Below is a guest posting about using ‘industrial’ design elements in your home design. As we know this is a popular design trend right now. S Interior Design recommends using touches of these elements and not going overboard ……..this advice is sound regardless of design trend being incorporated into an overall design plan. Eclectic mixes of design elements that reflect your personal taste is always a winning way to design your space.
Interior design trends 2016: Use of natural materials and tones
Below is a well written article on what is trending for interior design in 2016 (at least so far). S Interior Design is thrilled to know that natural, organic design materials are popular since we have always incorporated those design elements in our design work whenever it made design sense for the individual client we were working with. Interestingly the push to gold and brass metal finishes is still being high lighted. We have found that most of our clientele are not open to incorporating these finishes in their homes.
Every year sees a new set of trends; the colors and materials of last year are now history and it is time to make way for the interior design trends of 2016:
Materials
Copper was the metal of 2015 but the enthusiasm for this is now waning. Interior design will now favor a more opulent approach, gold, brass and precious stones; particularly those with a blue hue will be in demand. The main reason behind this is the warming effect that gold and brass can have on any space; as well as adding a touch of affluence. These materials can be introduced as accessories, gold trays, edged mirrors and even a brass light fitting. To some extent the gold and precious metals themes can be seen as a throwback to the seventies, opulence, decadence and over-indulgence were key and will be displayed in houses again over the coming year.
In addition it will be essential to have more natural materials, such as hand crafted pieces, these will generally be items which are made locally and show that you support both the environment and your local community. They will also be excellent conversation starters. Other materials to be brought into your home are plants. The theme of bringing the outdoors inside was present in 2015 and will continue to be in 2016.
Color
The general consensus for 2016 is to utilize dusty pinks with natural colors. Every room should be limited to beige, tan and other natural colors. Wood finish could even make a comeback with a variety of wooden floors and ornamental pieces being hand crafted from wood. This would be a great way of combining both materials and color to create an artistic flare.
Marble and other natural finishes should also add to the color palette of any room; it provides a simple, understated and elegant look. The emphasis will be on bringing natural elements into your home. An alternative to this is to embrace the Bohemian look, bold floral cushions and rugs can mix with tribal images and painted furniture to create a vibrant, colorful and cheerful atmosphere.
Textures and Patterns
Geometric designs, including 3D, stripes and even blocks will be a very strong influence in the coming year. The emphasis will be on a textured design which is symmetrical and inviting. It should be possible to lose yourself in a back-splash or rug as you become immersed in the design and style. There will even be room for floral displays and themed rooms, such as a jungle collection where everything feels like it is coming to life. Splashes of color will offer balance against neutral and simplistic furniture pieces.
All eyes on handmade furniture
Individuality is fundamental this season when it comes to home furniture. Exquisite personal customization and handmade pieces have gotten a lot of attention lately. Custom furniture looks exclusive; it is made of top-quality materials and it is crafted after the personal preferences of the buyer. Glass coffee tables with hidden compartments, bespoke nightstands with different purposes and foldable beds to make space are just some pieces you should look after this season. In terms of material, hardwood still rules the market. The pieces are long-lasting; they’re attentively crafted and timeless which means they fit in every type of décor.
Design of the room
The advancement of social media has thrust perfectly presented rooms into the hands of millions of people around the world. This has meant an increase in people wanting the showroom feel. This will be achieved by simple lines and minimal clutter. Features and ornaments are likely to be clustered together to create a focal point and a talking point. There will also be an increase in natural products which reflects the increasing concern regarding the environment. There will also be an increased focus on designing rooms which feel warm and inviting. A simply designed room with a homely space for gathering can be finished to perfection with a mild pastel wall and a touch of the luxury in simple gold, brass or precious metal ornaments.
There is also likely to be an increase in the themed room, whether this is a black and white feel, an exotic beach paradise or a gamekeeper’s cottage. These rooms will be complemented by the use of recycled materials and create a small taste of paradise for the owner.
By Alfred Stallion and TomFaulkner.co.uk!
Interior Trends for 2015- Trending on Pinterest
Courtesy of:www.chaislund.com.au/
How To Bring the Outdoors In
Here in AZ it is finally time to throw open the doors, slide open the windows and enjoy time outside. The following infographic describes some easy ways to create visual and functional flow between the inside of your home and the outside spaces. (please ‘click’ on the image to get a larger, more readable size)
Top 5 Urban Kitchen Design Trends
The guest post below is written by an author who lives in London. So often, design trends begin in Europe and then filter over to the United States. With more and more downtown revitalization projects happening across the U.S. metro areas, urban living is once again becoming more popular for younger adults as well as active retirees who want to be close to the ‘vibe’ of downtown living. Take a read of some of the kitchen design trends that fit the urban living profile.
TOP 5 URBAN KITCHEN DESIGN TRENDS
While some homemakers have transformed their kitchen into bistro-style hangouts, others have made them look like art galleries. And even more people have redesigned their kitchens into culinary studios. Whatever style you choose for your kitchen, popular design trends can help you make a bold statement. With the selection of different textiles these days, everyone is going for a ‘transitional’ design rather than a traditional one. So here are my top five urban kitchen design palettes that will help you create a functional and entertaining hangout.
EMERALD
A stark white kitchen with bold hues of emerald is a striking choice this year. You can play with white, shades of grey and incorporate emerald into your seat cushions, a set of vertical drawers or cabinetry, or an accent wall. As a vibrant backdrop, the emerald trend will look refreshing against white walls but also add invigorating warmth to your kitchen.
BLUE SERENE
If you’re inspired by waterfront bars or cafés, you’ll enjoy turning your kitchen into a coastal retreat. This year the colour blue is on everyone’s renovation radar and never fails to impress.
Pastel shades like powder blue can feel smart and sophisticated against a crisp white canvas. Modern details like recessed spotlights, stainless steel fridge freezer, contemporary bar stools and a painted pantry door keep the overall look fresh. Have a look at Wickes doors online for a variety of styles to add doors and dress your windows.
Wooden floors with a woven blue Persian rug, sanded furniture and minimal décor helps you achieve a tranquil atmosphere.
NEON STUDIO
A fluorescent touch is all the hype this year, so if you’re high-tech kitchen could use a splash of colour, don’t be shy to accessorize with neon placemats or even include yellow, pink and green bar stools on a grey backdrop.
This trend complements kitchen technology enthusiasts so you can turn your kitchen into an internet café. A deep stainless steel basin with tall faucets built-in to your marble island counter is a contemporary and practical design. Mirrored sliding doors for your food pantry and suspended single-track lighting like built-in LEDs will enhance the neon theme.
NEUTRAL TONES
Neutrals like shale, flannel grey and pewter also take dominance this year. So if you can find nice suede wallpaper and layer your kitchen with chrome hardware. You can sharpen the overall design of your kitchen with stained, painted or frosted glass cabinetry.
Incorporate wood and copper elements such as tables, stools, frames or décor pieces.
ENERGIZE WITH BOLD GRAPHICS
High energy colour palettes including bright yellow, red chilli and electric blue add character to your kitchen. Install stainless steel cabinetry and a unique countertop like marble, basalt, glass, steel or limestone instead of the typical granite.
Whether its bold geometric patterns or botanical prints, you can create a fun retro space and further experiment with contrasting wallpaper, cushions or backsplashes.
With inspiration from India’s roadside kitchens or Lebanon’s bustling street counters, you can use bold colors like tango orange, purple or green along with printed backgrounds for a lively look. A popular design element is the accent cabinet so you can add a vertical accent column by painting a set of drawers or selecting colo
red cabinetry.
Author bio: Amna Alam is a London-based freelance writer who enjoys film, fashion and interior design.