a lot of glass in kitchens again, and fluted glass (also known as reeded glass) is particularly popular. It’s being used in kitchen cabinetry, internal doors and shower screens. This glass is not completely clear, so you get the illusion you can see through it, but not 100 percent. Try using reeded glass in your kitchen – on the front of pantries or glass cupboards that you can keep tidy.
Surface features
Go bold with your benchtop. Natural stone is amazing but needs lots of love – you have to look after it and make sure you clean up any spills, so stone benchtops may not be practical for busy families. We’re seeing a great range of ceramic or composite benchtops that are taking on the bold effects of natural stone but are more forgiving.
Black Tempal by Caesarstone.
Bergen by Dekton.
Fabric trends
Gingham
Fashion and interiors are closely linked, and gingham is hot right now across both areas. While you can’t change your kitchen colour as often as you change your clothes, you can alternate your cushions, bedlinen and tablecloths to follow the latest trends.
Warwick Arlington Paprika.
Boucle
Boucle is a thick, chunky- weave fabric that is woven or knitted with boucle yarns. Boucle yarns are produced from a number of different loops – some with large circlets, and others with tiny curls. Available in a wide range of colour options, you’ll find it on sofas, ottomans, occasional chairs and much more.
Grande Boucle Silk from Catherine Martin by Mokum.
Chunkier linen
There is no denying that our love for linen continues, but the perfect flat weave is being replaced by thick, imperfect chunky and loose-weave fabrics. These are being used everywhere from drapery to soft furnishings and upholstery.
Isho from Designs Of The Time.
Built-in cabinetry
Almost all the projects I’ve worked on recently have had some form of built-in cabinetry. This could be a bar area, a study nook off an adjoining kitchen, or essential storage in a kids’ lounge – somewhere to hide away board games and Lego. Also in high demand are TV units that double as storage, as they tuck away all the ugly tech gadgets and cables, but also provide a surface to display things. If you’re pondering built-in cabinetry, think about the material being used. It doesn’t need to be white or blend into the walls – you can use colour and/or texture to create interest.ADVERTISEMENT
PHOTO BY ALICE VEYSEY
Colour in cabinetry
You can now get Melteca cabinetry in a huge range of colours, opening up a world of possibilities in kitchens and laundries. My favourites are Porcelain Blush and Fresh Spring, a classic baby blue.
Wall panelling
Wall panelling as a design feature creates interest in a room. Some of the best places to use it are in the bedroom – especially behind the bed – or in an entranceway. I love using it in a new home to create character. There are various options on creating wall panelling and hundreds of DIY how-to videos on Pinterest – and your builder, architect or joiner will have good ideas too.
PHOTO BY ALICE VEYSEY
