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Here at Soul Interior Design, we treat trends with caution.  Choices for your home should always be about what you love, the look and mood you aim to create and the purpose of the space. What makes you truly happy is more important than what you see in magazines or on social media. Perhaps the best way to sum this up is to say…the biggest trend of all is individuality and authenticity.

That said, there is no doubt that trends influence direction and decision-making be it on a conscious or sub-conscious level. Often a reflection of economic, political and social factors plus cultural, scientific and environmental issues, we cannot help but be touched by them to some degree.  Today’s top trends emphasise a reconnection to the natural world and creating relaxing, welcoming homes to recharge in.

In this blog I talk about trends I am looking forward to seeing more of in 2020.

SOURCE | Kit Agar

We are embracing colour as neutrals warm up and layers of texture are added to create calm and cocooning spaces.  These neutrals with sandy and blush undertones combine beautifully with a huge range of colours – think warm caramels, burnt reds and terracottas for a rich luxurious vibe, navy blue and emerald green for contrast and gorgeous sage green and powder blue for a relaxed space.

The artwork above by Kit Agar illustrates beautifully how these colours combine to stunning effect.

SOURCE | Dulux, Michelle Longo, Dulux

Nature is the Boss when it comes to inspiration and reconnecting with it to promote a sense of balance, calm and clarity is a priority for many as we enter into the new decade. It’s not surprising then that green in all its hues and across walls, furniture and accesories continues to be popular as we look to bring the outside in.

From pale mint to olive to forest, green complements almost all other colours.  It is particularly valued as the colour of calm and as part of an earthy, organic palette that promotes nurture and regeneration.

SOURCE | Dulux UK, Dulux NZ, Dulux Aus 

Every December the colour experts at Pantone Color Institute announce their colour of the year.  The selection process involves trend analysis and combing the world looking for new colour influences, including fashion, entertainment, art, design, world events, social media and socio-economic conditions.  Pantone colour of the year 2020 is Classic Blue. Says Laurie Pressman, Vice President of Pantone, “…19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue, expresses trust, faith and constancy as well as offering protection – qualities that provide us with the reassuring presence and feelings of calm and confidence we crave as we cross the threshold into this new decade”. Regardless of the reasons why, classic blue is just that, classic. A timeless addition to any interior but better when used in thoughtful and inventive ways.  I particularly like it paired with other blues in a tonal palette, as an accent in furniture and accessories, and in slightly more unexpected spots such as doors and doorways.

SOURCE | Boxx Creative, Resene, Elle, Kate Walker Design

If nature is the Boss of inspiration, then wood in all its beautifully crafted forms is the King of materials. While that is set to reign for many a year (particularly with the increase in more economical and sustainable versions) I’m happy to see other materials enjoying a resurgence of popularity.  One of these is fluted (or reeded) glass. Fluted glass refers to panels of glass with vertical grooves and is admired for its textured appearance and ability to diffuse light and obscure views. 

It looks fabulous when paired with matt black steel for a sleek industrial vibe but also reinvented in contemporary and crafted ways giving it an elegant and incredibly luxe feel.

Cabinet doors, consoles, table and doors are all popular areas of use.

SOURCE | Atelier Barda, Blakes London, Dulux

Marble has made a modern comeback in recent years and the trend appears to have some life in it yet.  The key to keeping the trend fresh is using it in small doses – accents and statement pieces – rather than in amounts that overwhelm the eye, plus thinking beyond the traditional uses in kitchens and bathrooms.

SOURCE | Edition Aus, Pinterest

Curves are everywhere – walls, kitchen islands, cabinets, furniture and accessories.  This retro inspired trend softens interiors with curvy shapes and organic rounded edges, embracing a relaxed feel.

SOURCE | Bayley Ward, Domino

From sofas to curved-back armchairs, statement furniture and accesories, we are seeing more elegant curved and asymmetrical pieces that create softer environments.

SOURCE | Pinterest, Pinterest, CB2

Another architectural detail being reinvented is the arch—specifically curved doorways and windows that channel a distinctly Mediterranean vibe.  The contemporary treatment is smooth and clean-lined without ornate detailing.

SOURCE | Arent Pyke, Pinterest

If any of the concepts above are inspiring you to change your own personal space or you’re already looking to renovate I would love to chat with you about your project.  Soul Interior Design specialises in creating spaces that look good and feel even better, designed for your needs and lifestyle and packed with personality and style.

We’re super duper excited to find out we’re one of five to make the shortlist for Best International Interior Designer Blog at the Amara Interior Blog Awards 2019.  Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London during November.

“That’s great” you might say “but tell me more about these awards.”

The brainchild of English retail giant Amara and their belief that bloggers are an integral part of the interior design community, the awards were introduced in 2013 as a way to celebrate and engage with the most authoritative and respected bloggers in the interior design industry. Each year the campaign has grown in size and now in its sixth year, the 2019 awards will be bigger than ever.

It’s a favourite in restaurants and a must in caravans but built-in seating in the dining area, called banquette seating, has truly and successfully transitioned into the home environment.  Popularised in the 50’s and 60’s, banquettes are a little bit retro but modernised today with refined materials, designs and details.  There is something so cozy and intimate about banquette seating and we know that it’s always the first spot to be full at restaurants.  They can run along a single wall or fit within a corner or alcove proving an incomparably efficient way to fit a lot of seating into a small space, even awkward ones!  Build storage into the area under the bench seat and it’s a double win on space efficiency.   There is plenty of opportunity to add comfort, style and personality with upholstered cushions on top and enjoy the flexibility of adding dining chairs or benches if you want.  Whether your home is low on space or you’re just looking for the best way to use what you have, banquette seating really does make a lot of sense.

The thought of rattan might take you back to your Nana’s porch but this natural and durable material is making a huge comeback. Not seen in such volume since the eighties, classic rattan is being reinvented in modern and stylish forms.
It is perhaps best known for bringing a laid-back beachy vibe to an interior, but sophisticated reinventions look equally at home in more refined spaces too and across many different design styles, from contemporary to classic, French Provincial to Scandinavian.
It mixes well with existing pieces of furniture and brings a valued layer of texture and warmth – particularly striking juxtaposed against harder surfaces such as stone, concrete and mirror.
Easily adapted for all rooms and budgets, from small accents like trays, wall-art and baskets to large statement-making furniture. It’s versatile to use from the backyard to the bedroom and has evolved to include bedheads, drawers, tables, chairs, daybeds, pendant lights, cots, baskets and much more.
And definitely not restricted to it’s natural colour, rattan responds well to a myriad of colours and finishes – striking in black, laid back whitewash, warm walnut or painted colour for a truly customised outcome.