With inflation and sustainability at the forefront of people’s minds, it seems wasteful to be talking about new trends. And after all you really shouldn't decorate your home according to the latest trends but it’s always nice to see what’s coming up and how you can take a little inspiration from them!
I try to always design with longevity in mind and getting the base right is key - that’s where it’s worth spending really on the floors, fixtures and fittings. What you then fill it with can shift and change a little as time goes by. But I’m a sucker for finding out what’s coming - I’ve always been beaky you see. So here is a round up from me following this year's fairs from Milan, Stockholm and London.
There is always a wealth of wonderful new ideas and a commonality in perspective and this year (to quote from Maison & Objet) to have a “renewed elation” in our homes. Following on from the pandemic years and sense of austerity the theme of the event was ‘enjoy’ which ties in nicely with trend forecasters who are suggesting we will all have a ‘quest for joy and pleasure reflected in our interiors’.
Innovating sustainability through materials and processes was a strong theme throughout which is wonderful to see. And that sense of timelessness in items that are well crafted lends to the idea that we shouldn’t be ripping out everything and should be choosing items that will stand the test of time and finding beauty in repurposing items we own. And there are some fabulous firms out there that stand by their sustainable credentials such as Nkuku, Cult Furniture, Graham and Green and Grain for furniture, textiles from The Secret linen Store and Rise and Fall to go on mattresses from Simba. And paints from Little Greene, Coat, Mylands, Farrow and Ball and more. Or even better than purchasing new look at second hand sites from Vinterior to Vinted for a life cycle of furniture that can go on and on.
Nature and bringing nature into the home through wallpaper and fabrics to materials our furniture is made from is not going anywhere fast. And the return to nature and slowing life down is a key trend referenced in craftsmanship and comforting neutrals that are being seen everywhere.
The current trend that has been growing for quiet luxury is also continuing to develop with luxury feeling fabrics and matte paints giving a subdued aesthetic. Soft and luxurious seating continues to gain momentum as well with curves going strong.
Adding to the sense of luxury there are jewel tones appearing everywhere lifting a space with bolts of colour from paint to furniture. It seems like the fun in life is making a return.
Both Decorex and London Design Fair showed how wallpaper is growing in demand and pattern is taking centre stage again. From strong patterns to bringing nature inside our walls are getting a lift and are the backdrop for our mood.
Mood is also being set with lighting. Continuing the trend of natural materials in lighting we are seeing wonderful organic shapes forming. And new ceramic shades add a warmth and tone to a room that is luxurious but aligned with nature. Expect to see ceramics continue to grow and for layered lighting to become a must in every home.
Lifestyle influences design and as 2024 draws nearer here’s hoping that next year brings joy, colour and comfort to us all.
And as always if you need any help in bringing your interiors to life then drop me a line today I'd be happy to chat.
Photo credits: Ay Illuminate, Cult Furniture, Domain, Farrow&Ball, Graham & Brown, HGTV, House of Hackney, Illulian, Mada Living, Michael Murphy, Nkuku, Noom, Nordic Linen Light, Secret Linen Store, Stamuli.