We’re all about timeless interiors here at McKenzie & Willis but it’s also true that trends can have a significant influence on an interior design scheme. Interior Design trends help keep your interiors looking fresh, current and modern however just like fashion, trends can come and go. The best way to treat them are to choose styles that you love and can see embracing in the long term. Remember you can also use them in small doses – a cushion or a vase can make reference to a trend but are easy to replace if you ever tire of the look. It’s also important to pay attention to emerging styles as they will give you the greatest longevity and ensure your interior looks newer for longer.
Planning a renovation or new build? We spoke with our industry experts to find out the interior design trends you need to look out for in 2018.
Statement flooring
People are getting braver when it comes to flooring and a statement floor is the one of the ways you can really express your personality in 2018. We’re seeing a strong interest in herringbone and chevron hard floors as well as a continued love of geometric flooring. Luxury Vinyl tiles such as the Moduleo Moods range provide endless design options and allow you to be as brave as you please. For tiles, the Robert Malcolm Durastone Hexagon Mosaic tiles are one of our top picks for the New Year. Their varied texture are a nice take on the popular hexagon tile.
Neutral carpets have long been the norm but we are beginning to see customers experimenting with texture, colour and pattern. For a bold look, Brintons has an extensive range of patterned carpet. These carpets can also be made into rugs, which are a great way of incorporating this trend into your interior without committing to wall to wall carpet.
Traditional Handcrafts and Craftsmanship
As the world becomes more reliant on technology, it’s interesting to note that the trend towards handcrafted homewares and furniture has increased. Authenticity is key and more and more people are looking for uniquely made items for their home. The French Provincial table from Mountain Valley is an example of such and makes use of time-honoured techniques. The Halo range is also individually made and their leather aging techniques include seven stages of hand finishing by skilled craftsmen. For those original standout pieces, look for Teak tree stump coffee tables from Indonesia.
The Arcanum range of bedlinen is another example where craftsmanship is celebrated. Arcanum is a small New Zealand company and each piece of their exclusive screen printed by hand collection of luxurious velvet cushions, throws and duvets exudes quality – with only the finest prints and delicate details making the final cut.
In terms of fabrics expect to see touches of embroidery, artisanal dying and handmade elements. The Design of the time Yas Fabric utilises dye dip and embroidery to really showcase the ideals of craftsmanship.
Organic and natural materials
Hand in hand with the craftsmanship trend we are anticipating organic and natural materials will remain the focus this year. With the idea that irregularities are protected rather than rejected, fabrics such as James Dunlop’s Laconia Air made with 100% linen showcase the inherent beauty of natural materials. In bed linen expect to see lots of washed cottons and linens. The MM Linen Laundered Linen Bedspread Set is made with a beautiful lightweight 100% pure linen. It is twice as durable as cotton and the more it is washed the softer it becomes.
Similarly when looking for furniture, natural materials should be at the top of your shopping list. Gone are high gloss leathers in favour of luxuriously soft leather sofas such as the Halo Loffee Sofa. These have been made easier to care for with our sales consultants specializing in leather care advice. For the floor, wool carpets continue to be popular. Loop pile wool carpets like the Cavalier Bremworth Katachi carpet will be a favoured choice in 2018.
Outdoor rooms
2018 will see the creation of ‘outdoor rooms’. These outdoor living spaces will be treated much like interior spaces as we collectively bring the inside out. The modular sofa will be the star of the show and allow endless possibilities to mix and match. For days spent outside lounging, try the Manutti San Diego modular outdoor sofa. In terms of materials, chunky weaves can be seen in items such as the River Outdoor Sofa by Manutti, which give traditional shaped sofas a contemporary twist. Also with advances in technology all the top brands are focusing on comfort. The use of soft cushions that equal the comfort of your indoor lounge, yet with durable outdoor material will give you a seat in all climates.
No outdoor room is complete without a dining table and teak continues to be a top material choice. We are seeing an increasing consideration for the durability of outdoor furniture and more people are opting for higher grades of teak as used in the Tribu Mood Dining table. This concern for durability means that aluminium also remains a popular option. A powder coated aluminium table with a ceramic top such as the Jati & Kebon Linate Dining Table were best sellers this year.
The Luxaflex outdoor range bridges the gap between indoors and out and are the perfect all weather solution. Use a Luxaflex Evo External screen or fabric awning to maximise the use of your outdoor room.
Earthy & Rich Colour Palettes
Stark, white interiors devoid of personality are on their way out and warm, earthy colour palettes are back in. We’re seeing a move towards fabrics and wallpapers that are coloured in rich tones of terracotta, neutral green, grey blue and mustard. Try adding curtains and blinds made with the Design of the Time Maska fabric or cover your walls in the gorgeous Phillip Jeffries Manila Hemp wallpaper which comes in a range of earthy colours.
Texture and lots of it!
Texture can also be used to give a minimal aesthetic an edge and this year we expect to see a lot more use of texture in homes. Fabrics such as Textilia Brae and Unique Lamy have a tactile finish and offer a way to add visual interest. Likewise give thought to your floors – luxurious loop pile wool carpet will instantly update your interior and provide comfort under foot. To create a textural look in your interior design scheme try the Bremworth Collection Lisburn carpet. Tassels and fringes are also back as seen in the Candlewick bedspread designs by MM linen. These have a ‘chenille’ look design, often incorporating tassels around the border (look for these in store end of January!).
Need some help to make over your interior for the New Year? Whether you are after new curtains, blinds, wallpaper, furniture or flooring we can help! Book a consultation with a member of our team now.
