Interior design — Journal

Image: Travelling salon at Salone Del Mobile by Cristina Celestino for Rubelli.

Optimism is the mood for spring 2018, and it is expressed with bold, confident and graphic colour-blocking treatments and a playful, happy design aesthetic. Maximalism of the 1970s is back, but it feels exciting and fresh. The new appeal of the decade of disco, macramé and maximalism may live in the comfort of nostalgia and in people’s need in uncertain times to wrap themselves up in the warm hug of texture and pattern.

Unbridled embellishment is everywhere, including the graduated shading of Ombre, and in more unique treatments including wallpapers, mirrors and marquetry . . . think fringing on furniture and window treatments for true 70’s glam. Globalisation is shrinking difference and distance. Consumers are well travelled and informed and want to show it in their homes. Technology makes everything only a click away. It’s the joyful optimism at the heart of this aesthetic that’s the hero of this new take on the movement.

Green revolution

Biophilia shows no sign of decline – our desire to seek a connection with nature is strong. Think of a profusion of verdant colours inspired by lush foliage. At the Salon Del Mobile earlier this year the integration of plants into installations, furniture and lighting was a strong theme. This follows through with the seamless integration of technology around the home. Kartell’s hybrid I-table transforms from a desk to a cooktop. There is a deeper focus on sustainability, recycling and ethically sourced materials, with the emergence of the circular economy that embraces regenerating products to create less waste.

Palette

Our transition to more conscious living is reflected in the increasing relevance of green and earth tones. We are still embracing richer palettes, wine reds, dark burgundy, saturated cassis, earthy pink ochres, comforting earthy shades of clay, rust and amber. Timeless beige, minimal grey and linen are coming back as neutral tones to balance alongside the flame reds, richer terracotta, deep blues and water reflection greens and chartreuse.

The alternative palette to this is gentle pastels and self-assured neutrals – warm cottons, pale gold, fleshy neutrals, dusky pinks and rose, hemp and pale bronze, desert sage and stonewash blue. These colours sit back; they are soft and quietly composed.

New Minimals

Minimalism’s new movement is combining the traditional elegance of Japanese culture with the modern Scandi noir aesthetic – ‘Japandi’. Japan’s sleek and rich colour palette, refined elegance and curves, and accents with screens and vases is a contrast with Scandi rustic details and neutral colours, relaxed farmhouse flair, and accents with blankets, throw pillows and rugs.

Form

Voluptuous proportions, playful shapes and an almost human embrace of comfort and softness from marshmallow-like armchairs. The new silhouette is a very circular form.

Surfaces

The rise in natural stone, including the tactile texture of travertine and continued prevalence of boldly pigmented, richly veined marbles, used in in fresh and inspiring treatments, along with transparency in the form of delicately coloured and sculpted glass.

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Up the cosiness factor

Expect vibrant oranges, rich plum hues, and warm earthy tones like Terracotta. This rich shade sits in the bronze family, with its touch of orange and a hint of red. It looks great on tactile materials – especially bed linen – along with ceramics and tiles or an architectural feature for dramatic effect . Lighter woods have been on trend for a while, but expect to see more darker woods like mahogany, oak and walnut along with dark veneers.

Think velvets, suedes, and leather for their relaxed and sensual nature. Up the cosiness factor by adding in lashings oversized knitted throws, luxurious velvets, linens and soft woollen rugs and hides layered underfoot for impact. Go all out with a velvet sofa or take baby steps with a jewel toned velvet throw or cushion. Linen is perfect at this time of year. It is hypoallergenic, anti-static, breathable, low maintenance, and its unique soft texture that becomes softer with age. [Images below sourced from Pinterest.]

Darker wood grains

There is a renewed appreciation for heavy cabinetry, possibly as a move away from open shelving. Rather than stark-white kitchen cabinets, expect to see warm greys, earthy hues and creams, as well as wood grain tones. Statement storage will be a growing trend in 2018. Gone are the days of sacrificing style for function. Versatile pieces like a tamboured buffet are expanding beyond media and dining rooms for creative placement throughout the home. There seems to be a growing desire for high-end organisation in our personal space, a desire for things—and life—to feel pulled together.