Typically with seasonal change and an approaching new year, we start considering trends for the year ahead. However one noticeable change coming through the world of interiors is the aversion to the “fast fashion” of interior design..
It’s no secret (or surprise) that the last 18 months have played a huge role in changing our relationship with our homes. This time has taught us that a home needs to be so much more than just a space to sleep and eat, and as such our behaviour when it comes to designing and furnishing our home has changed too.
Whether this time has helped you fall more deeply in love with your home, or whether it has highlighted it’s shortcoming, it is clear that people are choosing to invest in their homes now more than ever. At the same time they are also having a more considered approach to the finishes and pieces they are choosing to bring into the home.
On this note, you’ll find that we’re not so much focussed on design trends for 2022, but rather on the design influences shaping our choices and changing our way of life.
Curves
Curves are considered as beautiful and prolific as ever. They can been seen more and more in architectural details, and are often used to help soften a rigid or rectangular setting, bringing a sense of tranquility and ease to a space. When paired with contemporary materials, such as tiles and wood, they create beautifully detailed settings that have a sense of ease to them.
We love curved furniture for the wonderful cocooning spaces and cosy nooks they create. When it comes to homeware, the more curvaceous and organic the shape, the more authentic the piece feels.
Images Via CN Traveler | My Paradissi
Natural Colours
In my next breath I am going to tell you that people are embracing colour more than ever these days, which is also true. However we still see colour as a reflection of an underlying need to be closer to nature, and because of this natural colours are shaping design choices the world over.
Brown is the new black. We see the ever expanding wood flooring selection from the previously popular natural oak, taking on deeper hues, bringing more warmth and richness to their settings. We’re also seeing a variety of tans, chocolate browns, walnuts and caramel colours forming the base of kitchen designs,
Where the last severals years saw an aversion to leather sofas in favour of all the shades of grey fabric sofas, we now see clients returning to natural leather finishes on armchairs and sofas.
Images Via Behance | April and May
Biophilic Design
We first talked about Biophilic Design in March last year. When it comes to interior design – and using plain English – the concept focusses on incorporating the elements of nature, such as natural light, vegetation, landscape views and other natural elements into our living and working spaces.The belief is that spaces which are connected with nature will have a positive impact on our well-being daily lives.
For our homes, this translates into materials such as natural timber being used extensively in interior design, as well as hand-crafted furniture pieces.
This concept correlates closely with a more mindful way of living, where sustainable choices and a circular approach towards design, focusing on transformation in place of disposal, is key.
Images via The Local Project
Handcrafted Homewares
Whether we are talking about handcrafted furniture, handmade ceramics or natural linens, there continues to be growing demand for artisan made goods. On one hand it can be said that we are seeking out unique, expressive pieces, however it is also clear that people care more about where their products from, who produced them and supporting their local community.
We want to stray away from uniformed homes that don’t tell a story on their own. Nobody wants to live in an off-the-shelf environment anymore, and it seems like artisan home goods are becoming a new staple.
Images via Kipekee Studio | A Beautiful Plate
Feature Walls
Here we revert back my previous comment that people are embracing colour more than ever, especially in the form of feature walls.
While you may find the open plan living spaces finished in neutral and natural colours; bedrooms, homes offices and bathrooms are turning into expressive spaces. Whether finished in statement wallpaper, a geometric tile or a bold colour, choose your space wisely and be bold.
Images via Est Living | Studio Black