Trends to expect on The Block

What colours and furniture styles do the experts predict for The Block NZ this season? reports.

It’s The Block NZ season on Three once more, and a chance for the rest of us to see what’s hot right now in terms of interior design. While each team does its own thing, the similarities come in terms of the colour themes, materials and furniture choices.

It’s easy to see the inspiration for the latter – the Blockies shop at Freedom, so it’s not surprising the store’s new collections feature strongly.

And this year there’s a definite Game of Thrones influence. Woolly rugs and throws, furs (both real and artifical), cushions and beanbags will be swamping beds and sofas in every house.

There’s a lot of grey in the collections, ranging from light grey through to charcoal, seen mostly in sofas, rugs and chairs. And dusky pink is back in throws, curtains and knitted rugs.

This year navy blue is still a force, seen in armchairs and throws, but there’s also a lighter mid blue and a teal blue popping up on cushions and upholstered Mid-centurystyle chairs.

Coppery tones are back with metallic ottomans and coppery-brown leather sofas that bring a rich visual warmth to a room. Some of the Blockies are bound to go for that – they always like a bit of bling.

As for colour, Resene consultant Nikki Morris believes this season of The Block NZ will be a year of high contrast and splashes of colour, with clean neutrals meeting defined colours with depth and strength.

‘‘Deep inky blues, sweet dusky pinks, soft teals, bold charcoals and touches of terracotta and forest green will most likely make an appearance within the homes,’’ she says.

‘‘These are colours that are trending, but not too overwhelming for prospective buyers. They also sit well with the natural elements that are hot right now.’’

Morris says wallpapered rooms and statement walls are all the rage, too. ‘‘I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a floral room, bold green leaf patterns, geometric or even a Moroccan-inspired paper.