FAST FORWARD

Perhaps it’s a sense of unease at the parlous state of our environment, political leaders and overall stability that is subtly playing out in the way we decorate and cherish our homes, but what’s clear is that a strong emphasis on nature and sustainability continues to influence trends. At the same time, local economic and geographical influences are playing out, with a direct bearing on homeowners’ choices in decor and window treatments.

Alexandra Gordon, Stylist at Smart Design Studio in Sydney, comments that a high regard for the environment is the biggest trend currently on her radar.

“Sustainability is such a big focus now. As a result of this, materials with lower environmental impacts are gathering favour. Think sustainably harvested timber and natural fibres such as hemp and linen. Equally, employing these to passively control the environment is also growing in popularity. Screening off the sun with external blinds or curtains can help lower temperatures in summer. Masonry materials are also gaining popularity for their thermal capabilities. This is relevant to the residential and commercial market.”

In terms of fabric, colour or treatments, “We are seeing a return to layered interiors, so window furnishings are having a well-deserved comeback,” she says. “This doesn’t have to mean floral curtains; a simple sheer linen with a coloured trim can add the right amount of softness to complete a space. In place of strong pattern and colour we love to explore texture, combining leather with fabric on an upholstery piece. A room that’s calm and white need not be boring when there’s a play on matte and shiny, soft and hard and different materials.”

In terms of what’s driving these trends, she notes that interiors trends are closely linked to trends in fashion. “What we see on the international catwalks is often translated into homewares. Design fairs such as Milan’s Salone dei Mobili or Maison et Objet in Paris are also hugely influential. Information is communicated so much faster now thanks to social media and blogs and this is reflected in the ever shifting trends in furniture, fabrics and objects. However, here at Smart Design Studio our approach is to take a timeless approach to design.”

Looking ahead, Gordon notes ‘Living Coral’ – recently announced as the Pantone Colour of 2019. “Expect to see this colour gain momentum in the next 18 months. This signals a natural progression from millennial pink and is related to the warmer shades of terracotta that are going to be strong for the year ahead.”

Cassandra Martin, interior designer for Sydney business Design Curtains spoke to WFA following a recent European design sourcing trip, concurring that the current global trend influencing local interior design is linked to sustainability, shown through a primary regard for nature with an emphasis on the idea of ‘appreciation.’

“Interior design is acknowledging well researched and scientifically determined facts around how experiencing nature has a positive effect on our physiological and mental wellbeing. Studies have shown in circumstances of mild general stress our bodies physiologically return to an appropriate resting heart rate much sooner when we’re exposed to literal nature or pleasing imagery of nature.”

“The residential market is determining this trend in the expression of concepts and materials reflecting, expressing and even mimicking nature. In window treatments, fabrics and hardware are reflective in natural fibres and the colour and movement of nature. Colours are mimicking the natural occurence of stone, cloudy skies, earth, water with accents of nature’s colourful expressions within flora and fauna alike.”

She adds that curtains remain on trend, providing not only the practical benefits of environmental sustainability for the long term energy efficiency of the home, but also an aesthetic element to represent nature’s influence.

“For example, the movement of a soft translucent curtain against an open window provides relaxing rhythm reflective of a gentle breeze that may trigger fond memories of a wonderful holiday experience. The use of fabric within interiors continues to grow with character and expression providing many multi-layered options to express nature’s versatility and mystery.”

“The commercial market understands humans are innately bonded to nature using material, fibres, objects and surfaces that connect the buyer to their product and or surface with a strong sense of security and permanence.”

“With nature always in mind, the trend for colour, fabric, objects and materials is centred around two polar opposites. The first is about soft, soothing neutrals based on warm greyed stone, paired with warm white and greyed timbers, evoking a grateful acknowledgment of Scandinavian and Nordic culture and design. Opposing, yet complementary to this soothing Arctic palette is the use of bold strong colour found in nature’s own creations, evoking a rebirth of creativity She adds that the driver behind these needs is a growing conscience. “People are increasingly aware of their personal footprint and endeavour to be a part of a sustainable future. This is aligned with a recognition that optimal mental and physiological health is vital to performing and sustaining today’s conscious ideals towards our planet and community both locally and globally. As a result people need to connect with nature to experience our most primal sense of belonging. Therefore reflections, expressions and mimicking of nature within, and external to, our built environment are increasingly recognised as vital.”

“Moving forward, Scandinavian, Nordic (Arctic region) design looks set to be the most recognisably successful trend. This is evident within current and forecast European design trends valuing, above all else, the colour and material palettes of Scandinavian and Nordic Design. This palette formula will remain strong whilst developing over coming years more and more ‘play’ with Nature’s bold colours being increasingly celebrated with bravery and flair.”

Karen Thomas of Perth based interiors and furnishings business Innovation, also notes the influence of the new Living Coral Pantone Colour 2019, but wistfully observes that the WA market tends to operate under the more conservative constraints left in the wake of the mining downturn, which has softened the property market and produced a cautious approach among homeowners.

“Neutrals are still a strong trend in this local market,” she says. “We’re still seeing a lot of sheers with coloured linings and the S-fold hang is still in demand. The market here is quite mature age wise and instead of downsizing, clients are updating their homes. At the same time they’re often keeping the palette neutral to make the sale of their property easier.”

“There are some really beautiful fabrics coming through, featuring stunning embroidery; and the botanical, tropical and floral look is still trending. But it is quite a tough sell to persuade customers to be daring enough to put it on their windows. However I must say they’re usually happy with it when they do. The Art Deco look is also something that we’ve noticed coming through. Most of the time, the major trend is towards creams, greys and other neutrals.”