By Camilla Swart
As I write this the sky is Western Cape grey (it is a colour, I am sure) and rain is imminent. Fortunately, I am so inspired to share the results of lots of reading and research into the coming décor trends, that I am not taking any notice!
Trends are funny things – they are like road markers that evolve seemingly out of thin air and are interesting indicators to the way the world is shaping. However, they are just markers, not rules and it is up to all of us to decide which elements work for us and which do not.
The biggest movement that seems to gain momentum every year is the Nature Inspired and Eco trend. This is no longer a trend, but has become a lifestyle choice for many.
It is characterised by using sustainable building materials, fabrics, furniture manufacturing processes, and re-purposing existing spaces and products.
Rounded, natural shapes with reference to nature, colours from nature – all the greens, blues, and earth tones, as well as incorporating real plants, flowers, and fruit into décor schemes.
Gardens whether flat or against walls are part of this, as well as the necessity of having an excellent indoor/outdoor flow.
Embracing a Nature Inspired lifestyle leads to the next trend – Natural lighting or Sunshine lighting. An extremely clever quote I found is that ‘sunlight is the ultimate design accessory.”
The need for large windows, skylights, mirrors (often in organic shapes) and strategically positioned lights goes along with the idea of bringing nature into the home.
The trend for Vintage (Brown) Furniture also dove-tails with the whole Eco lifestyle ethos. Vintage furniture is the ultimate in re-purposing or re-using items that would be deemed ‘unfashionable’ a couple of years ago.
Mixing modern and vintage pieces has never been more important, as it underpins an authentic approach to décor. Many pieces of vintage furniture are exceptionally well made and using them freely and cleverly will enhance any room.
Quiet Luxury is the natural progression of ideas in motion, originating in a pared minimalist fashion and moving to interior design. Harnessing the use of antique heirlooms mixed with modern quality pieces, this trend is here to stay!
Characterised by a cleanly pared back look, clutter-free and smooth, it is so calming a soothing that I realised we all tend to strive towards it without really being aware of doing so.
I hear you asking – ‘what about prints, colour and patterns?” Yes, use the trend now known as Dopamine/Colour-bust Design! Named thus because use of these colours encourage happy, carefree feelings.
It is such a wonderfully lively trend which can be used extremely effectively to add new dimensions of colour or pattern in a neutral area. Bold colours, bold prints and patterns all add that extra zing to muted colour decorative schemes. Colours are eye-wateringly bright but hopefully would only be used as accents, such as scatter cushions, ottomans, and occasional chairs.
There are more trends which we could explore, however withing the Linen Drawer family, these are the more dominant and user-friendly. They are also the most practical, as we can incorporate them without the expense of a total re-do.
It is raining now and I am going to investigate the eco-friendliness of a cup of hot chocolate!
Sources:
https://www.marthastewart.com/1505907/home-design
https://maxinebrady.com/2024/01/spring-home-decor-trends-2024/
