Stay current in home design without falling victim to trends
It’s possible for style to be both timeless and of the moment, writes Alykhan Velji
I have always said trends come and go and are difficult to avoid when trying to keep your interiors classic and timeless.
In the design industry, trends change on a monthly basis. But this month, I wanted to focus on trends I feel have staying power. For the start of the new year I have narrowed it down to classic trends that will ensure your spaces won’t need a revamp in a few months.
NAVY
I am calling it the new neutral. I feel navy is such a gorgeous colour that really works on so many levels. It can be used in so many different rooms from bedrooms, kitchens and baths, but also works with a wide range of design styles.
RETRO REFINED
A mix of vintage pieces along with more modern, clean-lined looks. It’s a retro vibe that pulls in a mid-century style look, but one that is also more refined and less kitschy. Pull in gorgeous textures with fabrics, rugs and accents to create a layered look.
THE NEW ORGANIC
A look that incorporates wood tones such as oak, but in a modern way. Flat panel cabinetry, whitewashed oak, and lighter wood tones give this look warmth and an organic quality. What makes it new is the introduction of more tribal elements such as Persian rugs and black metal accents. The furniture is minimal but sculptural.
WABI SABI
Wabi Sabi is a Japanese term centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. So how does this become a trend in design? Well, it’s all about using decor pieces that have a handmade quality to them, items that are worn and don’t look perfect.
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN
We love creating spaces that have a feeling of lushness. The idea of this trend is to use a lot of plants for your interiors to make them feel tropical and lush. You can also do this with the use of wallcoverings, screens, and materials such as terra cotta or concrete. Items that you normally wouldn’t think of using in your interior spaces.
MIXING METALS
If there is one pet peeve I have it is the use of the same metal finish throughout a space. Mixing your brass with your chrome helps to create some character in the space. The matchy-matchy look is not in, so don’t be afraid of mixing your metals to create a space that is unique, especially now that brass is back with a vengeance.