The old saying “My home is my castle” has perhaps never been more important than in the current situation we find ourselves in. It is right at the heart of our “new normal”, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic for both their private and professional, that lives are now playing out increasingly at home. All over the world, the need for a sense of security, for comfort and beautiful surroundings has intensified. From natural to opulent, and colourful to minimalist – this season’s interior trends are a diverse mix indeed. A guest article by Bettina Prinzessin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein.
The interior trends for the future
1. New Luxury: Naturals
Sustainability is now a well-established trend in the home, reflected this year in the form of natural materials. Beautifully finished woods, glass and metal are all en vogue. They are kind to the environment, as well as creating a cosy look that radiates calm and refinement. With this increased awareness about sustainability, people are also tending to invest in fewer pieces, yet making sure they are valuable statement pieces at the same time.
2. Cosy Minimalism
“Cosy Minimalism” is the symbiosis of simplicity and elegance. This trend combines the design ideals of a pragmatic, functional approach with an interior concept where comfort and style are central. A typical hallmark of minimalist architecture and design is the avoidance of any kind of “overload” for the eye. The primary colours red, yellow and blue are therefore often used, and simple geometric forms such as circles, squares or triangles. Smooth surfaces and a sparing use of contrasting elements will emphasize the overall sense of homogeneity in a space.
3. Office Space and Functional Design
Prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, only a small minority of people were considering the addition of a separate study in their home. In the current situation, however, for many families the different parts of our lives – work, school and leisure time – have begun to overlap. Much of life is now happening under one roof, meaning the way in which we use and divide up our living space is changing with these new needs. Black steel frames and industrial-style Crittall Windows have established themselves as design elements for light-flooded workspaces. Overall, the demand for individual architectural solutions with intelligent room layouts and multifunctional interiors is set to increase. It will shape the nature of our living spaces in the long term.
4. Hanging Gardens and Indoor Plants
Those interested in adding natural accents to their interior design with houseplants will love this trend: hanging and climbing plants. They draw the eye upwards, creating the visual impression that a room is larger than it actually is. Meanwhile, hanging plants are an ideal way to divide up a space and ensure clean air and increased humidity. Combined with free-hanging baskets and shelves, they can add a touch of outdoor flair to any room.
5. 50 Shades of Blue: Colours are the New Neutrals
“50 Shades of Grey” was yesterday. This year is all about colour, which is mainly to be found in furniture right now. “Classic Blue”, as coined by the Pantone Color Institute, dominates the colour palette. In addition to dark blue, hues of grey blue and aqua are very popular and often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Interior accessories in blue velvet are a superb way to add refinement to a space.
6. Two-tone Kitchens
The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in a home and this season it is getting a brand new coat of paint - in two different colours. Two-tone kitchens are the ideal choice for those who want to personalise their interior and love exciting contrasts. A kitchen island can often serve as a colourful eye-catcher. Another popular option is the play of colours between dark kitchen base units and light wall units, or vice versa.
7. Concrete Bathrooms
This season the bathroom – often so underestimated – is evolving from a purely functional space into a room perceived as a real living space. With the right design, it can be transformed into an area of an apartment or house where people like to spend time and treat both their body and soul. Introducing unconventional materials and playful patterns is right on trend. Marble, for example, embodies luxury, while new kinds of cement mixes and even classic concrete provide interesting optical effects. Or there is always granite, emanating a close affinity with nature.
When it comes to designing living spaces, the possibilities for expressing one’s personal style are practically limitless. The trends listed above are intended to inspire and can be adapted to fit with one’s own individual tastes and needs.
