THE CONCEPT OF TRENDS
is an enticing, but complex one, especially in the context of how we furnish and decorate our homes. In the world of fast-moving fashion, the popular colours, shapes and styles change at a bewildering rate, fuelled by fast production processes and digital retail. Trends sweep by, and one season looks very different to the next.
In interiors, thankfully, things move more slowly. The process of buying furniture, or deciding which paint to use, is generally a more considered decision than picking up a new t-shirt or pair of shoes during your lunch hour. Also, I would hope, you’ll live with a new sofa or colour scheme for more than a few fleeting months.
That’s not to say that trends don’t have a place. In the gloomy weeks at the start of a new year, most of us won’t be contemplating major decorating projects or expensive purchases, so now is the ideal time to discover more about the moods, movements and moments that will shape the first half of 2018 and, of course, our homes. To that end, welcome to our bi-annual exploration of all things new, which, this year, also includes our definitive edit of the most exciting designer pieces from around the world (see p65).
For me, the interesting thing about interiors trends is how they develop from season to season. So, for instance, you’ll see the subtle transition from the opulent jewel tones and plush textures of 2017 to a breed of calmer, comforting new neutrals (as detailed on p21) and a stylish nod to the 1970s (see p148). Our featured houses this month also show how bold, cutting-edge trends can be easily translated into the home, whether it’s using an all-over grey palette, theatrical mirrored surfaces or innovative architectural details. All prove that the future is just around the corner.
IT’S TIME TO DISCOVER THE MOODS, MOVEMENTS AND MOMENTS THAT WILL SHAPE OUR HOMES IN 2018